Becoming a Music Artist, Learning a Trade

Creating art is more about self-expression than book learning. Still, the technical precision and music skills you master through an art and design school may be just what you need to push your music career into the stratosphere.

Becoming a performing music artist is more like learning how to weld than learning how to be an accountant. A performing music artist either plays an instrument or sings. Learning how to do either takes muscle coordination, and welding takes a lot more muscle coordination than doing someone's taxes. More importantly, however, welders and musicians can learn their crafts through less intensive degree programs, unlike pen-pushers who have to spend years in school.

Associate's Degrees for Trades, Bachelor's Degrees for Professional Services

Most of those who want to become musicians go to vocational schools to earn associate degrees. Those who provide professional services, like accountants, have a tough time finding a job without a bachelor's degree.

Making music is about learning a trade--i.e. playing an instrument. Of course, learning about the history of music and understanding why music can be pleasing to the human ear (general requirements in a Bachelor's of Fine Art degree program) may give students a better overall sense of their art, but those subjects won't directly help that student play his or her instrument. Either way, music degree programs are designed to teach specific skills.

Earn Your Associate's Degree, Launch a Music Career

If you want to be a music artist and emote to the world, don't feel that you have to spend years in school. You can find a solid technical education on how to play your instrument in a quality associate degree program.

About the Author
Kirk Bangstad is a singer living in Chicago, IL. Having received his B.A. in Government at Harvard, Kirk previously worked as a management consultant.