A Music Student’s Guide to Double Majoring
Ever feel torn between two passions—like your heart beats for Bach, but your curiosity aches to decode the brain? Maybe you dream of performing under stage lights one day and wearing a white coat as a physician the next. If you've ever imagined composing a symphony and conducting research, or balancing jazz riffs with journal citations, you're not alone. Good news: You don't have to choose just one. It's called double majoring, and it's one of the most powerful ways to shape your future.
Double majoring means earning one degree with two specialized areas of study. And for students who plan ahead, it can lead to more opportunities, more skills, and a wider range of careers.
A double major lets you pursue two fields at once. For example:
You graduate with one diploma, but your transcript shows both majors—a powerful signal to future grad programs, or employers.
Meet Jasmine, a high school tuba player from Bainbridge Island, Washington. She's passionate about music but also fascinated by how the brain works. She's planning to double major in Tuba Performance and Psychology. Someday, she wants to create music therapy programs for kids as well as play in her town’s orchestra. Her double major considerations help her stay connected to what she loves while building a future career.
Not necessarily. Many colleges let you double major without adding extra tuition—as long as you stay within their credit and time limits. Some students graduate in four years, others take an extra semester or year. Scholarships and financial aid can often help if you need a little more time.
Here’s how to get started:
Want to visualize it? Here’s a basic timeline for music students considering a double major:
Bring this cheat sheet:
For students who love music, double majoring can unlock amazing options. Pair music with education and become a teacher. Combine it with tech and dive into sound design. Match it with business and manage your own career.
Go ahead, dream bigger—you don’t have to choose between your head and your heart. With good planning and the right college fit, you can pursue both. Double majoring isn’t just about getting two degrees. It’s about honoring all the parts of who you are.
Start exploring now. Your future is wide open.
.png)
ARTICLE GLOSSARY
Academic Advisor: A college staff member who helps students select courses, build degree plans, and stay on track for graduation.
Audition: A performance-based assessment that students must pass to be accepted into a college music program, often involving prepared pieces, sight-reading, and sometimes interviews.
Double Major: An academic plan where a student completes the requirements for two majors under one degree, such as Music and Psychology or Music and Business.
Electives: Optional classes that students can choose based on interest. These are often used to explore additional topics outside the core curriculum or balance out more intense coursework.
Ensemble: A group performance class, such as band, orchestra, or choir, which music majors are often required to participate in each semester.
General Education (Gen Eds): Foundational courses all college students must take, like English, math, science, and history, regardless of major.
Internship: A supervised work experience, sometimes for academic credit, that allows students to gain practical experience in their field of study.
Jury: A performance exam at the end of a semester where music students perform before faculty to assess their progress.
Lesson: Private, one-on-one instruction in a student’s primary instrument or voice, required each semester for performance majors.
Performance Degree / Performance Major: A music degree track focused on advanced study in an instrument or voice, preparing students for professional performance careers.
Recital: A solo or small-group concert required as a capstone performance for music majors, typically held in the junior or senior year.
Transcript: An official record of a student’s academic history, including all courses taken, grades received, and declared majors.
Objective: Students will evaluate the concept of double majoring through the lens of personal interest and career alignment, gaining the ability to articulate their own potential double major and create a preliminary academic strategy using information from prospective institutions.
Teacher Talking Points:
“Many students feel torn between two passions—like music and a second subject that could lead to a specific career. But guess what? You don’t always have to choose. Double majoring is a real option at many colleges. Today you’ll reflect on what interests you most, research real schools, and start shaping your own path that honors both sides of who you are.”
📚 Student Assignment:
Title: Design Your Double Major Pathway
Instructions:
| University | Music Major Info | 2nd Major Info | Double Major Notes |
Grading Rubric (9 Points Total)
| Category | 3 – Strong | 2 – Developing | 1 – Needs Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depth of Reflection | Clearly explains passion for both fields and future vision | Mentions interests, but lacks depth or clarity | Superficial or unrelated reflection |
| Research Accuracy | Accurate, complete information with clear effort | Some missing or unclear info | Little or no relevant research shown |
| Planning & Organization | Detailed and thoughtful plan and questions | Basic or partially developed plan | No clear plan or structure |
