Music studies can often cost more than just the tuition fee for studying for a degree; the cost of an instrument, the latest software, the odd trip home, the repairs to equipment, and various other costs that occur throughout a student’s time at college can very quickly add up. Knowing in advance the various costs of studying at a particular college can aid a prospective student in choosing the right college for them as well as help to determine how much their family can afford to spend and how much financial aid the student and their family will need to apply for.
Look Beyond the Tuition Price
When comparing college programs, look at the total cost of attending the college in addition to tuition. This includes the cost of housing, meals, textbooks, and your use of a car as well as other expenses for personal items. Additionally, be aware of hidden costs for the music major. For example, the cost of an instrument (to buy or to rent) and maintenance on that instrument, as well as other items such as sheet music, recording software, or technical equipment such as headphones or microphones. In addition, look at costs for performance items, such as concert attire, as well as travel expenses to attend auditions or performances at other colleges or in performance venues. Some programs will also charge a fee for use of practice rooms, for use of studios, for use of an accompanist, or for additional lessons with staff. It is best to receive a detailed list of these expenses from each college and then determine how to pay for each item.
Music students often face additional expenses beyond tuition and standard living costs. Depending on the program, they may need access to a piano, keyboard, drum kit, practice amplifier, or other specialized equipment. Recording software such as Pro Tools or Logic Pro, quality headphones, microphones, studio time, sheet music, and travel to auditions or concerts can also add significantly to the overall budget. Some schools charge separately for practice rooms, recording facilities, accompanists, or private lessons, so these costs should be checked carefully before enrolling.
Once you have shortlisted several colleges, create a detailed estimate of the total cost of attending each one. Include tuition, housing, equipment, travel, and program-specific fees, then subtract any scholarships, grants, savings, and federal financial aid available. If a funding gap remains after these options have been reviewed, families may choose to compare private loans for college to understand whether they could help cover eligible remaining expenses. Before borrowing, review the interest rate, fees, repayment period, cosigner requirements, and total amount that would be repaid over the life of the loan.
Decide Which Expenses Are Essential
Not all students immediately need the most expensive items. Often a more basic set of instruments, software, etc. will serve a student well in their first year of study, allowing them to get settled into their program before delving into more expensive equipment. Speak with faculty and current students, and get a sense of what is actually used in classes and by your peers. And remember, many institutions have software available for student use on campus computers, and many rental stores and even individuals may have nice used equipment for sale at discounted prices.
Some schools offer equipment to their students, or there are instruments and software for rent at music stores in the area. Many music software companies also offer a greatly discounted student edition of their full product. For example, instead of costing $500 for the full version of Ableton Live, it might cost only $99 for the student edition.
A music student’s costs can be less than those of other students if they purchase only what is needed. While it may be tempting to invest in the best equipment from the start, there is no need to spend thousands of dollars on professional-level equipment in the first year. Instructors and current students at colleges can advise on what is best for students to purchase in the first year and later. Some examples of what students can purchase in the first year are a good quality instrument and some basic recording software or tools.
Consider the Cost of Career-Building Opportunities
Some opportunities for experiential learning will cost students money to attend, and some students will have to travel to attend such opportunities. Students should include costs of these opportunities in their yearly budget. If possible, part-time work related to music can also provide students with experience in addition to revenue to pay for costs of studying to become a musician.
Include these extra expenses in your budget and save a little bit each month to pay for the cost of attendance for any career-building opportunities, such as attending an audition, industry event, etc. This way you will have enough money saved up without having to take out extra loans to attend an important event. Part-time work related to music is also a great idea to earn some money while gaining experience in that field, i.e., teaching beginners, performing at venues, working at studios, assisting in campus production of musicals, etc.
Another way students can earn money while attending college and obtaining valuable work experience is through part-time jobs, ideally ones in the music field. For example, an early music student could begin teaching beginner students to make money for their lessons while gaining valuable teaching experience and building their student base. A student who performs in bands, plays as a solo artist, or does recording work can look for gigs at local venues or studios that would pay them to perform or work while making connections with other working musicians. The key here is for the work to be related to the college attendance and to obtain valuable skills and experience in the specific area the student is studying.
Compare the Long-Term Value of Each Program
The cost to attend a college or university does not necessarily have to be directly related to the value that the student will receive from their education. It is also important to remember that while a higher-priced program may provide better instruction, more facilities, and greater opportunities for performance, it is not necessarily a guarantee that the student will go on to have a better career as a result of attending that program.
Another consideration when pricing up colleges is to think about the courses offered and whether they will support the student’s future career. If a student is interested in performance, then a college that places a large emphasis on technical ability and aids performance opportunities would be more suitable than one that focuses on songwriting and supports the production of music. Other possible areas of work for musicians include music management, sound engineering, and even teaching. It is also worth thinking about the amount of industry contacts a college has, which can be greatly beneficial in the future for gaining work.
College can be an extremely valuable opportunity for the aspiring musician. However, it is imperative that said individual develops a realistic financial plan to attend said college and focus on acquiring skills to enable said individual to pursue a sustainable career.
