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Visual & Performing Arts · Music Rank #152 of 240

Musicat Towson University

Graduates earn $19,618/yr in their first year — about 30.0% below the national Music average. Base-case 10-year earnings $504K; scenarios range from $467K to $505K depending on AI disruption.

Towson, MD Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
26 AT RISK
26
Optimistic
21
Pessimistic
Earnings
$19,618
1-year post-graduation
ROI
8.2x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$504K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
49% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Towson University

A music degree from Towson places you in a vibrant but competitive regional arts scene spanning Baltimore and Washington D.C. Many graduates find initial roles in K-12 music education, private instruction, or local performing arts organizations. The nature of the music industry often means piecing together multiple income streams – from gigs to teaching – especially in the early career stages. This entrepreneurial path requires significant self-motivation and networking, which influences initial compensation. While the program likely provides a strong foundation in performance or theory, the reality is that many entry-level music positions, or the nascent stages of a performance career, don't always offer high salaries immediately. Factor in the increasing impact of AI on fields like sound engineering and composition, and you'll see why adapting is crucial. To succeed, proactively build a diverse skillset alongside your musical talent, perhaps by minoring in business or marketing, and actively intern with local arts groups to gain practical, marketable experience before graduation.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$467K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score21/100
Earnings Multiple10.3x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$504K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score26/100
Earnings Multiple11.1x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$505K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score26/100
Earnings Multiple11.2x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Towson University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Music graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
+1.7% 10-yr growth · 9,000 openings/yr
$80,190/yr
Moderate
2
Sound engineering technicians
-1.7% 10-yr growth · 1,200 openings/yr
$66,430/yr
Moderate
3
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
-1.6% 10-yr growth · 66,200 openings/yr
$64,580/yr
Moderate
4
Music directors and composers
-0.3% 10-yr growth · 4,300 openings/yr
$63,670/yr
Very High
5
Musicians and singers
+1.1% 10-yr growth · 19,400 openings/yr
Moderate
6
Disc jockeys, except radio
+3.8% 10-yr growth · 1,500 openings/yr
High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Music

How Towson University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Sam Houston State University
TX · Public
51
DW Score
$60K
1-yr earn
11.9x
ROI
Top score
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
TX · Public
57
DW Score
$56K
1-yr earn
14.2x
ROI
Texas A & M University-Kingsville
TX · Public
57
DW Score
$56K
1-yr earn
14.3x
ROI
The University of Texas at El Paso
TX · Public
51
DW Score
$56K
1-yr earn
13.4x
ROI
University of Houston
TX · Public
55
DW Score
$53K
1-yr earn
14.1x
ROI
Also at Towson University

Other top programs at Towson University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Towson University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Music offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Music trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Music at Towson University

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Music at Towson University?

A score of 26/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Music. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Will AI replace Music careers?

With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $467,220 in decade earnings vs $505,156 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Music from Towson University?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.