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First, some facts. Of the Jazz Studies graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 55 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 64%, Jazz Studies graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-3%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 32% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Jazz Studies graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2015 from Central State University with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONAssistant Professor Chatfield College Jan 2015 - Dec 2017 Guitar Instructor Hauer Music Co Mar 2015 - Present Professor International College of Broadcasting Mar 2023 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGHumanitiesWright State University 2017 - 2020 ABOUTInterests: Being immersed in educating children & adults about the joy of playing the guitar in a variety of educational settings, music education, and advances in how people learn music. Performing & composing music with other musicians in live settings & recording situations. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When diving into the career paths of individuals who graduated with a degree in Jazz Studies, it's pretty clear that their choices often fall into two distinct categories—the music-related jobs and the completely unrelated ones. Many of these jazz graduates have pursued various roles that directly utilize the skills and knowledge from their studies, like teaching music, performing as musicians, or working as music directors. However, there is also a notable number who ventured into fields that seem almost worlds away from jazz, like real estate or tech, where the connection to their degree is pretty much nonexistent.
Looking at the specifics, teaching roles seem to dominate among those leveraging their Jazz Studies education effectively. For example, many graduates have taken on positions as music teachers or instructors in various educational settings. Roles such as private instructors, music educators, and band directors highlight a clear alignment with what they studied. Additionally, positions like music director or performer in jazz ensembles also reflect a strong use of their jazz skills. Jobs like these are relevant because they require a deep understanding of jazz theory, performance, and teaching methods that are part and parcel of a Jazz Studies program.
On the flip side, numerous graduates seem to have found themselves in jobs like sales associates, real estate agents, and various roles in the tech industry that don’t demand any jazz expertise at all. It’s quite understandable—everyone needs to pay the bills—but it does present a pretty stark contrast to those who have consistently employed their degree. This distribution really highlights how a Jazz Studies education can lead to fulfilling careers in music, but it doesn't necessarily confine graduates to a single path. In essence, while many are making a significant impact in the music world, a considerable number are navigating vastly different landscapes, where their jazz education is often more of an afterthought than a driving force in their careers.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Jazz Studies graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of jazz studies graduates, it's clear that their paths vary widely, reflecting the diverse nature of the music industry and beyond. Generally, right after graduation, many of these graduates find roles that are often directly related to music, such as teaching, performing, or working as bandleaders. For instance, several individuals took up positions as music instructors, collaborative pianists, or performers, showing a clear inclination to leverage their musical training immediately after completing their degrees. These initial jobs typically align well with their studies and skills, providing a solid foundation for a career in music.
However, as time goes on—like five or ten years down the line—the picture starts to get mixed. While some graduates continue to thrive within the music industry, taking on roles such as music directors or instructors, others drift away into unrelated fields. A number of graduates end up in sales positions or real estate, which may reflect a necessity to find financial stability rather than a passion for their degree. For instance, several individuals who studied jazz ended up as licensed real estate salespersons, which is a complete departure from the music industry. It paints a somewhat challenging reality: many graduates may face difficulties in sustaining a music career long-term, leading them to explore alternative paths that may provide more financial security.
Overall, while there are success stories in which graduates carve out fulfilling careers in music—teaching, performing, or music production—there are also many who take on jobs that seem entirely disconnected from their studies. It's a testament to the unpredictable nature of pursuing a career in art and music, where passion often meets practical necessity. While starting off in music-related roles is common, the long-term trajectory can lead some to more stable, yet unrelated, careers. It’s essential for future jazz studies students to stay adaptable and consider a range of career options, blending their musical talents with practical skills that could give them a more secure future.
A Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies can actually be quite challenging, depending on your background and dedication to music. While it might seem like a fun, chill major, it involves a ton of practice, theory, and performance skills. You'll need to master your instrument, learn improvisation, study music theory, and often play in ensembles, which can be stressful if you’re not super confident. Plus, there are usually rigorous exams and recitals that can really put you on the spot. Overall, it's not necessarily harder or easier than other degrees, but it definitely requires a serious commitment to your craft and a love for jazz itself.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Jazz Studies.
When it comes to the Jazz Studies graduates you've mentioned, there’s a real mix of financial situations reflected in their careers. For some, like the University of Miami grad who's transitioned to investment banking and is now at a well-respected firm, it looks like they’ve stepped onto a corporate path that could lead to a pretty decent income. Others, especially those who've stuck to music or education-related roles, might be earning less since those jobs often don’t pay as well comparatively. It seems like some are doing alright, especially those balancing teaching roles and performance, while others might find it challenging to make ends meet if they’re leaning solely on gigs and entry-level positions.
It's clear that while a few graduates are on a direct path to good salaries, many are still hustling in fields that don’t always translate to big bucks. If you’re considering a career in music, it's essential to think about how you can diversify your roles—like combining performance with teaching or getting into related fields—so you can set yourself up for better financial stability. Balance is key, and while passion is important, so is making a living!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Jazz Studies. This may or may not be useful:
