Should You Go to Music School? Pros and Cons of Formal Training

For many aspiring musicians, the question of whether to attend music school or pursue an independent path is a big one. Some believe formal training is essential for success, while others argue that real-world experience, networking, and self-driven learning can be just as valuable.

So, should you go to music school? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re a pianist, vocalist, composer, or instrumentalist, it depends on your goals, learning style, and career aspirations. Let’s break down the pros and cons (pun intended) of formal music education to help you decide if it’s the right path for you.

🎶 The Pros of Going to Music School

Structured Learning & Strong Foundations

Music school provides a well-rounded education that covers music theory, ear training, composition, performance, and technique. Instead of piecing together knowledge on your own, you get a structured curriculum that ensures you develop a solid musical foundation.

If you want to be a highly skilled, versatile musician, having formal training in technique, history, and theory can be incredibly beneficial.

💡 Tip: If you’re interested in classical music, jazz, or film scoring, formal training can be especially valuable as these fields often require deep theoretical and technical knowledge.

Performance Opportunities & Collaboration

One of the biggest advantages of music school is the regular performance opportunities. You get to:

Play in ensembles, orchestras, and chamber groups.
Participate in masterclasses with experienced musicians.
Perform in recitals and competitions that help build confidence.

You also meet like-minded musicians—future collaborators, band mates, and industry connections who can open doors in the music world.

💡 Tip: Some of the best career opportunities come from networking and collaborations in music school—many bands, ensembles, and production teams start from these connections.

Credibility & Career Advancement

A degree in music can add credibility to your resume, especially if you’re looking to work in academia, film scoring, or classical performance. Many orchestras, teaching positions, and professional ensembles require formal qualifications.

If you want to become a professor, private instructor, or work in the industry as a composer or arranger, a degree can help you get there.

💡 Tip: Music degrees can also open doors for scholarships, grants, and artist residencies, giving you funding and recognition for your work.

❌ The Cons of Music School

High Tuition Costs & Student Debt

One of the biggest downsides of attending music school is the cost. Many programs come with high tuition fees, and unlike careers in medicine or law, music doesn’t always guarantee a high-paying job after graduation.

Many successful musicians have built careers without a formal degree, choosing instead to invest in private lessons, online courses, and independent study—often at a fraction of the cost.

💡 Tip: If finances are a concern, consider scholarships, grants, or attending a more affordable community college or conservatorium program.

Real-World Experience Can Be Just as Valuable

While music school offers great training, it doesn’t always prepare students for the realities of the music industry. Many graduates find that:

Networking and self-promotion are just as important as talent.
Industry professionals often prioritize experience over degrees.
Some of the best opportunities come from gigging, collaborating, and self-marketing.

If you’re an independent artist looking to tour, release original music, or work in commercial music, real-world experience might be more beneficial than a degree.

💡 Tip: Many professional musicians learn on the job—gigging, recording, and collaborating outside of formal education.

Not Every Musician Needs Formal Training

If your goal is to become a self-produced artist, songwriter, or touring musician, you may not need a degree at all. Some of the world’s most successful musicians, including Hans Zimmer, The Beatles, and Joni Mitchell, never attended music school.

Many artists find their path through mentorship, online courses, and hands-on experience rather than traditional schooling.

💡 Tip: If you are self-motivated and willing to learn independently, build connections, and market yourself, you may thrive without a formal degree.

🎯 So, Should You Go to Music School?

Ask yourself these key questions:
✔️ Do you thrive in a structured learning environment, or do you prefer self-guided study?
✔️ Are you interested in classical music, where formal training is often expected?
✔️ Can you afford tuition, or would independent study and private lessons be a better investment?
✔️ Do you want to teach music at a university or conservatorium, where a degree is required?
✔️ Are you looking for performance opportunities, industry connections, and collaborations that music school can provide?

If you answered yes to most of these, music school could be a great fit for you. If not, you might benefit from taking private lessons, networking, and building real-world experience instead.

No matter which path you choose, the most important thing is to keep learning, practicing, and pushing your music career forward—with or without a degree.

What are your thoughts on music schools? Let me know—I’d love to hear your experiences! ✨