• Bachelor of Music (BMus) — often performance or composition focussed; structured curriculum with ensembles, applied lessons, theory and history.

• Bachelor of Arts (Music) / BA (Music) — more academic/theoretical approach; often broader liberal-arts component.

• Conservatoire/Conservatory Diploma or BMus (Conservatory route) — highly intensive performance training; smaller cohort; major time spent in lessons, ensembles, and masterclasses.

• Music Technology / Music Production / Sound Engineering (BSc or BA) — practical and technical training: DAWs, recording, signal processing, live sound.

• Music Therapy — combines music study with psychology/clinical practice; usually includes supervised placements and professional accreditation steps.

• Music Business / Arts Management — focuses on the industry side: marketing, rights, entrepreneurship, events.

• Combined degrees — e.g., Music & Psychology, Music & Computer Science, or double degrees; useful for broad career options.

Academic:

• Predicted IB score and final transcript. Many music schools do not require specific HL subjects, but Music HL, English, and a supportive HL (e.g., Physics for acoustics or Computer Science for production) are useful.

• Minimum overall points vary; conservatoires may focus more on audition quality than points but still require passing grades.

Performance & portfolio:

• Live audition or recorded audition: choose repertoire that shows breadth (contrasting styles), technical ability, musicality, and range.

• Composition portfolio (if applying for composition): scores, recordings, annotated notes.

• Music Technology / Production: show DAW projects, mixing stems, published/streamed works if available.

Other elements:

• Teacher references, personal statement (motivation, musical history), CV of musical experience, academic references.

Prospects (UK)

Berklee’s Career Communities

ISC — International Songwriting Competition & Songwriting Resources

Switched on Pop: Musicology + industry + songwriting explained in an accessible way.

The Future of What: Music business topics: labels, marketing, copyright, streaming.

Score: The Podcast: Interviews with top film and game composers — great for students interested in media composition.

Working Class Audio: Behind-the-scenes look at careers in recording & engineering.