Keyboard Instruments
A program that prepares individuals to master the piano, organ, or related keyboard instruments and performing art as solo, ensemble, and/or accompanist performers. Includes instruction in piano and keyboard pedagogy, ensemble playing, accompanying, service playing, repertoire, keyboard and pedal skills, recital, and personal style development.
- Schools offering
- 81
- Annual completions
- 171
- Typical degree level
- Associate's + Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $44k
About this major
A program that prepares individuals to master the piano, organ, or related keyboard instruments and performing art as solo, ensemble, and/or accompanist performers. Includes instruction in piano and keyboard pedagogy, ensemble playing, accompanying, service playing, repertoire, keyboard and pedal skills, recital, and personal style development.
Examples of specialized tracks: Piano, Organ, Harpsichord.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Musicians and singers | — | +1.1% | No formal educational credential |
| Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary | $80k | +1.7% | Master's degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$44k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$37k
Bachelor's
$44k
Top colleges for Keyboard Instruments
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Juilliard School | New York, NY | 0 | 20 | 20 |
| Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | 11 | 7 | 18 |
| Manhattan School of Music | New York, NY | 0 | 16 | 16 |
| The New School | New York, NY | 0 | 13 | 13 |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Cincinnati, OH | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| The New England Conservatory of Music | Boston, MA | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| San Francisco Conservatory of Music | San Francisco, CA | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| Stetson University | DeLand, FL | 0 | 4 | 4 |
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Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the Keyboard Instruments field. Read our verdict before you commit.
Is Keyboard Instruments worth it? Read verdict