Course at a glance
| Degree awarded | Bachelor of Arts (B.A) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years, then NYSC |
| Faculty / college | Faculty of Arts / Humanities |
| Career field / body | Performance, production, teaching and the music industry |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Music, and two other Arts subjects |
| Competitiveness | Less competitive |
On this page
- What Music is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study Music & who it suits
- Careers & where graduates work
- Salary outlook in Nigeria
- Where it’s offered
- Is it a good course?
- Skills you’ll gain
- Licensing, professional bodies & further study
- How to get in (UTME requirements)
- Practise the UTME subjects free
- Related & alternative courses
- Frequently asked questions
What Music is about
Music is the study and practice of music — theory, performance, composition and increasingly music technology and production.
A brief history of the discipline
Nigeria has a globally influential music industry, and formal music study develops the theory, performance and production skills behind it.
What you will study
You study music theory and history, performance (voice and instruments), composition and arranging, music technology and production, and ethnomusicology — with recitals and a project.
Why study Music & who it suits
This course suits students who love reading, language, culture and ideas, with strong writing and communication skills. Musical talent and a passion for music are ideal.
Careers & where graduates work
Graduates work in performance, music production and sound engineering, composing and arranging, teaching, media and broadcasting, the entertainment industry, and the music business.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
Pay is variable in the music industry but grows well in production, performance, teaching and the music business.
| Career stage | Typical monthly pay (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry (graduate) | ₦80,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Mid-level | ₦250,000 – ₦600,000 |
| Senior / established professional | ₦700,000 – ₦1,500,000+ |
Figures are rough approximations (monthly gross) as of 2026, drawn from Nigerian salary aggregators. Actual pay varies widely by sector (oil & gas, fintech and multinationals pay far above the public service), employer, location (Lagos and Abuja pay more) and experience — treat these as a guide, not a guarantee.
Where it’s offered: notable universities
Music is offered at a number of Nigerian universities, including the University of Nigeria, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Lagos and the University of Uyo, among others.
This is not a ranked or exhaustive list — always confirm the current institutions and their requirements in the official JAMB brochure, or use our subject combination checker and the Music admission guide.
Is Music a good course to study in Nigeria?
Music is the study and practice of music — feeding Nigeria’s globally influential music industry through performance, production and teaching.
Why it’s a strong choice:
- Performance, music production, composing, teaching, media and the music business.
- A globally influential Nigerian music industry.
- Creative and dynamic work.
- Strong entrepreneurship potential.
Challenges to weigh:
- Income can be variable and uncertain.
- Competitive.
- Success needs talent plus persistence.
- Much work is freelance or project-based.
It suits musically talented and passionate students.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, Music builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Performance and musicianship
- Music theory and composition
- Music production
- Creativity
- Collaboration
- Communication
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
B.A Music (4 years) → NYSC → careers in performance, production, teaching and the music industry, or your own music enterprise.
How to get in: Music UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination for Music is Use of English, Music, and two other Arts subjects. You also need five relevant O’Level credits including English Language. Confirm the exact requirement for your chosen university.
Practise the UTME subjects free
Prepare with free official-syllabus notes and timed CBT practice for your UTME subjects:
- Use of English — practise CBT
- Literature in English — practise CBT
- Government — practise CBT
- History — practise CBT
Related guides
- How to choose the right course for JAMB
- Good courses you can study with a low JAMB score
- Understanding the JAMB brochure & subject combinations
- How to use the JAMB eligibility checker
- How to change your course or institution on JAMB
Related & alternative courses
If you like Music, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is Music in Nigeria?
It typically takes 4 years, followed by the one-year NYSC.
What are the JAMB subjects for Music?
Use of English, Music, and two other Arts subjects
What can I do with a Music degree?
Performance, music production and sound engineering, composing and arranging, teaching, media and broadcasting, and the music business.
Do I need to play an instrument to study Music?
Musical ability helps and is often assessed; programmes then develop your theory, performance and production skills.
Is Music a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes for the musically talented — it feeds a globally influential industry through performance, production, teaching and the music business, though income is variable.
What jobs can I get with Music?
Performance, music production and sound engineering, composing and arranging, teaching, media and broadcasting, and the music business.
Do I need to play an instrument to study Music?
Musical ability helps and is often assessed; programmes then develop your theory, performance and production skills.
Does it pay well?
Income is variable, but it grows well in production, established performance careers and the music business.
Sources: Course content and career pathways summarised from Nigerian faculties and relevant professional bodies; admission requirements from the official JAMB UTME brochure. Last checked: 22 Sept 2026. Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB, the NUC or any professional body. Programme structure, duration and requirements vary by university — always confirm details with your chosen institution and the official JAMB brochure.