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CIP 50.0914 Visual and Performing Arts

Brass Instruments

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

94

2025 · 13 schools

International share

12.8%

12 international students

Bachelor's degrees

44

9.1% international

Master's degrees

48

16.7% international

Overview

The Brass Instruments major focuses on the study and performance of brass instruments, which are a vital part of both orchestral and solo music. This program typically covers various aspects of brass performance, including techniques for instruments such as the trumpet, trombone, tuba, and French horn. Students receive comprehensive training that encompasses not only performance skills but also music theory, history, and pedagogy.

In a Brass Instruments program, students engage in rigorous practice and participate in ensembles, such as brass quartets or larger brass sections within symphonic bands and orchestras. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing precision, tone quality, and ensemble skills. Additionally, students often have opportunities for solo performances, competitions, and recitals, which are essential for building confidence and stage presence.

Moreover, the curriculum often includes instruction on music composition and arrangement specifically for brass instruments, allowing students to explore creative aspects of music-making. Music technology and recording techniques may also be integrated into the coursework, providing students with a modern understanding of the industry's demands.

Career opportunities for graduates of this major are diverse and can include performance, teaching, conducting, and composing. Many graduates find successful careers as professional musicians in orchestras, bands, or as solo artists, while others may choose to teach music in schools or offer private lessons. Overall, a Brass Instruments major provides a solid foundation for those passionate about music and performance.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2010 to 2025, graduates grew 124% and the international share went from 7.1% to 12.8%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
55.3%
Asian
4.3%
Hispanic
13.8%
Black
4.3%
Other
9.6%
Intl.
12.8%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 13 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#16 Vanderbilt University Tennessee 6 0
#16 Rice University Texas 8 0
#27 University of Southern California California 13 0
#49 University of Washington-Seattle Campus Washington 1 0
#288 University of Hartford Connecticut 4 1
#365 Liberty University Virginia 3 0
#382 Roosevelt University Illinois 3 0
— The New England Conservatory of Music Massachusetts 16 6
— Manhattan School of Music New York 14 1
— San Francisco Conservatory of Music California 11 1
— The Juilliard School New York 11 3
— Longy School of Music of Bard College Massachusetts 2 0
— Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music Puerto Rico 2 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 93,560 — $94,700
Musicians and Singers 36,180 $60.46 —

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2010–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.