Performing and Visual Arts Major
The Performing and Visual Arts major is for students who have a passion for creativity and self-expression through various art forms. This field includes a wide range of disciplines, such as music, dance, theater, visual arts, and film, offering students the opportunity to develop their artistic skills while pursuing a career in the arts. Whether you aspire to perform on stage, direct a play, paint a masterpiece, or create visual media, the Performing and Visual Arts major provides a foundation for both artistic development and professional success in a variety of creative industries. Students in this field learn to express themselves, collaborate with others, and gain technical expertise in their chosen art form.
Key Facts & Statistics
- Popularity: Performing and Visual Arts majors account for approximately 3% of all undergraduate degrees awarded in the U.S.
- Job Growth: Employment in the arts is expected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, with demand for visual artists, performers, and multimedia specialists continuing to rise.
- Earning Potential: The median annual wage for artists and performers is around $50,000, although salaries can vary widely depending on experience, location, and specialization.
Popular Sub-majors in Performing and Visual Arts
The Performing and Visual Arts major is diverse, offering various specialized fields of study. Below are some of the most popular sub-majors:
Theater Arts
Theater Arts majors focus on performing arts, including acting, stage design, direction, and playwriting. This sub-major allows students to gain technical expertise in production while exploring the dramatic arts.- Careers: Actor, Director, Stage Manager, Playwright, Theater Technician
- Average Salary: $55,000 per year
- Skills: Acting, stage production, script writing, teamwork
- Length of Study: 4 years (Bachelor’s degree), 2 years for Master’s degree
Music
Music majors study the theory, history, and performance of music. Students can specialize in various instruments, vocal performance, music composition, and music production.- Careers: Musician, Composer, Music Teacher, Sound Engineer
- Average Salary: $50,000 per year
- Skills: Music theory, performance, composition, music production
- Length of Study: 4 years (Bachelor’s degree), 2 years for Master’s degree
Dance
Dance majors explore various dance techniques and styles, from classical ballet to modern and hip-hop dance. This field combines physical skill with artistic expression, preparing students for careers in performance and choreography.- Careers: Dancer, Choreographer, Dance Instructor, Dance Company Member
- Average Salary: $45,000 per year
- Skills: Choreography, performance, dance technique
- Length of Study: 4 years (Bachelor’s degree), 2 years for Master’s degree
Visual Arts
Visual Arts majors focus on creating and understanding visual art forms, including painting, sculpture, photography, and digital media. This sub-major emphasizes both technical skills and creative expression in producing artwork.- Careers: Visual Artist, Art Gallery Curator, Art Educator, Illustrator
- Average Salary: $50,000 per year
- Skills: Drawing, painting, sculpture, digital media
- Length of Study: 4 years (Bachelor’s degree), 2 years for Master’s degree
Film and Media Studies
Film and Media Studies majors study the theory, history, and production of film and digital media. Students explore filmmaking techniques, screenwriting, directing, and editing, while also analyzing films and media from a critical perspective.- Careers: Filmmaker, Film Editor, Screenwriter, Film Critic
- Average Salary: $55,000 per year
- Skills: Film production, screenwriting, editing, media analysis
- Length of Study: 4 years (Bachelor’s degree), 2 years for Master’s degree
Graphic Design
Graphic Design majors focus on visual communication through the creation of digital graphics, logos, websites, and advertisements. This field combines artistic creativity with technical knowledge of design software.- Careers: Graphic Designer, Web Designer, Brand Manager, Illustrator
- Average Salary: $55,000 per year
- Skills: Design software proficiency, creativity, branding
- Length of Study: 4 years (Bachelor’s degree), 2 years for Master’s degree
Careers and Salaries in Performing and Visual Arts
Graduates with a degree in Performing and Visual Arts can pursue a range of creative careers across industries. Below are some top career options:
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Actor: Performs in plays, films, TV shows, or commercials, bringing characters to life through performance.
- Salary: $55,000 per year
- Skills: Acting, emotional expression, memorization
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Musician: Performs music in a variety of settings, from orchestras to solo performances, or works as a composer or music producer.
- Salary: $50,000 per year
- Skills: Musical performance, composition, music theory
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Dancer: Performs professionally in dance companies, theaters, or as a freelance performer, specializing in different dance forms.
- Salary: $45,000 per year
- Skills: Dance techniques, choreography, performance
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Visual Artist: Creates visual artwork, such as paintings, sculptures, or digital art, often exhibited in galleries or sold privately.
- Salary: $50,000 per year
- Skills: Creativity, artistic technique, visual communication
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Film Director: Oversees the artistic and technical aspects of film production, including directing actors, managing the crew, and shaping the overall vision of a film.
- Salary: $60,000 per year
- Skills: Film production, leadership, storytelling
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Graphic Designer: Designs visual content for print or digital media, such as advertisements, websites, and logos.
- Salary: $55,000 per year
- Skills: Graphic design software, creativity, branding
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Skills You’ll Gain with a Performing and Visual Arts Major
A Performing and Visual Arts degree provides you with a variety of artistic and technical skills, including:
- Creativity: Develop the ability to think outside the box and express ideas in innovative ways.
- Technical Proficiency: Learn the technical skills necessary for creating and performing art, from handling instruments and cameras to mastering design software.
- Collaboration: Work closely with other artists, performers, and professionals to create successful projects.
- Communication: Express ideas and emotions clearly and effectively, whether through acting, writing, or visual art.
- Critical Thinking: Analyze and evaluate artistic works, performances, and media critically.
- Perseverance: Learn how to refine your craft over time through dedication and consistent effort.
Why Choose a Performing and Visual Arts Major?
Choosing a Performing and Visual Arts major offers several unique benefits:
- Creative Fulfillment: If you have a passion for creativity and self-expression, the arts provide an outlet to explore your talent and share your vision with others.
- Diverse Career Opportunities: The arts industry offers a wide range of job opportunities, from performance roles to creative positions in design, media, and production.
- Job Satisfaction: Many artists find immense satisfaction in doing work they love, whether it’s acting, painting, or designing.
- Growing Industry: With the rise of digital media and the demand for entertainment, the arts industry is expected to continue to grow, with more opportunities in film, design, and digital arts.
- Impact on Society: Artists and performers shape culture and influence society, offering a platform for social change, storytelling, and emotional connection.