Perceptions of Student Employability of Music Major Students

Abstract

This study explores the perceptions of employability among undergraduate music major students, focusing on how they interpret their readiness for the workforce in the context of their academic experiences. Using a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 students enrolled in music programs. Thematic analysis revealed five central themes: lack of practical experience, importance of soft skills, need for career guidance, curriculum misalignment with job market expectations, and the role of self-efficacy in employment preparation. Findings indicate that while students value their musical training, they perceive significant gaps in the curriculum’s ability to equip them with career-relevant skills and real-world exposure. Students also emphasized the critical importance of personal confidence and interpersonal competencies in shaping their employability. The results highlight the need for higher music education institutions to adopt more holistic and practice-oriented approaches that integrate career development, experiential learning, and professional identity formation into their curricula.