Analysing Factors That Influence Undergraduate Music Students in Malaysia on Choosing a Career in Music

Abstract

Choosing a profession is a vital stage in life. It is a complex process that leaves an enormous impact on student life. This research examines the factors which influence undergraduate music students’ career choices in Malaysian public universities. A total of 489 respondents responded to the questionnaire using a survey method. The results indicate that the individual factors are the most influential factors that affect undergraduate music students’ career choices. The results also show that male students are influenced by individual and societal factors in their decision to pursue a career in music. The One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test reports a significant difference between the type of instruments they play and the universities they attend on factors influencing the choice of music career among undergraduate music students. The students, educators, and instructors in learning institutions will find the information very useful to prepare students for their future careers.