5 Musical Gap Year Opportunities to Inspire Your Next Hit

Do you hear that? It’s your musical gap year singing out to ya— the hills are indeed alive with the sound of music. Gap year programs around the globe offer unique opportunities to give back, learn, and progress your career.

Credit: E-Online

Why take a gap year? Because it gives you a chance to explore; both yourself and the world. It’s an opportunity to make insane international connections and become a more globally aware and culturally sensitive person, which will give you a leg up in any career, now that our world is becoming more and more connected. 

Why find music gap year programs—especially abroad?

If you’re having treble figuring out what to do with your life right now, consider taking a music gap year. Programs are available for every type of musically inclined person. You can teach children, take classes, or intern abroad in the field of music.   

But why go abroad for a gap year? Music gives us a way to learn about another culture. Even if you can’t speak a language, you can connect through musical communication. Research shows that playing music or singing together releases endorphins that foster a sense of social closeness. So you won’t have to worry about feeling like an outsider when you go abroad for your musical gap year. Opportunities to make personal connections are boundless, and it would be just the prelude to living your best life. 

Music will bring you closer to the culture you’re in. The instruments and lyrics show themes and tell stories, revealing traditions, cultural values, and norms. Bringing music into your gap year abroad could help you become more comfortable in a new place. 

So what are you looking to do with your gap year? Music internships are perfect for the aspiring musician, while volunteering teaching instruments is the way to go for humanitarians among us. Study music abroad for a chance to deepen your understanding of music theory, perfect your performance, and engage with the global musical community. 

What to look for in gap year music programs

Experiential Learning

Which program you choose will depend on what you want to gain from your experience. Do you want to spend time volunteering, gaining work experience, or working on your degree?

• Volunteer: most musical volunteering entails teaching music to children in developing nations who need a little TLC. 
• Intern: who says gap years aren’t productive? Give your resume some jazzy flair with a music internship. 
• Study: still in school? Study music abroad to shake things up. 

Focus

Music may be universal, but it plays out differently depending on what your chosen program provides as a focus. 

• Teaching: Can you play the drums? Then you can teach music! You could also teach various instruments or songs, depending on the program you choose.
• Instruments: Programs that specifically integrate musical instruments. Whether that is part of teaching, learning, or performance. 
• Singing: Do re miii! Use your voice in these programs to connect with per
• Industry: This will give you a peek into the inner workings of the music industry. You’ll also have a chance to practice musical promotion for career minded folk.
• Production: How does the sound get to your ears…? Music production. Mixing, levels, all that jazz. 
• Music Theory: What’s a triad and why should you care? If the circle of fifths gets you excited, you’re in the right place. 

Culture Shock

Obvs, right? This scale shows how crazy different is the culture compared to y’all western/US peeps. This should play into your decision on where to do your gap year. 

5 best destinations for musical gap opportunities

1. Kenya

Kenya play well with kids? Volunteer in Kenya for a life changing gap year. Music programs in Kenya are great for people who are passionate about children and want to make a difference in their lives. You’ll gain experience teaching and mentoring youngins who don’t have a lot of people to look up to, due to abandonment or death of their parents. 

Musical gap year opportunities in African countries tend to be volunteer focused. Even if you don’t have experience, you can be trained to help, making it a great choice for a soul-searching gap year. Music can help you find your way while you support others. 

• Project: Volunteer
• Focus: Teaching, Instruments, Singing 
• Recommended program: NGO Abroad—Work with Kids at Orphanage & Primary School in Kenya

2. Spain

Step into your musical career by taking a gap year! Music internships in Spain can open the door to a colorful life in the performing arts. Not only will you have a chance to explore the music industry abroad, but you’ll be able to practice Spanish. In case ya didn’t know, being bilingual is hella marketable. And if you’re looking for music gap year programs to progress your career, why not slap on that bilingual badge while you’re at it? Develop marketing materials, plan events, and work as a production assistant in Barcelona.

• Project: Internship
• Focus: Teaching, Production, Industry 
• Recommended program: Performing Arts Abroad’s Music Internship in Barcelona

3. United States

Even if you’re a citizen, the U.S. is a perfect place for a gap year. Music programs that provide extensive opportunities to get involved in community outreach, art leadership, and private lessons allow students to dive into everything music. If you’re looking for an intense yet professional music experience, take a break from your regular schooling and study music abroad.

Practice, perform, listen, breathe music with a fully immersive music gap year. Programs that go the extra mile for people who are passionate about music offer an experience that will stay with you for your entire life. 

• Project: Study 
• Focus: Instruments, Singing, Music Theory
• Recommended program: Eastman Immersion’s Gap Year Program in Music

4. Uganda

Some people are looking for a little something more in their music gap year. Programs that place you in countries like Uganda offer a little bit of everything: music, dance and even drama! Volunteering in remote areas with kids allows you to connect to people facing a wide spectrum of challenges. Some have learning difficulties, are social segregated, even stereotyped against. 

Showing up for these kids makes a huge difference in their lives; you could help them with self-confidence, or even just a pep in their step. Teach them to walk to the beat of their own drum with a volunteer focused gap year. Music is a way to provide an authentic intervention.

• Project: Volunteer
• Focus: Teaching, Instruments, Singing 
• Recommended program: Saint Ann Foundation Uganda Chapter Performing Arts Program (Music, Dance, and Drama) 

5. Hong Kong

Get down to business with your gap year. Music internships are a professional and exciting way to step into the real world of musical success. Interning in the buzzing city of Hong Kong will give you an idea of what it’s like to work with professionals in the industry. 

Success is waiting for you abroad. International internships offer valuable experience and career development you won’t get from staying home. Combine meaningful travel with a meaningful gap year. Music is on, and it’s playing for you in Hong Kong. 

• Project: Internship
• Focus: Industry, Music Theory  
• Recommended program: The Intern Group's International Theater & Music Internships

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You’re ready to make gap year music!

Now that you’ve learned about the best musical gap year opportunities, it’s time to figure out what’s best for you. We know you’re clef-er, but we also want to give you the support you need to score the perfect gap year! Music programs are a way to find harmony abroad. Tune into the best year of your life. 

Find your musical gap year now! It’ll only take a minuet. 

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