Music Gap Year Programs

The diversity of music across the globe opens endless doors and opportunities for music lovers interested in a musical gap year. Thanks to the power of music, you will find gap year music internships, jobs, or volunteer opportunities anywhere. Here are some of the most popular locations.

Europe. Whether you are interested in studying opera, through gap year music programs in Italy, follow the biggest music festivals in the world and experience the unique nightlife of each country, expand your skills through a gap year music internship in Spain or France, or teach music in countries like Romania or Hungary, you will experience the beauty and hidden treasure of the European countries in a unique and unforgettable way.

Asia. With such diverse countries and cultures, Asia has a variety of music fields with great musical gap year opportunities. Spend your gap year in India or Thailand and learn the unique technique of traditional and instrumental performance, while you teach the children in the local community a new song from home. Seoul will show you the extravagant life of K-pop festivals, while Hong Kong and Singapore offer music internship opportunities to further advance your skills and boost your resume.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

A music gap year is a break from formal education to focus on developing musical skills, gaining performance experience, or exploring music-related opportunities worldwide. It can include workshops, volunteering, internships, or teaching music, helping participants grow creatively while immersing in new cultures and building their artistic network.

Music gap year programs can be both year-round and seasonal, depending on the provider. Some offer flexible start dates to fit personal schedules, while others run specific workshops or tours tied to certain seasons or festivals. Checking program details on sites like GoAbroad helps find options that match your timing and goals.

Music gap year programs abroad range from performance tours, instrument workshops, and music production courses to volunteering with community music projects. You might also find programs teaching music in schools, recording internships, or cultural exchange experiences focused on traditional music styles, giving a hands-on learning and travel blend.

Top countries for a music gap year abroad often include the UK for its rich music history, the US for diverse genres and industry access, and Spain or Brazil for vibrant cultural rhythms. Each offers unique experiences—from classical and jazz scenes to folk and contemporary styles—allowing you to immerse in different musical traditions worldwide.

Skill requirements vary by program, but many music gap year options welcome all levels—from beginners to advanced musicians. Some may ask for basic proficiency or experience with an instrument or voice, while others focus on learning and cultural exchange. Reviewing specific program details on platforms like GoAbroad helps find the right fit for your skill level.

Latest Program Reviews

Life changing experience

November 24, 2025by: Luisa Rulfo - MexicoProgram: Baret Scholars Gap Year Program

10

The most eye opening experience, questioning everything you go through, you knew, discovering yourself among a cohort of brilliant and unique minds. Every virtue is welcomed and supported to the fullest. We scholars discovered the impact of the frase "If you want something you just have to do it." We unlearned and relearned how to perceive life, how to grow, how to move forward, how to relate to people, how to experience life to the fullest. I believe the knowledge I gained from this experience gave me years of lived life worth of knowledge, unreachable without something like Baret.

My unforgettable year with Baret Scholars

November 17, 2025by: Antonio de Azevedo Sodré Neto - BrazilProgram: Baret Scholars Gap Year Program

9

My gap year with Baret Scholars changed me in ways I never expected. I traveled to 10 countries, learned from hundreds of experts, and faced challenges that forced me to grow up fast. One of the moments I’ll never forget was running out of fuel on the way to the Taj Mahal and relying on a village mechanic who didn’t speak my language but still helped us with a smile. Moments like that taught me humility, openness, and how much kindness exists in the world. I also had experiences that made me confront my own biases—like assuming my assigned roommate would be messy, only to discover he was more organized than I was. In China, I helped organize a photography exhibition with local artists, and their guidance showed me how powerful cross-cultural collaboration can be. This year made me more mature, responsible, and aware of the world around me. I met people who shaped the way I think, pushed me to be better, and showed me how much I still have to learn. I’d recommend this program to anyone who wants a gap year that truly changes you—not just where you go, but who you become.

Life changing experience

November 24, 2025by: Luisa Rulfo - MexicoProgram: Baret Scholars Gap Year Program

10

The most eye opening experience, questioning everything you go through, you knew, discovering yourself among a cohort of brilliant and unique minds. Every virtue is welcomed and supported to the fullest. We scholars discovered the impact of the frase "If you want something you just have to do it." We unlearned and relearned how to perceive life, how to grow, how to move forward, how to relate to people, how to experience life to the fullest. I believe the knowledge I gained from this experience gave me years of lived life worth of knowledge, unreachable without something like Baret.

My unforgettable year with Baret Scholars

November 17, 2025by: Antonio de Azevedo Sodré Neto - BrazilProgram: Baret Scholars Gap Year Program

9

My gap year with Baret Scholars changed me in ways I never expected. I traveled to 10 countries, learned from hundreds of experts, and faced challenges that forced me to grow up fast. One of the moments I’ll never forget was running out of fuel on the way to the Taj Mahal and relying on a village mechanic who didn’t speak my language but still helped us with a smile. Moments like that taught me humility, openness, and how much kindness exists in the world. I also had experiences that made me confront my own biases—like assuming my assigned roommate would be messy, only to discover he was more organized than I was. In China, I helped organize a photography exhibition with local artists, and their guidance showed me how powerful cross-cultural collaboration can be. This year made me more mature, responsible, and aware of the world around me. I met people who shaped the way I think, pushed me to be better, and showed me how much I still have to learn. I’d recommend this program to anyone who wants a gap year that truly changes you—not just where you go, but who you become.