FOR PARENT/GUARDIANS

Help Your Child Find a College That Values Their Music

CommonTime Pathways is a free tool that helps student musicians explore colleges, scholarships, and connect with recruiters — whether they major in music or just want to keep playing.

Start the Search →

Why Colleges Want Student Musicians

MUSIC OPENS DOORS

Colleges actively seek out students with musical experience, not just performance majors.


Your child’s dedication to music can help them stand out in admissions and even qualify for scholarships or ensemble opportunities at schools across the country.

Learn more about scholarships →

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How Students Use CommonTime Pathways

Search Colleges and Scholarships

Students can easily find colleges that fit their musical goals and offer scholarships — no account needed.

Try the search tool →

Create a Free Profile

Help your child explore over 1800 colleges and music programs, finding the best fit based on their musical talents, academic interests, location, size, and other key preferences.

Connect with Recruiters

Colleges can view profiles, reach out directly, and invite students to virtual events like Recruitapalooza, our national online college fair for musicians.

View more resources here:

FAQs

  • Absolutely! Many of our best success stories involve students who study other subjects while participating in campus musical activities. Colleges actively recruit these well-rounded students because they bring diverse perspectives and strong work ethics to their ensembles. Musical background can provide scholarship opportunities regardless of intended major.

  • Music scholarships can significantly reduce college costs, often regardless of major. Students who remain musical in college also tend to become lifelong supporters of the arts and often report higher satisfaction with their college experience. The skills developed through music — discipline, collaboration, creativity — are highly valued across all career fields.

  • Many music educators and college counselors focus on traditional pathways because that’s what has existed up until now. Just as athletes have access to dedicated recruiting channels, musicians now have a platform to connect with colleges in ways that were previously unavailable.

  • If you child has been actively in music and is planning to attend college, this platform is relevant. It doesn’t matter whether they’re planning to major in music or any other field. If they’ve invested time in developing musical skills, they deserve to know what opportunities exist.

    • Create Your Free Profile
      Head to the Sign Up Page

    • Showcase Your Talent
      Upload a performance video to boost your visibility with college scouts and faculty.

    • Share What Matters
      Fill out your preferences, musical background, and academic interests so we can match you meaningfully.

    • Explore Your Matches
      Discover programs and schools aligned with your goals and connect directly with college recruiters.

    • Join Live Recruiting Events
      Attend virtual events and Q&As to meet institutions, ask questions, and get ahead in the process.

  • Our team includes experienced music educators who understand the challenges students and families face. We provide ongoing support throughout the process and are available to answer questions as they arise.

    You can contact us through the platform or email us at contact@ctpathways.com