Should You Study Guitar at University? Pros, Cons & Real Alternatives

So, you're thinking about going to uni to study guitar. Or maybe you're already halfway through filling out your UCAS application and wondering:

"Is this actually worth it?"

As someone who’s been through the system and gone on to work professionally as a guitarist, I want to give you a real, unfiltered look at what studying guitar at university is actually like — the good, the bad, and what you might want to consider instead.

🎓 The Pros of Studying Guitar at University

Let’s start with the upside — because there are genuine benefits:

✅ Time to focus on your playing
Three years to practise, jam, and immerse yourself in music? That’s a rare opportunity. For some, it’s the first time they get to really take it seriously.

✅ Networking
You’ll meet other musicians, producers, singers, and tutors. Some of those relationships can last a lifetime (and lead to gigs and sessions later on).

✅ Resources & facilities
Recording studios, performance spaces, masterclasses — stuff that would cost a fortune on your own.

✅ A structured environment
If you thrive in a structured, academic setting, the coursework and deadlines can keep you progressing steadily.

🎸 The Cons (What They Don’t Put in the Brochure)

❌ It’s expensive — and not always ROI-friendly
You could leave with £40k+ of student debt. Unlike other degrees, there’s no guaranteed path to employment. You’ve got to hustle regardless.

❌ Not all tutors are working musicians
Some are brilliant. Others haven’t gigged in 15 years. Learning from people outside the industry can lead to outdated advice and unrealistic expectations.

❌ You might still leave unprepared
This was my experience — I left uni knowing scales and theory, but not how to get gigs, read a contract, record a demo, or find paying work. That stuff? I had to learn the hard way.

❌ You don’t need a degree to go pro
The music industry doesn’t care if you have letters after your name. They care if you can play, show up on time, and get the job done.

🧭 So… Should You Study Guitar at University?

It depends. Ask yourself:

• Do I want the full uni experience (and can I afford it)?

• Do I work best in a classroom environment?

• Am I using uni as a way to delay figuring things out?

• Could I get the same (or better) results with private study + mentorship?

For some people, uni is a great fit. For others, it’s three years and thousands of pounds that could have gone into gear, lessons, or time in the real world.

🎯 Alternatives to University That Actually Work

If you’re serious about guitar but not sold on a degree, here are some great options:

✅ Find a great teacher or mentor — someone in the industry who teaches what actually matters.

✅ Take a structured online course — like Play Like A Pro — where you learn technique, theory, gig skills, recording, and more.

✅ Gig as much as possible — nothing replaces the experience of live playing.

✅ Build a home setup — learn to record, promote yourself, and build a portfolio of work.

✅ Connect with other musicians — join online groups, go to jam nights, message local players.

Final Thoughts

Studying guitar at university isn’t the only way to get good — and it’s definitely not the only way to go pro.

For some, it’s the right path. For others, there’s a better (and cheaper) way to get the skills, experience, and connections needed to build a real career in music.

What matters most isn’t the piece of paper — it’s what you actually do with your time, effort, and education.

Thinking about skipping the student debt but still want pro-level training?
That’s exactly why I created Play Like A Pro — a practical course designed by a working guitarist, with real-world methods, industry insight, and ongoing mentorship.

No fluff. No gatekeeping. Just everything I wish I had when I was starting out.

    Check out Play Like A Pro Here!

Whichever pathway you choose, I wish you all the best! If you ever need advice, I'm just an email away.

Jamie