What is the ruling on practicing musical instruments, such as the piano, for university study, if it is a compulsory subject without which one cannot pass the academic year or obtain the degree?

Music is unlawful, both to listen to and to perform, and there is a reported consensus on this. Therefore, it is forbidden to study it, teach it, or practice its instruments, whether in mixed environments or not. A Muslim has the choice to seek an educational place where they will not fall into disobedience to Allah, so that they may later work in a permissible field.