Music Careers

Education

• K-12 schools, public and private
• Colleges and universities
• Conservatories
• Daycare centers
• Recreation centers
• Children’s music programs (franchises, local)
• Studios
• Self-employed

• Acquire teaching certificate for public school teaching. Learn about requirements by state.
• Earn a graduate degree to teach in higher education. Specialize in an area such as music theory, composition, music history, etc.
• Performance skill on one instrument or voice is required.
• Gain experience working with children through volunteer or part-time work experiences.
• Join the National Association for Music Education as a collegiate member.
• Develop business relationships with schools and/or music stores to increase client base.

Performance

• Instrumental
• Vocal

• Orchestras:
  • Philharmonic, symphony, and chamber
• Armed Forces bands and orchestras
• Small ensembles
• Rock or jazz groups
• Dance bands
• Concert soloist
• Clubs and restaurants
• Church choirs
• Community choral groups
• Opera companies
• Musical theaters
• Ballet productions
• Recording industry
• Radio, television, and motion picture industries
• Cruise lines
• Amusement parks
• Staff pianist / collaborative accompanist
• Praise team/worship leader
• Diction coach
• Opera/Vocal coach

• Develop musical talent and skill.
• Obtain formal training to acquire necessary skills, knowledge, and ability to interpret music.
• Demonstrate ambition and showmanship.
• Join campus bands and choruses, church choirs, and other performing acts.
• Seek competitions, apprenticeship programs, and workshops to gain experience and recognition.
• Auditions are generally required to join bands or get jobs.
• Be willing to move to a large city with more opportunities such as New York City, Los Angeles, Nashville, Las Vegas, or Chicago.
• Network with people in the industry to learn about potential jobs.
• Opportunities are very limited. Most performers have other careers.

Conducting

• Orchestras:
  • Philharmonic, symphony, and chamber
• Armed Forces bands and orchestras
• Various bands
• Choirs
• Choral groups
• Opera companies
• Musical theater companies

• Develop superior musicianship and leadership.
• Acquire extensive experience in performing groups.
• Develop advanced site-reading skills.
• Learn other languages such as French, German, Latin, and Italian.
• Gain acceptance into a conductor-training program or related apprenticeship.
• Opportunities are extremely limited.

Composing/Arranging

• Self-employed
• Record companies
• Publishers
• Muzak
• Motion picture and television industries
• Production companies
• Orchestras:
  • Philharmonic, symphony, and chamber
• Opera companies
• Musical theater groups
• Ballet troupes
• Broadway

• Knowledge of composition, harmony, arranging, and theory are important.
• Skill on one or more instruments and voice are necessary. Play an instrument in a professional arena.
• Become familiar with all types of music productions.
• Learn how to use electronic instruments and synthesizers.
• Develop computer and desktop publishing expertise.
• Attend music conferences and workshops.
• Seek grants and awards through foundations, e.g. one from the National Endowment of the Arts.
• Very few musicians earn living through composing.

Music Libraries

• Colleges and universities
• Conservatories
• Public libraries
• Radio and television stations
• Motion picture studies

• Develop computer and research skills.
• Gain thorough knowledge of music and musicology.
• Earn a master’s degree in library/information science.
• Work in a campus or public library to gain relevant experience.
• Develop good organizational and technology skills.
• Learn to understand foreign languages, particularly Italian, Latin, German, and French.
• Join the Music Library Association.

Communications (Broadcasting)

• Radio and television stations
• Virtual reality sound environments
  • e.g. internet sites, software creators

• Take classes in communications, broadcasting, or journalism.
• Work at on-campus radio station.
• Complete an internship at a television or radio station.
• Develop computer-related skills such as software development and programming.

• Hospitals: general and psychiatric
• Special education facilities
• Mental health centers
• Nursing homes and senior centers
• Rehabilitation centers
• Correctional facilities
• Private practice
• Outpatient clinics
• Schools

• Take courses in psychology, social work, or education.
• Earn a master’s degree in music therapy and seek certification.
• Volunteer in a rehabilitation setting.
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in helping people.
• Learn to work well with all types of people.
• Develop a broad array of musical talents.

Behind The Scenes

• Local bands
• Regional bands
• Production companies
• Theater groups
• Orchestras
• Armed Forces
• Radio, television, and motion picture industries

• Shadow an individual who is in the music industry in an area of interest.
• Volunteer in community, school, or church productions.
• Gain expertise in the areas of musical and technical knowledge, sound board, and sound equipment.
• Take courses in areas such as broadcasting, engineering, or computer science to learn technical skills.
• Complete an internship with a recording company or other relevant organization.
• Research seminars, workshops, and professional associations that could provide useful information or contacts.
• Check trade journals and association bulletins for possible employment.

Music Industry/Business

• Production recording studios (most located in New York City, Los Angeles, and Nashville)
• Music management groups
• Agencies
• Music and record stores
• Instrument manufacturers

• Complete an internship at a record company.
• Take business courses to work in management or administration.
• Journalism, public relations, and communication classes are helpful for work in areas of promotion.
• Gain sales experience for marketing. Learn to interact well with people and develop persuasion tools.
• Knowledge of electronics, audio engineering, and recording knowledge required for production.
• Work or volunteer at a campus or local radio station.
• Join organizations involved with bringing events and entertainment to campus.
• Work at a retail record store to learn about the industry.
• Volunteer to help promote a local or campus band with their promotions and bookings.
• Gain a broad knowledge of music and the industry.
• Build a strong network of contacts.
• Develop skills such as negotiation, assertiveness, the ability to recognize talent, and working under pressure.

Miscellaneous

• Music-related publications
• Magazines and newspapers
• Entertainment or music focused internet sites
• Entertainment law firms
• Production companies

• Take courses in journalism and English.
• Write articles for campus newspaper.
• Prepare for law school and earn a law degree (J.D.)
• For music analysis:
  • Develop the ability to read and transcribe well.
  • Gain knowledge with use of high tech digital computers to analyze music.
• Move to a larger city where more opportunities exist.