Rock star isn’t the only career in the music industry. Yes, it’s probably one of the coolest, but there are so many other exciting careers in music, you’ll lose count! Believe it or not, not everyone wants to be in the spotlight. Fortunately there are dozens of behind-the-scenes careers that are not only exciting, but they can be just as lucrative as being in front of the camera. Many of these careers are technical in nature, so they require training. A music degree can give you the skills you need to break into:
- -Sound editing
- -Engineering
- -Instrument design
- -Music software programming
- -Music publishing
- -Recording (technician)
Other behind-the-scenes careers in music are not necessarily technical in nature, but many require a degree in music with a special concentration. Depending on the concentration, a degree in music can lead to a career in:
- -Music therapy
- -Education
- -Tour management
- -Voice Coaching
- -Music journalism
- -Music critic
- -Special events
- -Directing (film music)
- -Concert promoter
- -Band leader
- -Copyright specialist
- -Artist & repertoire (A & R) person
Composer, art director, advertising specialist, music attorney, lobbyist, and copy writer are other career opportunities for music majors.
Types of Music Degrees
The main types of music degrees are a Bachelor of Arts Degree (B.A.) in music and a Bachelor of Music. Advanced degrees include Master of Music (M.M), Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Music Education (M.M.E.). If you’re interested in becoming a music professor, a PhD or Doctoral of Musical Arts (D.M.A) is usually required.
Music Employers
So, now you know the types of majors for aspiring music professionals as well as the types of careers open to graduates. So where are the jobs? Depending on the degree and specialty area, individuals with a degree in music may find employment at recording studios, production companies, and even government agencies such as the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Commission of Fine Arts, and Voice of America. Other types of employers are:
- -Private and nonprofit organizations
- -Media firms
- -Music and film studios
- -Performing art centers
- -Production companies
- -Orchestras and bands
- -Entertainment companies
- -Colleges and universities
- -Booking and talent agencies
- -Media firms
- -Elementary and secondary schools
Colleges that offer Music Degrees
There are literally hundreds of colleges that offer music degrees. Traditional universities, schools of art and technical schools offer music programs of all kinds. Some of the top schools are:
- -University of Rochester (Eastman School of Music) (NY)
- -Juilliard School (NY)
- -Curtis Institute of Music (PA)
- -New England Conservatory of Music (MA)
- -Oberlin College Conservatory (OH)
- -Manhattan School of Music (NY)
- -Cleveland Institute of Music
- -Mannes College of Music (NY)
- -San Francisco Conservatory of Music
- -Westminster Choir College (NJ)
- -Boston Conservatory
- -University of the Arts (PA)
The Future of Music Careers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for musicians, singers, and related workers is expected to grow as fast as average. While this is good news, it’s important to remember that competition for positions in the music industry is intense. The more experience, education, and dedication you have the better. If you land a full-time job in the music industry, you can you expect to earn up to earn anywhere from $40,000 on the low end up to six figures on the high end. Self-employed musicians, singers, and others may earn more based on the number of performances, weeks of contract work, reputation, and recordings.
To learn more about music careers, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov.
