What Kind of Jobs Can I Do With a Degree in Music?

Many students, holding a degree in music, and their families often face a dilemma regarding their future. Music being an art form doesn’t necessarily mean it provides you with a stable form of income or job. Not everyone can become a maestro and make it big in this fiercely competitive world! It is not regular to find a job posting in the news papers for a musician. However, with time, the job scene has changed and opportunities for young musicians are increasing.

As a musician it is important that you develop the following characteristics and qualities

• Creativity and being comfortable with your art form or style of music
• Being good at planning and project management skills
• Being a good leader and taking responsibility of the outcome of a project
• Time management
• Ability to identify behavioral patterns and processes which may or may not work in the best interest of the company
• Ability to work in groups and ensure achievement of goals

Many musicians with a bachelor’s degree often go forward and obtain a master’s degree in various forms and genres of music. A master’s degree works in your favor if you want to teach music at a reputed school or if you want to go further than teaching and pursue your desire to be a performer.

Having said the above, whether you hold a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in music, looking at it from a craft and career perspective especially around finding yourself a job, you have the following options. Most of the options listed below are well paying and worth your craft

• Movies and Entertainment Industry – You have quite a few opportunities as a musician in the movie business, from being a audio/sound engineer to creating soundtracks and background music

• Advertisement Industry – A music degree is perfect for a career in making background music and jingles.

• Gaming industry – The gaming industry is growing day by day and are always on the lookout for quality professionals that can help them with voice production, theme music, background score, sound clarity and more

• Opera – Of course this depends on your skill and interest level but if not an opera singer then being part of an orchestra group , or even working as a music coordinator and similar related jobs could be a great option.

• Education – If you love teaching then getting into education might be your calling. Teach music to budding musicians and providing them the basic understanding of various instruments might be more fulfilling than other jobs. You could end up teaching in reputed schools or even open your music school.

• Freelance – Work your way through life by performing gigs and other events. Performing at weddings, concerts and recitals, could be a lucrative option if your music and performance is liked and appreciated.

• Theater – Creating background score, providing theme music and sound control, working with artists, life in theater is every bit romantic and rewarding if you can make it to the top.

• Form a Band – Not a straight forward choice when it come to a career choice and very similar to freelancing. If music and performing is your passion and want to make it a career then you could consider forming a band. After all there is strength in numbers and the support is invaluable. You have many choices as to what you could do in a band, become a vocalist, chorus singer, lead or bass performer (instrument or vocals) etc . There are a plethora of options. Choose wisely or this career option might not pay your bills if you cannot find work or sell your music.

The above list is not an exhaustive list of all the opportunities out there. If you have faith in your craft and creativity then like the saying goes, the world is your oyster and you can definitely make a place for yourself and your art form. Besides, if you have a bachelor’s degree in music it will not be hurdle in obtaining a degree in other fields, as well. It will only be an added advantage for you.

Music is a tough field! It may not pay you a great deal in the beginning but if you are willing to pursue your dream the rewards and recognition can be endless and bring you fame and take you to dizzying heights.

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