Careers in Music

Many individuals who study music really only think about two career paths: education or performance.  The truth is there are a multitude of other careers in music.  Sure, some are more challenging than others to be successful at, but individuals who have a strong work ethic should not limit themselves.  Also, an individual should choose their career path for themselves.  Not their friends, family, teachers, etc.  Other individuals should not try to change their path.  They should follow what they are passionate about.  After all, they are the ones who have to live their life and live with the outcomes of their decisions.  They have to decide if their career choice will bring the balance they want between professional and personal; that in itself is a see-saw.

When looking at music careers, there is quite a variety out there.  Below is a description of music based careers; this list only touches the surface:

Educator - A music educator is responsible for passing on musical knowledge to future generations.  These teachers are commonly seen at all levels (elementary through college) and can consist of teaching general music, music appreciation, music history, music theory, band, orchestra, choir, etc. Also, music educators can still perform. In fact, there are many school and college teachers who perform on a regular basis. Some even hold positions in symphonies and other professional ensembles. 

Performer - A music performer makes a living performing music for others.  Performers can be free lance performing gigs, work for professional orchestras/band/choirs, work for musicals, work for movie/television orchestras, person with jazz bands, be a lead or backup vocalist, etc.  Some performers are session musicians who primarily work for recording studios performing various types of music.  Most performers also have their own private teaching studios on the side, where they instruct and guide other musicians. 

Director/Conductor - A music director oversees the work that a band, orchestra, choir, or other ensemble is performing.  Commonly, they choose the music, rehearse, critique, and conduct the work.  They usually make the musical decisions for the group.  These individuals are commonly seen in professional groups and are often referred to as maestro.

Composer/Song Writer - A music creater. Composers create music for artists, television, movies, orchestras, bands, choirs, commercials, jingles, etc.

Arranger - Arrangers are similar to composers, but they take preexisting music and rearrange it for a different kind of instrumentation or use.  

Orchestrator - Orchestrators are very commonly used in large movie production studios, but are also seen in other avenues.  They take a basic layout that a composer/arranger has written out and apply it to a certain instrumentation for an ensemble.  

Music Worship - A music worship leader is responsible for selecting, performing, and teaching music for worship.  The music often is tied to an event or sermon.  They often oversee choirs, bands, orchestras, and other ensembles for worship purposes.  

Instrument Repair Technician - A repair technician oversees the cleaning, repair, and rebuilding of musical instruments.  They often work for manufacturing companies, music stores, larger school districts, or in their own home/business.

Musicologist - Musicologists study music throughout history and culture.  They commonly work as music professors who teach music history and perform historical research.    

Music Therapist - Uses music as a treatment to help patients with emotional, psychological, and developmental problems.  

Lyricist - A lyricist is the person who writes the words to music.  Many artists struggle to come up with words for their songs.  That’s where a lyricist comes in.  They are responsible for writing the words to a song cohesively to where they make sense.  Sometimes, they also must ensure that multiple songs tie together, such as when a lyricist is writing the words to a musical.

Music Lawyer - A music lawyer is responsible for the legal aspects of music.  They often oversee the securing of copyrights, reviewing of contracts, and protect their clients from any financial hardships.

Journalist - A music journalist is responsible for writing articles about artists and music related news.  This can consist of interviews, album reviews, live performance reviews, and occurrences within the music industry.  

Producer - Music producers work with artists to support the artist’s career.  They often critique, find studios for recording, and acquire other people to support the artist.  They oversee the general operations of recording an album, how it will be distributed, and how it will be marketed.  They are responsible for creating an environment where an artist can drive through creativity and expression.  They are often also responsible for budget.

Agent - Music agents usually oversee logistics for live performances.  They are similar to a manager.  They help book venues, arrange for needed equipment, negotiate deals, and oversee that the people associated with a group are taken care of.

Engineer - A music audio engineer is the responsible for recording music for an artist, producer, or studio.  They often setup the correct microphones, record the music, combine the individual tracks, oversee the mixing of sound, and are responsible for piecing the final product together.  

Tour manager - A tour manager is responsible for a group when things hit the road.  They oversee transportation, scheduling, housing, and financial aspects.  

Artist Manager - An artist manager is responsible for connecting artists to other individuals in the music industry.  They usually oversee planning, negotiating, and organizing for a group.  They make things happen behind the scenes. 

Music Festival/Concert Organizer - An organizer oversees the booking of artists, securing of equipment, merchandise, renting of the venue, hiring of security, and selling of tickets for a particular event or festival.

Roadie - A roadie is usually an individual who is responsible for assisting in the transportation and setting up of musical equipment.  This can consist of instruments, sound, lighting, special effects, and other musical equipment.

Artist and Repertoire Representative - Responsible for seeking out talent for a music publisher or record label

Librarian - A music librarian oversees a music collection, both in physical and digital form.  This can consist of both recordings and sheet music.  They are commonly seen at various music organizations, some museums, and many universities.

DJ - A DJ is responsible for selecting, mixing turntables, setting up sound equipment, and choosing how to present music for parties and venues.

Music Franchise Owner - Music franchise owners are responsible for overseeing private teaching studios and/or stores.