Career Options

A degree with a major in music may lead to careers in:

Teaching Music in Elementary and Secondary Schools and Colleges

The largest number of full-time music teaching positions exists in public and private schools, in preschools, kindergartens, elementary schools and day-care centers. Teachers, supervisors or directors in middle, junior high and senior high schools provide direction for choral and instrumental organizations, small ensembles and music theatre productions. Music instruction in secondary schools also includes courses in general music, theory, music history and the related arts (music education major only).

Music teachers at institutions of higher education usually are expected to have completed graduate study in music. They generally specialize in one or two areas such as music theory, music history and literature, music education, performance, electronic music, composition, conducting or music therapy.

Studio Teaching

The studio of a private teacher may be located in a home, school, office building or music store. Those who teach in the home are usually self-employed, whereas others have a business relationship with a school or music store.

Music Therapy

The music therapist combines music, teaching and therapy to help people with disabilities improve their physical and mental health. A masters degree in music therapy and board recertification are required to work as a music therapist.

Performance

Music performance as a career means giving concerts. Opportunities for a career in music performance are very limited, and great perseverance and stamina are required for success. In addition to solo performance careers, there are also performance opportunities in chamber music, folk, rock and pop music, as well as free-lance concert and studio possibilities.

Church/Temple Music

A career as a church or temple music director or organist combines music performance and teaching. Most musicians for religious institutions are employed part time, although large congregations may employ full-time musicians.

Composer

Composers may earn a living from arranging music for school performance groups or writing music for radio or television advertising.

Conductor

Conducting opportunities exist with school choirs, school orchestras and bands, community choirs, dance bands, orchestras and operas. Most conductors rely on supplemental income from teaching.

Music Industry

The music industry is broad in scope and encompasses retail, wholesale, manufacturing, importing, exporting, publishing, recording, repair and rebuilding, tuning and other businesses. Persons who are successful in the music industry have education and training in both music and business.

Television/Radio Industry

The broadcasting industry encompasses a wide range of careers, including composition, scoring, production, editing, clearing copyrights and licensing. Career opportunities are available at television and radio stations, production houses, post-production facilities and a host of related organizations involved in producing and distributing programming.

Music Librarian

College and public libraries offer possibilities for trained music specialists with knowledge of library research and reference, indexing, cataloging, selecting materials for purchase and community relations.