Top 20 Jobs in Music Industry: Inspiring Careers
You may have the desire to have a career in the music business. Everybody’s skill set and hobbies are sure to be perfectly matched by one of the many alternatives available, from songwriting to working as a booking agent.
The music industry moves quickly and is very competitive. Therefore, it’s critical to be aware of your skills, interests, and capabilities. You also need to adjust to emerging trends and technology to launch and maintain a lucrative profession in the industry.
The occupations in the music business included in this article are diverse. There are many different employment options available to you.
Best Jobs in Music
Here are the top 20 options one can try to have a flourishing career in the music industry.
1. Orchestra Conductor
A conductor leads each orchestra and is in charge of directing the orchestra both onstage and in the background. They are in charge of choosing performance pieces, managing rehearsals, recruiting orchestra members through auditions, and motivating musicians to give their all on stage. They frequently engage in fundraising duties as well. A career as a conductor can be suitable for you if you have exceptional organizational abilities as well as a musical ear.
You will be in charge of leading orchestras, choirs, or other ensembles of musicians through visible cues as a conductor. A master’s degree is often required for conductors to work with symphonies. The majority of the time, choir directors need a bachelor’s degree. Good directors must be able to play at least one instrument to connect with the artists they are directing.
2. Music Producer
A lot of musicians these days want to create and handle all aspects of their albums themselves. However, there are several successful music producers whom artists choose to collaborate with for creativity. Consider the late Sir George Martin, who assisted the Beatles in becoming the most well-known rock band in history.
Together, they collaborated to become the Beatles. In addition to collaborating with the artist to create the final result, they are in charge of supervising the recording process. So, you get to both listen to and make a lot of music. You should initially concentrate on earning a bachelor’s degree in music technology if you wish to continue in this field.
3. Music Instructor
The majority of music educators have the freedom to select the music played in their classes, making teaching music a wonderful method to share your love with others. Piano, guitar, and violin are just a few examples of the instruments in which music teachers sometimes specialize. You can work as a music instructor at music stores that provide training, give private lessons, or instruct music in schools. One of the finest day jobs for musicians looking to augment their performance income is teaching private lessons.
Students can learn how to play an instrument, read music, and use other basic musical concepts from music teachers individually or in groups. You must be a certified teacher who has successfully finished a teaching program to work in a school. However, the precise standards differ depending on the state and the type of institution.
4. Entertainment Lawyer
The very first thing a performer should do after receiving a recording contract offer is to speak with a lawyer. The legal facets of performing professions are managed with the aid of entertainment attorneys. Legal professionals with business-related understanding are needed to provide advice to professional musicians and organizations in the music industry.
An attorney’s responsibilities in music industry law may include drafting performance agreements, handling copyright disputes, and managing intellectual property difficulties. In addition, they also confirm the quality of the publication and licensing agreements. The best method to become qualified in such a specialized area of law is to gain work experience and land a training deal with a record company.
5. Managers of Artists and Performers
Managers plan the logistics of concerts and recordings as well as make business choices. They deal with a variety of activities, like scheduling, contract negotiations, and even resolving disagreements among band members. Additionally, they are in charge of signing them to record labels, locating new music businesses, and assisting with career development. By being as knowledgeable as you can about both business management and the music industry, you may become someone’s manager.
Planning, organizing, leading, and negotiating are essential steps in assisting your artist in developing a solid and long-lasting career. Skills in management and leadership are essential. You will be negotiating contracts, making sales calls, and offering helpful feedback. In addition, you will simplify and arrange the many moving pieces amongst performers, publishers, and booking agencies. Many ambitious managers begin their training at record labels as interns.
6. Public Relations Manager
The public image of a musical act is managed by a public relations manager. Professionals in public relations are experts at conveying information in a positive light for their clients. A successful musical act must have a strong public relations strategy since favorable media attention can considerably increase the group’s revenue potential. The role of the public relations manager is when an artist has a new record, an imminent appearance, or is otherwise in the news.
The manager may schedule interviews, get the musician ready for appearances, and write and disseminate official statements. Running social media pages, writing press releases, and coming up with other original ideas to make sure performers’ names linger in people’s minds are all part of their job. Numerous professionals in music PR have earned a degree in business or public relations.
7. Independent Musician
Booking performance gigs is often how independent professional musicians earn their living. They occasionally play at weddings, wakes, and other noteworthy occasions. They might also work in studios or back vocalists with instruments. A musician may perform in concert halls as a member of a band or orchestra, in a recording studio, or while on tour with an artist or theatrical production.
The musician is in charge of studying the music that their employer provides them with and perfecting it via practice. They can be required to play with other musicians in a group environment and show up for planned practices. You may advance in your career with the right formal training and work ethic.
8. Audiologist
Audiologists assist anyone who experiences hearing issues. They conduct hearing tests, identify any issues, and recommend the most suitable course of action. Audiologists offer knowledgeable, individualized services to increase people’s participation in meaningful activities and raise their quality of life.
Audiologists frequently design music programs to aid patients in improving their hearing. Hearing and balance problems can be managed with the assistance of audiologists. To continue participating in music, they assist in addressing issues that hearing aid users encounter with it.
9. Agent of Performers and Artists
Booking musicians for performances, tours, and events are the responsibility of agents. Arranging music venues, settling contracts, and marketing the artist are all their responsibilities. At occasions like concerts or festivals, agents schedule live performances by artists and plan events like sponsorships or advertising. Although a degree in marketing, business, or event planning is not a requirement to become a music agent, it is a plus.
Knowing the nuances of today’s music business, as with other occupations in the field, may help you network. This can be a fantastic fit if you enjoy music and have excellent interpersonal skills. Typically, agents receive a share of the revenue generated by a performance or other appearance. They do not, however, receive a cut of music sales because they are often not involved in recording projects.
10. Owner of A Record Label
You could start your record label and establish yourself as an entrepreneur. If you have the necessary contacts, resources, and information, this could be a lucrative way to introduce yourself to the music industry. The need for good record labels that create valuable and beneficial work is ever on the rise.
By starting a record label, you could bring a change to the current situation of the music industry. However, in addition to having a desire, you will need business experience, relationships with producers, and marketers who are eager to collaborate with you.
11. Public Relations Assistants
To develop successful PR campaigns for customers, public relations assistants collaborate with public relations specialists and other media professionals in PR companies. As a public relations assistant, you may have to perform administrative duties in addition to more campaign-specific duties.
These could include greeting clients, taking calls, and making campaign schedules. You may also have to enter expense information into a Gantt chart to be taken into account when determining the campaign’s overall cost. Although this is an entry-level position, you can learn a lot about the functioning of the industry.
12. Music Publishers
The licensing of a song, finding performers for it, and handling contracts and royalties are all responsibilities of music publishers. The ins and outs of the music business, such as copyright regulations, the structure of royalties, and distribution procedures, must be understood by music publishers. Additionally, they must be skilled at networking because this line of employment depends on interpersonal connections.
That’s a lot to handle, especially given how quickly the music landscape in today’s world changes. A lot of people in this profession have business degrees or have successfully finished a course on the music industry or music production. These programs have the benefit of frequently offering opportunities to establish significant relationships in addition to educating prospective publishers on the fundamentals of the business.
13. Audio Engineer
One of the most important jobs in the music industry is that of the sound technician, an audio professional. If you enjoy music and technology, being a sound technician may be a good way to combine your passions. Setting up and using sound-focused electronic equipment for performances and recordings are part of this line of employment. Sound engineers conduct their work in a variety of settings, including live performance theatres, concert halls, sports arenas, and recording studios.
Participating in the recording process, sound specialists make sure that all the hardware required to produce high-quality recordings is working as it should. When putting up their live performances, musicians frequently collaborate with sound engineers. The sound engineer makes sure that all the necessary gear is set up correctly for the performance to provide concertgoers with the greatest possible experience.
14. Broadcaster
A broadcaster is a presenter who works in radio or television broadcasting. Radio hosts often offer programs that include music, interviews, and talks. They joke around with the listeners, do live commercials for sponsors, and announce or advertise events that the public might find interesting. Music may be the main focus or interspersed between talking portions, depending on the presenter’s approach.
Nowadays, there are fewer programs on television networks that broadcast music videos. However, there are still a lot of programs that heavily emphasize music or musical elements. These are chat shows with musical guests and competition programs where singers or bands compete to earn a prize or title.
15. Professor of Music
For most college and university music professor positions, a Ph.D. in music is necessary. In addition to doing research and engaging in other activities aimed at advancing academic knowledge, a music professor’s job entails teaching a range of classes, including music theory and performance. Additionally, it could entail planning recitals and performances as well as managing performing groups.
At a college or university, a professor teaches courses in a specific academic field. They could also manage teaching assistants, guide students, and assess assignments and essays. Courses on production, recording, editing, and the music business may be taught by professors who specialize in music technology.
16. Music Journalist
Consider a career in music journalism if you want to combine your passion for writing and music with fulfilling work. Numerous magazines employ music journalists to report on music. They go to gigs, write about new music releases, conduct artist interviews, or publish concert reviews. Even though it’s unquestionably difficult to break into this field, an internship program can help you land a job at a large newspaper or magazine.
A music journalist is in charge of covering the music business, which might involve several different duties. A music journalist’s regular duties include writing record reviews, following music business breaking news, and creating articles or books on musical figures. You will also get to attend all the newest concerts as a VIP.
17. Music Composer
You could appreciate being a composer if you have a passion for music and a creative streak. The majority of composers work on their own and sign contracts to make music for projects or clients. When writing music for films, TV shows, plays, advertisements, or for specific singers looking for tunes to record, composers frequently engage in legal contracts.
You could write original music or base it on already-existing music in your capacity as a composer. After that, you would cooperate with the customer to make sure it satisfies their requirements. It is a field that requires serious reformation, and the demand for talented and highly driven individuals is high. Producing quality music that is not vulgar but soothes you instead is essential. The usual payment for music composers is per project or composition.
18. Event Coordinator
An event coordinator is in charge of the organization, preparation, and execution of a gathering, as well as the employment and coordination of any third-party contractors. One or more musical performers are frequently present at many major events, such as gatherings, conferences, and expos.
Negotiating contracts and making sure the acts fulfill their requirements for the day of the event are the responsibilities of a coordinator. In addition, an event coordinator may also be in charge of listening to possible performers. Organizing music concerts or running events for a musical venue are two examples of how some event organizers specialize in events related to the music business.
19. Music Therapist
People who listen to music can develop their self-expression skills, sharpen their minds, and cope with stress more effectively. People who struggle with speaking may find music therapy to be a particularly helpful kind of treatment. They plan activities and programs around the requirements of their patients. Clients don’t need to be musicians, though, to benefit from music therapy.
You must have a passion for music to thrive in this position, but you also need a degree in psychology. Furthermore, to work as a music therapist, you need to be a proficient musician. By earning a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from an American Music Therapy Association-approved institution (AMTA), you can become a music therapist in addition to having a passion for music. You must successfully pass a certification test after finishing a music therapy program.
20. Instrument Tuner and Repairer
To perform at their best, musicians require well-maintained, finely-tuned instruments. They, therefore, regularly consult experts when a piece of equipment breaks or sounds odd. Instruments must also undergo routine inspection and maintenance to ensure they function correctly and to stop minor issues from developing into larger ones. Tuners and repairers of musical instruments frequently focus on just one kind of instrument.
To be successful in this line of work, you must have a keen ear and a deep understanding of music. However, having experience in the skilled professions can also help you get ready for the more intricate and technical aspects of maintaining an instrument. Many people begin their training in this profession by serving as apprentices. To completely perfect the skill, one may need years of practical practice.
Essential Things to Consider Before Pursuing a Career in Music
The most satisfying and thrilling experience you could embark on is pursuing a career in music. However, you need to invest time to build a successful music career. Clarifying your objectives and achieving them requires perseverance, patience, and being open to criticism. Entry into the music business might be scary and complicated at first. Here are some important factors to keep in mind while pursuing a career in music.
Make Plans and Goals
You must be very clear about your goals and know exactly how you plan to achieve them. The two most common professions in music are performing and teaching. Therefore, you will need to identify what you need or what you want to pursue. Setting goals is an excellent place to start a great music career. It can help you go forward without difficulty and overcome obstacles.
By setting goals, you essentially have a roadmap for your professional progress. The majority of successful artists and music industry figures rose via defining and attaining goals over time. They did it while also developing their abilities, relationships, and expertise in the field.
Be Involved in The Community and Network
Creating connections in the local music and community scenes should be one of your priorities. By being familiar with the many music venues and building connections with other local musicians and artists, you may network in your neighborhood, city, and educational institution. The purpose of networking is to establish connections and meet artists with whom you could collaborate.
You may also identify potential team members, such as a manager, photographer, or booking agent. Find appropriate internet forums where you may participate and help out other artists. It could help you may make contacts in the business and meet other musicians with whom you can collaborate in the future.
Be Ready to Face Obstacles
To succeed in the music business, there is no set path to take. There is no assurance that you will earn a specific wage, land a job that lasts a lifetime, or strike a deal right away. However, there is a strong chance that your dedication to making it big in this industry will have an influence and be rewarding. Due to the competitiveness of jobs in the music industry, it is likely you will start a on a fairly low wage but as you work you’re way up you can starting earning significantly more.
You must develop your ability to be flexible and at ease, changing course when opportunities arise. In certain cases, you may even need to pursue a second profession outside of music. In addition, understand the fundamentals of copyright regulations for music. By protecting your music with copyrights, you may avoid being the victim of copyright violations.
The Positives of The Music Industry
One of the biggest entertainment sectors in the world, without a doubt, is the music industry. The way of music production and distribution has seen a significant change in the recent past. Recorded music was traditionally distributed on vinyl records and compact CDs. However, with the advent of music streaming in the twenty-first century, things have drastically shifted.
Music is beneficial in certain ways for the human brain, according to scientific research and experiments. A fantastic approach to decompressing, managing, and reducing stress is through music, as per experts.
Winding Up
Not every employment for music enthusiasts includes creating or performing music. However, you may find a varied range of careers in the industry. While seeking a job in the music field, you must learn all the nuances and ensure that you do not go off track. The industry may have a lot of potholes that could lead you astray. However, you must maintain your integrity and moral values to succeed.
