Music Careers

Music careers involve writing, performing, producing, and publicizing music. Individuals in the music industry jobs are either musicians, music coordinators, or professionals managing musicians.

The roles of these professionals in music business careers also include events, people management, regulatory activities, and entertainment.

Why Choose Music?

Some reasons to choose a career in music include the following:

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, music directors and composers earn about $49,130 annually.
• Music industry jobs are versatile with different niches.
• The projection of employment outlook for musicians and singers would increase by 4% over the next decade.
• Music is not going into extinction anytime soon, so professionals in the industry have stability.
• Most musicians do not need a formal education to make a career out of music.

How to Start your Music Journey

You can start your journey in music with efficient training and practice. While some are born with natural talents, most require practice and training.

Music schools provide the necessary training and mentorship. In addition, entry-level roles in some of the behind-the-scenes jobs in the industry may require a university degree.

Most musicians may only need a high school certificate. However, a degree is essential to stay relevant in the music business.

Educational Requirements

Associate Degree

An associate degree in music takes two years to obtain. It trains you in music performance, production, and certain ethics. It also teaches you conducting skills and rehearsal procedures.

Most schools offer associate degrees in production, business, education, or performance. Non-musicians can study for this degree as well. Your choice to learn depends on your area of specialization.

Bachelor’s Degree

Professionals at this level receive training in the art of dissemination and good taste in music. BA in music production, technology, management, Jazz vocal instrumental performances, etc.

A Bachelor’s degree opens up opportunities for entry-level positions. It also prepares you for possible graduate studies in your area of specialization.

Master’s Degree

A Master’s degree in music takes at least two years to complete. It trains you for music management, music education, and business roles. You can either lead performances, teach music professionally or manage top-rated musicians. Most professionals take their time to specialize at this level.

In addition, a master's degree provides opportunities for management or advisory roles. For example, you can lead performances, teach music professionally, or manage top-rated musicians.

Doctorate in Music

A Ph.D. in music exposes you to in-depth research in the industry and genres of music. It also allows you to pursue careers in music composition and higher education. A Ph.D. takes about two to four years to complete.

At this stage, professionals make significant contributions to academic research. Then, depending on individual interests, you can pursue a career in music performance, education, production, or the administrative side. You can also decide to work as a music critic.

Employment Prospects

According to the Bureau of Labour statistics cited above, there would be a 5% growth in the job outlook for music directors and producers between 2021-2031.

About 5,800 job openings for music directors and composers would be available each year over the next decade. These openings are due to workers’ replacement on transfer or exit of the labor force.

Music Career Forecast

Music careers offer you high-starting salaries, versatility, and stability. You can start as a trainee, then move on to specialize.

You can choose whatever niche or genre interests you regarding music. A professional can make a career switch quite easily in this field. According to the second BLS report cited above, 20,800 job openings are projected annually for musicians and singers.

Lucrative Music Career Paths

Music Director

A music director works closely with the creative team to oversee all music coordination and performance aspects.

Average Salary

The annual average salary of a music director is $51,584, with opportunities for additional payment of $4,427. Therefore, the most likely salary range is between $42,000 and $75,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

A music director is primarily responsible for the following:

• Leads and supervises music rehearsals and performances.
• Selects music and provides training for artists.
• The music director is in charge of music management.

Industries Employing Music Directors

• Music directors can work in bands, choirs, or orchestras.
• Radio and Television
• Music Industry.

Song Writer

Songwriters create lyrics and melodies for songs.

Average Salary

The average annual salary for a songwriter is $62,729. Additional pay opportunities include cash bonuses, commission, tips, etc. However, the most common salary range is between $35,000 and $ 78,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

A Songwriter is responsible for the following:

• Composing music lyrics and melodies
• Engaging clients and writing songs to meet their specifications.
• Conducting research in the music business.
• Collaborating with other songwriters in the music industry.

Industries Employing Song Writers

A Song Writer can work in the following industries:

• Freelance industry
• Corporate organizations
• Entertainment
• Advertising and media houses.

Booking Agent

Average Salary

The annual average salary of a booking agent is $53,742. There are opportunities for additional payment of about $12,623. The most likely salary range is between $41,000 and $71,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

A Booking Agent is responsible for the following:

• Securing musical gigs and appearances for artists and bands.
• Booking music tours and live performances.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with concert promoters.
• Negotiating contracts with other agents in the music business.

Industries Employing Booking Agents

Booking Agents can work in the following industries:

• Entertainment industry
• Music Industry

A&R Coordinators

An A&R Coordinators recruit, manage, record, and produce new artists for their labels.

Average Salary

The average annual salary of an A&R coordinator is $47,877. Additional pay of $2,318 is available based on the number of bonuses and tips received. Therefore, the most likely salary range is between $41,000 and $56,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

An A&R coordinator is responsible for the following;

• Recruiting new talents to the label.
• Recording and producing the new artists.
• Negotiating contracts on behalf of the artists.

Industries Employing A&R Coordinators

The following industries can employ A&R coordinators:

• Music labels
• Private individuals in the music business.
• Talent scouts.

Artist Relations and Development Representative

Artist relations and Development Representatives assist artists in developing their careers financially and in music management.

Average Salary

Artist relations and development representative earns an annual average salary of $55,604 and an additional $18,085. Therefore, the most likely salary range is between $57,000 to $96,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

The roles of artist relations and development representatives include the following:

• They connect the artist with other clients and the public.
• They build and maintain relationships with the artists.
• They are in charge of press releases and connecting the press with the artists.

Industries Employing Artist Relations and Development Representative

Artists relations and development representatives can work in the following industries:

• Record labels.
• Film and entertainment.

Album Cover Designer

An album cover designer creates and designs the artwork for music projects.

Average Salary

The annual average salary of an album cover designer is $50,178. However, the salary ranges from $18,500 to $101,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

An album cover designer is responsible for the following:

• Producing cover art, t-shirts, posters, and other marketable materials for artists and record labels.
• Pitching cover ideas to artists and potential clients.
• Putting designs in the proper format for the music publisher.

Industries Employing Album Cover Designers

Album cover designers can work in the following industries

• Music and entertainment
• Art and design.

Music Artist

Music artists compose, conduct, perform and record music.

Average Salary

The annual average salary of music artists is $59,192, with an additional payment of $6,394. The most likely salary range is between $50,000 and $86,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

A music artist is responsible for the following:

• Writing and recording music.
• Performing music.

Industries Employing Music Artists

Artistes can work in the following industries:

• Music and entertainment.
• Private capacities.

Background Singer

Background singers provide backing vocals to lead singers in recording sessions or musical performances.

Average Salary

The average annual salary of a background singer is $91,384. The salary varies based on skill, experience, and location. The basic salary range could start as low as $13,500 and as high as $400,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• They lend their vocals to live performances and recording sessions.
• They provide harmony to lead artists.

Industries Employing Background Singers

• Musicians and live performers.
• Recording studios.

Audio Engineer

Audio engineers are responsible for recording, mixing, producing, and mastering live audio sessions.

Average Salary

An audio engineer earns an average annual salary of $49,879, with an additional $3,769 on tips, commission, and bonuses. Therefore, the most likely salary range is between $41,000 and $70,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

An audio engineer is responsible for the following:

• Balancing and adjusting sound
• Mixing and mastering sound
• Recording and producing.

Industries Employing Audio Engineers

The following industries can employ audio engineers

• Music and entertainment.
• Recording studios.

Tour Manager

A tour manager organizes the schedule of appearances for a musician or music group on tour.

Average Salary

A tour manager earns an annual average salary of $68,932, with additional payments of $4,827. The most likely salary range is between $59,000 and $93,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Ensures that musicians’ road trips go on smoothly.
• Schedules the appearance of artists on stage in different cities.

Industries Employing Assistant Engineers

Tour managers can work in the following industries;

• Music Industry
• Movie and entertainment industry.
• Book publishing

Music Producer

Music producers record and produce songs for artists in their record labels or for their own musical benefits.

Average Salary

The average annual salary for a music producer is $55,991. The basic salary range is between $28,500 to $105,500. The difference in salary depends on the level of skill and experience.

Roles and Responsibilities

A music producer is responsible for the following:

• Arranging compositions for music production.
• Running recording sessions and suggesting changes in lyrics and instruments.
• Gathering inspiration and ideas for musical projects.

Industries Employing Music Producers

A music producer can work in the following industries:

• Music and recording studios
• Entertainment.

Accompanist

Accompanists play instruments while the musician sings.

Average Salary

The average annual salary of an accompanist is $52,507, with additional pay of $10,563. The most likely salary range is between $50,000 and $81,000. The salary varies depending on skill, experience, and location.

Roles and Responsibilities

An accompanist is responsible for the following:

• Supporting or collaborating with musicians and lead singers.
• Educating music lovers.
• Assisting music directors during concerts and rehearsals.

Industries Employing Accompanists

An accompanist can work in the following industries:

• Music industry.
• Private musicians and concert halls.
• Choirs and orchestras.

Music Arranger

Music arrangers are in charge of music organization, reworking and adapting existing music compositions.

Average Salary

The average annual salary of an arranger is $51,293. The most likely salary range is between $43,000 and $74,000. It varies based on location, level of skill, and experience.

Roles and Responsibilities

A music arranger is responsible for the following:

• Arranging music compositions
• Reworking old music compositions.

Industries Employing Music Arrangers

Music arrangers can work in the following industries;

• Music Industry

Music Teacher

A music teacher is a professional that gives music lessons.

Average Salary

The average annual salary of a music teacher is $48,016, with additional payments of $3,519. The salary difference depends on skill level, location, and experience. The most likely salary range is between $39,000 and $69,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

A music teacher is primarily responsible for the following:

• Educating music lovers in practical methods and theory.
• Fine Tuning vocalists and instrumentalists.
• Instructing students as part of the school curriculum.

Industries Employing Music Teachers

Music teachers can work in the following industries;

• Schools and institutions of learning
• Concert halls.

Music Publicist

A music publicist is in charge of public relations between a musician and any other third party.

Average Salary

Music publicists earn an annual average salary of $43,324. However, the salary could start as low as $11,000 and be as high as $88,000. The difference in salary, depends on location, skill level, and experience.

Roles and Responsibilities

Music Publicists are responsible for the following:

• Handling public relations for musicians.
• Managing the media and press.
• Managing content on behalf of the musicians.

Industries Employing music Publicists

Music publicists can work in the following industries:

• Music and entertainment.
• PR industry.

Music Composer

Music composers are in charge of music organizations.

Average Salary

A music composer earns an annual average salary of $59,368, with an additional payment of $4,900. Therefore, the most likely salary range is between $49,000 and $84,000. The difference in salary depends on the composer's location, experience, and skill level.

Roles and Responsibilities

Music composers are responsible for the following:

• Rearranging and creating musical pieces.
• Assisting with music production.

Industries Employing Music Composers

Music composers can work in the following industries:

• Music and entertainment
• Private musicians and artists.

How to Boost your Music Career

You can boost your music career with the right skills and degree. Musicians and performing artists in the music industry may not necessarily need to acquire a degree to be successful. However, they can thrive with the right set of skills and on-the-job training.

However, a music and artist management career requires either an associate or Bachelor's degree. A Bachelor's degree would qualify you for entry-level jobs.

Secure internship roles in the industry. It would help you connect, boost your network faster, and provide you with the basic training you need. Lastly, remember to keep up with the trends in the industry.

Pros and Cons of Music Careers

Below are some of the pros and cons to consider before you choose a career in music:

Pros

• You get to pursue your passion and do what you love.
• Meet and interact with new people daily.
• Entrepreneurship opportunities.
• Career flexibility.
• You get to travel and see the world.
• You’re contributing to the artistic community while perfecting your craft.
• Freedom to create your career path.

Cons

• You are constantly on the road with little or no time to yourself.
• The constant fear of financial risks.
• Unpredictable schedules
• Uncomfortable work environments
• Disagreements in management teams.

Skills You’ll Develop While Studying Music

Studying for a degree in music would help you develop some of the following skills:

Critical Thinking and Analysis

A musician, those in the music business, and even music teachers would build up this skill while studying and teaching music. Thinking up creative new pieces and keeping them relevant in the industry requires critical thinking and analysis.

Software Skills

Strong computer skills are important for musicians and those in the music business. Knowledge of different software

Management Skills

The core of the careers in the industry, besides music artists and performers, is the management arm. Artist management is a skill you pick up and build over the years with experience in people management. Most people in this line of work are music lovers themselves.

Interpersonal Skills

The nature of the music business careers requires constant interpersonal relations to grow your network and thrive. You develop this skill while studying for your career or on-the-job training. Alongside relationship skills, it is also wise to groom your leadership skills.

Attention to Detail

While studying the music business, you would learn to pay attention to detail, especially when it comes to artist management. Musicians and music lovers know are meticulous in music composition and arrangement.

How to Prepare for a Music Career

Before you think of a successful career in the music industry, there are certain steps you need to follow:

1. Take Music Classes and Art Related Subjects in High School

Music classes help students develop their music careers at an early stage. Music and art classes would help lay the foundation to build your passion for your career. It provides the initial grooming and practice you need, especially with the use of instruments.

2. Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Music

A Bachelor’s degree would prepare you for entry-level roles in the music industry. It would also strengthen your prospects of advancing your career and earning post-graduate degrees.

3. Select a Career Niche in Music and Specialize

Instead of doing a bit of everything in the music business, select a particular niche and specialize. It would help to define your career goals better. You would also gather valuable experience when you can focus on a specific niche and specialize.

4. Create a Solid Online Presence

The music business needs help to thrive offline. There has to be a considerable mix of both online and offline activities. It is easier to increase your popularity online than offline. According to this article, You no longer need much money for live performances or promotions. All you need is the internet.

5. Build a Supportive Network of Contacts

A music career would allow you to meet with a lot of people with this building your network. Music producers, talent managers, audio engineers, musicians, music teachers, etc. These contacts would help you gather ideas and broaden your perspective for new projects. They would also be available to provide you with industry counsel.

6. Have a Business Mindset

It is important to have a music business plan at this stage. Think like an entrepreneur and develop strategies to help you progress and remain relevant as you advance in your career.

Music Resources to Help Your Career

Some professional music certificates that can give your career a boost in the industry are:

Certificate of Completion (CCL) in music: provides music professionals with broad knowledge of music and its management. You can find CCL courses across schools like community colleges or independent, non-academic courses.

Certificate in Music education: Available as independent courses or part of academic programs.

**Certificate in Music Business Entrepreneurship: **It takes one to two years to complete. It provides insights into the music industry’s complexities.

Certificate in Music Marketing: You can find Certificate in Music Marketing courses across schools or as independent, non-academic courses.

Certificate in Artist management: You can find Certificate in Artist management courses across schools or as independent, non-academic courses.

How to Switch to a Music Career

First, you need to build your passion for the music industry, then put in a bit of practice. Take music classes or classes in music management, depending on your niche.

A certificate or degree in music would give you a boost. Ensure to get your degree in relevant skills that are in demand in the industry. You can get that information from job sites like LinkedIn.

Finally, take action and apply for jobs or venture into your career as a musician. You would be eligible for internships and entry-level roles at this stage. Ensure to use this period to your advantage by building your network of contacts wisely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Music?

Music is the art of combining sounds to create harmony, melody or as a form of self-expression. The basic music theory consists of all elements combined to form music.

What certification do I need for a Music career?

To fully practice music, you may need a certificate of completion (CCL) in music, a certificate in music education, or a certificate in music business and entrepreneurship.

Can I get a Music degree online?

Yes. There are a lot of music degrees you can get online. Music lessons and music teachers are available as well. Music lovers or non-musicians interested in music can take any course of their choice.

What fields can Music professionals work in?

Music professionals can work in the local music scene, in the recording industry, the film and entertainment industry, music industry.

Professionals can also pursue roles in academia and music institutes.

Is there a high demand for Music majors?

Yes. Music majors are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics cited above, jobs for music directors and composers would grow by 5% between 2021-2031.

Final Thoughts

Music careers are versatile and constantly evolving. What is relevant now may not be in the nearest future. It is important to keep up with the trends, whether you’re a musician or in music management.