People who are passionate about music can pursue a variety of careers in the music industry, which is diverse and dynamic. The music industry has jobs for everyone, whether they wish to produce, perform, manage, or promote music, there is a job for you. Musicians, singers, songwriters, composers, producers, engineers, sound technicians, music teachers, music journalists, music therapists, music managers, music promoters, and music lawyers are some of the professions that are most frequently employed in the music industry. While the requirements for each of these positions vary, they are all characterized by a passion for music and a desire to advance musical culture. We will discuss some of the key elements of these positions, including their roles and responsibilities, challenges and rewards, educational and training needs, income ranges, and employment prospects. We will also offer some pointers and suggestions on how to pursue a career in the music business and how to be successful in this cutthroat and artistic profession.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in May 2021, the median hourly pay for musicians and singers was $30.49. From 2021 to 2031, the employment of musicians and singers is expected to increase by 4%, nearly as fast as the national average for all occupations. Over the next ten years, there are expected to be, on average, 20,800 openings for musicians and singers.
As music festivals and live events made a comeback, studios, and venues reopened, and music festivals and live events resumed, the number of music jobs in the UK increased by 14%, from 128,000 to 145,000. Again, the workforce had reached 197,000, which was lower than the 2019 figures.
The Rewards of Being in the Music Industry
Depending on your abilities, interests, and ambitions, a career in the music industry might offer a variety of advantages. Some of the potential advantages include:
– You can use a variety of roles and activities to express your creativity and love of music.
– Your work environment and schedule might be flexible and varied.
– By performing, touring, or working with other musicians, you can visit new areas and meet new people.
– You can pick up brand-new marketing, engineering, and music production techniques.
– You may affect audiences’ interests and preferences while also advancing musical culture.
– Through teaching, therapy, or journalism, you can assist others in learning, healing, or enjoying music.
People who enjoy music can find a variety of jobs, some of which are well-paying. Following are some examples of jobs and their typical salaries, as reported by sources:
Music Producer: From the first draft of a track to the finished product, a music producer uses technology to hone and polish it. Assisting in songwriting, arranging, recording, mixing, and mastering may also be possible. Sound engineers, composers, musicians, and singers collaborate with music producers. A music producer makes $68,440 on average yearly.
Finding a Job as a Music Producer
The path to becoming a music producer is varied. Some people start in the industry as sound engineers, record label executives, musicians, or graduates of music schools. The emergence of the internet, social media, and consumer-level recording technology have made it simpler for self-taught producers to pursue a career in production.
The majority of businesses, however, prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree in music production or a closely connected discipline. A four-year bachelor’s degree program should cover a wide range of subjects and courses related to music and a career in music production.
Training is essential to success in becoming a music producer in addition to formal education. Whether this training takes the form of an internship, an apprenticeship, or on-the-job training, it’s crucial to get hands-on experience using recording software and equipment.
Music Director: A music director chooses the songs that DJs and announcers will play while working for radio stations or networks. To find out which songs have the most listeners, they examine ratings, audience needs, and musical trends. Additionally, music directors communicate with musicians, record companies, and artists. In the US, a music director makes an average yearly pay of $33,736. However, the average annual salary for a director of music is between $27,000 and $84,000. In the United States, a music director makes an average yearly pay of $49,723.
Finding a Job as a Music Director
You need a bachelor’s degree to work as a music director. The program will likely want you to submit recordings, do an audition, or both. To apply to and be accepted into the music program of your choice, it is crucial to practice your skill.
Basic musical abilities that are necessary for a career as a music director can be acquired through music experience as an elementary, middle, or high school student. Working as a music instructor or assistant conductor are other positions in which you might earn relevant expertise.
If you want to grow in your music directing job, think about getting a graduate degree. Your chances of success as a music director increase if you pursue a master’s degree in conducting or music teaching.
Music teacher: A music teacher helps pupils in developing their vocal or instrumental skills. They could work as an educator in faculties, private studios, or online platforms. Lesson plans, homework assignments, progress reviews, and test or performance preparation are all tasks carried out by music teachers. Additionally, music theory, history, and cultural knowledge are essential for music teachers. A music instructor makes $46,000 on average yearly.
How to Become a Music Teacher
A bachelor’s degree in music education from an authorized institution or university and successful completion of a teacher preparation program are often requirements for becoming a music teacher. You’ll take courses in musical theory, music history, and musical performances as part of the bachelor’s degree program. The majority of music education programs demand that students complete a predetermined amount of classroom hours.
You must complete a student teaching internship in music in the grade level(s) you wish to teach after earning your degree. Additionally, you’ll need to pass the state exams necessary for future music educators. You must also earn a teaching certificate.
Music Therapist: Music therapy is the use of music to enhance or preserve a client’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. They could work with people or groups in a variety of places, like clinics, schools, nursing homes, or rehab facilities. Music therapists conduct needs assessments, create and carry out musical therapy, assess results, and track client development. In addition, music therapists require communication, counseling, and psychological skills. An annual compensation of $48,000 is typical for music therapists.
Getting Into the Music Therapy Field
Most people who want to work as music therapists must first earn a degree and then a master’s degree in the field. A professional music therapist has at least a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from one of the more than 80 college and university programs that have been approved by the AMTA. The music therapy foundations and principles, clinical foundations, and musical foundations are the three key areas where the bachelor’s degree curriculum is intended to convey entry-level competencies.
The steps to becoming a music therapist are listed below.
- Earn a bachelor’s in music therapy from a recognized institution.
- Complete the required coursework and clinical training as part of a music therapy curriculum.
- Succeed on the national exam to earn a music therapy certification.
- Apply for positions in the industry.
Music Journalist: A music journalist is a person who writes about music for several types of media, including blogs, websites, magazines, and newspapers. They might conduct musician interviews, write the album, performance, or festival reviews, or cover music industry news and trends. Journalists covering music must be proficient in writing, research, and editing. They also need to be well-versed in a variety of musical genres, styles, and historical periods. A music writer often makes $40,000 a year.
How to Start a Music Journalism Career
There are no official schooling prerequisites to work as a music journalist. But most music writers hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. A lot of music writers have musical backgrounds as well. This might be beneficial when writing about various musical genres.
The steps to becoming a music journalist are listed below.
- Get started reviewing music. Once you’ve decided to pursue a career in music journalism, you should start writing about music. Make a list of your favorite albums and your thoughts on live performances to be reviewed.
- Gain practical experience. Think about applying for an internship or getting a job at the newspaper, magazine, or broadcast of your institution.
- Check out the most recent music news and critics’ opinions.
- Open social media accounts and interact frequently there.
- Begin assembling a portfolio.
- Craft a carefully worded resume and cover letter.
- Begin submitting applications for positions as freelance music journalists.
Sound technician: To ensure the right loudness and audio quality, a sound technician keeps an eye on and makes adjustments to the audio equipment. They might work at live performances or in recording studios. Additionally, sound engineers set up microphones and other audio equipment for speakers and performers. Engineering, production, and technological abilities are required of sound technicians.
They also require a sense of rhythm and an ear for sound. The average annual salary for a sound technician in the United States is $37,964 as of April 15, 2023, according to ZipRecruiter. However, research indicates that the median annual salary for sound technicians in 2019 was $54,740, with the lowest annual salary being $35,270 and the highest annual salary being $79,130. As of March 28, 2023, the average Sound Technician pay in the United States was $44,558, according to pay.com. According to Glassdoor, the average yearly salary for a sound technician in the United States is $41,561.
Finding a Sound Technician Job
You can obtain an associate’s degree in audio production or sound recording technology to work as a sound technician. Participate in an internship program at a studio or with an event production company to gain expertise. Practice utilizing audio editing software and recording equipment. You can also enroll in programs that will help you build strong engineering abilities through apprenticeship. Exams are part of these programs, which also provide you with hands-on experience as an audio technician. Ledgernote claims that having a good ear for music, technical skill, and, in most cases, a formal degree is necessary to become a sound technician.
Photographer: A photographer takes pictures of live performances or performers for a variety of reasons, including advertising, research, or artistic expression. They might work for record labels, journals, or websites. Utilizing software or other tools, photographers also edit and improve their photographs. Photographers must possess knowledge of composition, lighting, and photography. They also need to be artistically and creatively inclined. According to ZipRecruiter, as of April 20, 2023, the average annual pay for a Music Photographer in the United States is $47,012 a year. This is the equivalent of $22.60 an hour. However, the pay range for a Music Photographer varies greatly (by as much as $23,000), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location and years of experience.
For more experienced tour photographers, $1,000-$1,500/week is not unheard of for medium to larger bands.
Getting Started as a Photographer
Motivation, a love of music, and photographic talent are needed to become a music photographer. The Barricade claims that this begins similarly to how any artist would: by compiling a network of contacts in the field and building a portfolio. You can achieve this by photographing local musicians and venues and connecting with the music scene. You can have a successful photography career by learning how to advertise yourself in the music industry. A useful entry point into the profession for those just starting in their careers as music photographers are to study for a relevant university degree. While honing your skills, journalism, media studies, and photography would all be appropriate courses to take.
People who are passionate about music can pursue a variety of careers in the music industry, which is diverse and dynamic. The music industry has jobs for everyone, whether they wish to produce, perform, manage, or promote music. Musicians, singers, songwriters, engineers, sound technicians, music teachers, music journalists, music promoters, and music lawyers are some of the professions that are most frequently employed in the music industry. While the requirements for each of these positions vary, they are all characterized by a passion for music and a desire to advance musical culture. We’ve looked at some of the key elements of these jobs, including their duties and responsibilities, difficulties and rewards, educational and training needs, income ranges, and employment prospects. With these pointers and suggestions, you can successfully pursue a career in the music business.