Careers in Music

Performance

  • Symphony / chamber orchestra musician
  • Chamber musician
  • Musical theatre / opera / ballet pit orchestra musician
  • Military band musician / chorister
  • Studio musician
  • Folk musician
  • Rock / jazz band musician
  • Instrumental / vocal soloist
  • Church / temple musician

Education

  • Private studio teacher
  • Public school teacher (primary, elementary, intermediate, secondary)
  • Private school teacher
  • University professor (studio teacher, composition, history, theory, conducting, music education)
  • Music conservatory teacher
  • Music / arts administrator or supervisor
  • Educational consultant
  • Music librarian / archivist
  • Historian / musicologist / ethnomusicologist

Conducting

  • Symphony / chamber orchestra conductor
  • Musical theatre / opera / ballet pit orchestra conductor
  • Military band / military choir conductor
  • Conductor for commercials / radio and television productions / film soundtracks
  • Community band, orchestra or vocal ensemble conductor
  • Jazz band leader
  • Church or temple music director

Composing and Arranging

  • Composer / arranger of music for school / community bands, orchestras, vocal ensembles
  • Composer / arranger of music for professional bands, orchestras, vocal ensembles, chamber music, opera, solo music
  • Musical theatre / opera / ballet composer or orchestrator
  • Television / film composer or orchestrator
  • Composer / arranger for television and radio commercials
  • Composer / arranger for rock or jazz ensembles

Publishing

  • Notation software specialist (professional user)
  • Notation software designer
  • Musicianship skills software designer (e.g., eartraining programs)
  • Music copyist
  • Music engraver
  • Editor
  • Proofreader
  • Graphic artist
  • Copyright expert
  • Marketing / promotions director
  • Sales director
  • Arts and entertainment production
  • Talent agent or coordinator
  • Union representative
  • Rehearsal / dance studio accompanist
  • Director (tv, radio, musical theatre)
  • Choreographer
  • Audio technician
  • Audio producer (CD, DVD)
  • Music journalist / critic
  • Musician contractor
  • Music producer (tv, radio, musical theatre)
  • Performing arts administrator
  • Video producer / director / engineer

Music Technology

  • Keyboard hardware / software designer or manufacturer
  • Other digital instruments designer or manufacturer
  • Acoustic instrument designer or manufacturer
  • Electronic instrument designer or manufacturer
  • Instrument repair technician
  • Piano / organ technician or tuner
  • Sound / recording engineer
  • Mastering technician
  • Studio designer
  • Acoustical consultant or engineer
  • Concert hall architect

The Music Business

  • Music retailer (owner, manager, salesperson)
  • Sales representative for instrument manufacturer
  • Music distributor
  • Arts administrator
  • Arts lawyer (copyright, contracts, etc.)
  • Talent agent
  • Concert promoter / concert series presenter
  • Ticket sales coordinator
  • CD and video distributor

Health Services

  • Audiologist
  • Music therapist
  • Recreation arts coordinator