You have a passion for music. And when you’re at work or school, you’re daydreaming of a life where you could play all day. But you still have bills to pay – and if you want to go full-time, you need something more stable than one-off gigs. Luckily, the music industry offers a variety of music-related jobs where you can apply your passion in diverse and fulfilling ways – and hone other skills, too! You can find folks with a background in various fields in music, from business to composition to creating and repairing instruments.
Wondering, ”What are some careers in music?” Here are 18 common jobs that involve music to explore – and how you can pave a path from passion to profession.
1. Composer
If you love writing original music, consider a career in composition. Composers create original music for various settings, including film scores, video games, theater productions, and orchestras. Their work involves writing, arranging, and often conducting music.
Budding composers typically start by studying music theory and composition and may earn a degree from a conservatory or university. However, building a portfolio of original work and gaining experience through internships or assistant roles can open doors to professional opportunities.
2. Music Producer
Love collaborating and creating “the big picture”? Consider music production. Music producers oversee the recording process, working closely with artists to create polished tracks. They manage the technical aspects of recording, mixing, and mastering, ensuring the final product meets professional standards.
Aspiring music producers often start by learning sound engineering and production techniques, either through formal education or hands-on experience. Internships at recording studios and networking within the music industry are crucial steps toward a successful career.
3. Studio Musician
Want to become a master of your instrument, experiment with a variety of genres, and get paid to work with a variety of artists? Becoming a studio musician may be for you. Studio musicians, or session musicians, are highly skilled players hired to perform on recording sessions for various music artists and projects — whether for album recording or even soundtracking for film, TV, or commercials. Their versatility and ability to quickly adapt to different styles make them invaluable in studio settings.
To become a studio musician, you’ll want to master your instrument through formal training and extensive practice. You’ll also need to get out there and make connections. Having a strong network in the music industry, often through live performances and collaborations, is crucial. Aspiring studio musicians can also gain experience by working on smaller projects or demo recordings before moving on to larger, professional sessions.
4. Professional Player
If you feel most at home on stage – and have dreams of touring – consider becoming a professional player. Professional musicians perform solo or as part of orchestras, bands, and ensembles. Being a professional player requires exceptional skill and dedication, often involving rigorous practice sessions and performances.
Most professional musicians begin their journey with formal training, such as private lessons or attending music schools. Participation in competitions, auditioning, and joining musical groups can help build a reputation and secure performance opportunities.
5. Music Teacher
Do you know your stuff inside and out and get a thrill out of helping others succeed? You may be born to teach! Music teachers teach students music theory, instrument techniques, and performance skills. Teaching can take many forms: you can work in schools and universities or offer private lessons.
To become a music teacher in an educational setting, you typically need a degree in music education or performance. However, you can start teaching privately when you find some prospective students – and you can teach in your home, at your own studio, at clients’ homes, or even over video platforms. Gaining teaching experience through internships, student teaching programs, and private tutoring can help secure a teaching position.
6. Tour Manager
If you’re a creative spirit with wanderlust in your heart (and you’ve got some solid organizational skills), being a tour manager may be your calling. Tour managers handle the logistics of an artist’s tour, including coordinating schedules, accommodations, and transportation. As a tour manager, you’ll ensure everything runs smoothly so the performers can focus on their shows.
A career as a tour manager often begins with experience in event planning or working in various capacities within the music industry. Strong organizational skills and the ability to handle high-pressure situations are essential.
7. Booking Agent
Have a “traditional” business background? You can break out of your 9-5 and step into the music industry as a booking agent! Booking agents secure performance opportunities for artists, negotiate contracts, and manage their schedules.
Booking agents are crucial in helping musicians gain exposure and grow their careers. Aspiring booking agents often start by working in talent agencies or within the music industry in roles involving networking and promotion. A background in business, marketing, or communications can be beneficial.
8. Recording Engineer
Have you ever been told you have bat-like hearing? Are you the true audiophile of your friend group? Do you love tech? Your picky ears and musical talents could be useful as a recording engineer. Recording engineers work in studios to capture the best sound possible, operate recording equipment, mix tracks, and ensure top-notch audio quality.
Becoming a recording engineer typically starts with studying audio engineering – where you’ll gain hands-on experience through internships or entry-level positions at recording studios. Developing a keen ear for sound and staying updated with the latest technology are important aspects of being a successful recording engineer.
9. Music Director
So, you’re a natural-born leader – and you’ve got a good sense of rhythm, too. Maybe it’s time you run the show! Music directors lead orchestras, choirs, and other musical groups. They are responsible for selecting repertoire, conducting rehearsals, and guiding performances.
Aspiring music directors often start as musicians or assistant conductors, during which time you’ll gain experience in leadership and musical direction. A degree in music performance or conducting is usually required, along with experience directing musical ensembles.
10. Music Journalist
You’ve got your finger on the pulse of all things music and pop culture – and you love to write. You could make your music career dreams come true as a music journalist. Music journalists write about music for magazines, newspapers, websites, and blogs. They review albums, interview artists, and cover industry news.
To become a music journalist, you’ll need strong writing skills and a deep knowledge of music. A degree in journalism or communications can be helpful, along with building a portfolio of writing samples and gaining experience through internships or freelance work. Not sure how to get started? Consider creating your very own music blog!
11. Audio Engineer
Live music is your passion. You’re quick to react. And you work well under pressure. A career as an audio engineer is calling your name! Audio engineers focus on the technical aspects of sound during live performances or recordings. They ensure the best possible audio experience for the audience.
Aspiring audio engineers often study sound engineering and gain practical experience through internships or working in live sound settings. Technical proficiency and the ability to troubleshoot issues quickly are key skills for this role.
12. Music Promoter
If you love to communicate (and maybe have dreamed of having a viral TikTok or two), consider a career in music promotion. Music promoters plan and execute promotional campaigns to increase the visibility of artists, albums, and concerts. They use various channels, including social media, radio, and live events, to reach target audiences.
To become a music promoter, you can gain experience in marketing, public relations, radio promotions, or event management. Networking and building relationships within the music industry are crucial for success.
13. A&R (Artists and Repertoire)
You’re always the first of your friends to find the coolest indie artists… and can always say, “I liked them before they got big.” If you’re great at predicting artist success and following trends, you might be cut out for the world of A&R. A&R professionals are responsible for scouting and signing new talent to record labels. They work closely with artists to develop their music and guide their careers.
To get started in A&R, aspiring professionals usually begin with internships or entry-level positions at record labels, learning the ropes of talent scouting and artist development.
14. Luthier
If you love working with your hands, are interested in the technical aspects of your instrument, prefer to do your repairs yourself, and are looking for a music career, you might want to consider becoming a luthier. Luthiers are skilled craftsmen who build and repair string instruments like guitars, violins, violas, cellos, and basses.
To become a luthier, you’ll need to have a deep understanding of instrument construction and acoustics. Many luthiers train through specialized schools or apprenticeships, developing their craft through hands-on experience and mentorship.
15. Playlist Curator
You’ve got a Spotify playlist for every mood, every season, and every moment. You’re halfway there to becoming a playlist curator! Playlist curators create and manage playlists for music streaming services, radio stations, and brands.
As a playlist curator, you’ll select tracks that fit specific themes or moods, helping listeners discover new music. Aspiring playlist curators often start by working in music retail, radio, or digital media, gaining experience in music selection and audience engagement.
16. DJ
There’s nothing more you love than getting the crowd moving and grooving. You’re great at reading the room and always the one your friends pass the aux to. Hey, you might be a good DJ! DJs play and mix music at events, clubs, and radio stations. They create engaging musical experiences for their audiences, often incorporating their own remixes and transitions.
To become a DJ, you can learn DJing techniques and equipment at home. From there, you can gain experience through gigs at local venues and build a reputation within the music community.
17. Venue Coordinator
You’re organized and love to run day-to-day operations – both front and back of the house. You love music but want a career that keeps you local. You’re a born venue coordinator! Venue coordinators manage the logistics of live music events, ensuring that everything from sound and lighting to ticketing and security runs smoothly. They work closely with artists, promoters, and technical staff.
A background in event management, hospitality, or the music industry can help you become a venue coordinator.
18. Music Supervisor for Film & TV
You don’t just love music; you also love film and TV. Nothing gives you more of a rush than when a scene has the perfect song. Heck, if your life was a movie, you know what’d be playing. Maybe it’s time to explore becoming a music supervisor! Music supervisors select and license music for use in films, TV shows, and commercials. As a music supervisor, you’d work closely with directors and producers to create the right musical atmosphere.
Ready to become a music supervisor? You’ll likely need experience in music licensing, production, or media. A degree in music business or a related field can be beneficial, along with strong networking skills.
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