What can I do with this degree?

MUSIC

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AREAS
EDUCATION

• Teaching 
• Private Lessons

EMPLOYERS

• Colleges and universities 
• Conservatories 
• Elementary and secondary schools
• Private Studios

STRATEGIES 

Acquire teaching certificate for public school teaching. Gain experience working with children through volunteer or part-time work experiences. Graduate degree required to teach in higher education. Specialize in an area such as music, music theory, composition, music history, etc. Performance skill on one instrument or voice required. Develop business relationships with schools and/or music stores to increase client base.

AREAS
PERFORMANCE

• Instrumental 
• Vocal

EMPLOYERS

• Armed Forces bands and orchestras 
• Symphony orchestras 
• Small ensembles 
• Concert soloist
• Rock or jazz groups 
• Church choirs 
• Community choral groups 
• Opera chorus or soloist 
• Musical theaters 
• Ballet productions 
• Recording industry 
• Radio, television, and motion picture industries

STRATEGIES
Develop musical talent and skill. Obtain formal training to acquire necessary skills, knowledge, and ability to interpret music. Ambition and showmanship are important. Join campus bands and choruses, church choirs, and other performing acts. Seek competitions, apprenticeship programs, and workshops to gain experience and recognition. Opportunities are very limited. Most performers have other careers. Auditions are generally required.

AREAS
COMPOSING/ARRANGING

• Composing 
• Arranging

EMPLOYERS  

• Record companies 
• Publishers 
• Motion picture and television industries 
• Production companies

STRATEGIES
Knowledge of composition, harmony, arranging, and theory are important. Learn how to use electronic instruments and synthesizers. Develop computer and desktop publishing expertise. Skill on one or more instruments and voice are necessary. Seek grants and awards through foundations. Very few musicians earn living through composing.

AREAS
CONDUCTING

EMPLOYERS

• Choirs 
• Choral groups 
• Symphonies 
• Opera 
• Armed Forces bands and orchestras

STRATEGIES
Develop superior musicianship and leadership. Acquire extensive experience in performing groups. Opportunities extremely limited. Gain acceptance into a conductor-training program or related apprenticeship.

AREAS 

MUSIC LIBRARIES

EMPLOYERS

• Colleges and universities 
• Conservatories 
• Public libraries 
• Radio and television stations

STRATEGIES
Develop computer and research skills. Gain thorough knowledge of music and musicology. Earn master's degree in library/information science.

AREAS 

COMMUNICATIONS

• Music and Program Direction 
• On Air Performance 
• Promotion 
• Voice Overs 
• Music License Administration 
• Music Editing, Production, and Composing 
• Sound Mixing 
• Post Production 
• Research

EMPLOYERS

• Radio and television stations 
• Virtual reality sound environments e.g. Internet sites, software creators

STRATEGIES
Take classes in communications, broadcasting, or journalism. Work at on-campus radio station. Complete an internship at a television or radio station.
Develop computer-related skills such as software development and programming.