STRATEGIES

What can I do with this degree?

AREAS EMPLOYERS

MUSIC

EDUCATIONTeaching

Private Lessons

Daycare centersElementary and secondary schools

Colleges and universitiesConservatories

StudiosSelf-employed

Acquire teaching certificate for public schoolteaching.

Gain experience working with children throughvolunteer or part-time work experiences.

Graduate degree required. Specialize in an areasuch as music, music theory, composition, musichistory, etc.

Performance skill on one instrument or voicerequired.

Develop business relationships with schools and/or music stores to increase client base.

Knowledge of composition, harmony, arranging andtheory important.

Learn how to use electronic instruments andsynthesizers.

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.

Self-employedRecord companiesPublishersMuzakMotion picture and television industriesProduction companies

ComposingArranging

PERFORMANCE

InstrumentalVocal

Armed Forces bands and orchestrasSymphony orchestrasSmall ensemblesRock or jazz groupDance bandConcert soloistClubs and restaurantsChurch choirsCommunity choral groupsOpera chorus or soloistRecording industryRadio, television, and motion picture industries

COMPOSING/ARRANGING

Develop musical talent and skill.Ambition and showmanship 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.

(Music, Page 2)

EMPLOYERSAREAS STRATEGIES

CONDUCTINGChoirsChoral groupsSymphoniesOpera

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

or related apprenticeship.

Hospitals: general and psychiatricSpecial education facilitiesMental health centersNursing homesCorrectional facilitiesPrivate practice

Publishing and EditingProducingRecordingEngineeringManufacturingTalent AcquisitionPromotion/Media RelationsPublicityAdministrationMarketing and SalesProduct Management

Production recording studios (most located in NewYork City, Los Angeles, and Nashville)

Complete an internship at a record company.Take business courses to work in management or

administration.Journalism, public relations, and communication

classes helpful for work in areas of promotion.Gain sales experience for marketing. Must interact

well with people and develop persuasion tools.Knowledge of electronics, audio engineering, and

recording knowledge required for production.Work or volunteer at a campus or local radio

station.Join organizations involved with bringing events

and entertainment to campus.Work at a retail record store to learn about the

industry.

MUSIC THERAPYTake courses in psychology, social work, or

education.Earn a master's degree in music therapy and seek

certification.Volunteer in a rehabilitation setting.Must demonstrate a genuine interest in helping

people.

RECORDING INDUSTRY

MUSIC LIBRARIES Colleges and universitiesConservatoriesPublic librariesRadio and television stations

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

• Majoring in music provides students with asense of aesthetics and an understanding of human expression valuable tomany employers.

• Finding positions in the music industry requiresa combination of talent, training, connec-tions and some luck. Perserverence isrequired!

• Develop competencies in business manage-ment, computers, marketing, or other areasto broaden range of employment possibili -ties.

• Develop a variety of skills. Become"multitalented."

• Confidence, personality, a positive attitude, anda love of music are important to success.

• Need basic tools of self-promotion.• Some jobs may require you to join unions or

guilds.

AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES

(Music, Page 3)

RADIO/TELEVISIONMusic and Program DirectionOn Air PerformancePromotionVoice OversCopyright/Clearance AdministrationMusic License AdministrationMusic Editing, Production, and ComposingSound MixingPost ProductionResearch

Take classes in communications, broadcasting, orjournalism.

Work at on-campus radio station.Complete an internship at a television or radio

station.

MISCELLANEOUSSales

Music Journalism

Law

Music shopsRecord storesInstrument manufacturersMusic-related publicationsMagazines and newspapersEntertainment law firms

GENERAL INFORMATION

Radio and television stations

Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (1998)UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer

Get sales experience. Work in a retail musicoutlet.

Take courses in journalism and English.Write articles for campus newspaper.Earn law degree.

• Gain experience working for a music pub-lisher or other businesses in the enter-tainment industry.