“I am highly interested in music and it is my favorite subject in school. How can I make a living out of something I enjoy so much?” This question and others like it are asked by many young, aspiring musicians.
There are many employment opportunities available to a college graduate with a degree in music. Some music occupations, of course, do not require a degree at all. Others demand a rigorous academic background leading all the way to a doctorate degree. (Ph.D., Ed.D. or DMA).
Today, many young “garage band” hopefuls aspire to become rock stars. Thousands try but very few make it. The few that do make it to stardom can have very long, extremely lucrative careers. They are the lucky ones. Some may only have a modicum of talent but they happen to hit it big by being at the right place at the right time. These musicians, as well as many pop, rock, rap and others do not need a formal education in music.
People with degrees in music usually fall into several categories: Performance, which includes Conducting, Music Education, Musicology, Composition and varied courses in the music industry.
Students who are talented with their instrument or voice may aspire to a career in performance. Many of these people enroll in conservatories such as Eastman or Juilliard. They graduate with a Bachelor of Music (B.M.) degree and hopefully go on to a career with a symphony orchestra, or if they are extremely talented, they may pursue a career as a soloist. Many symphony musicians are graduates of conservatories and many have master’s degrees in performance.
The majority of music graduates enter teaching careers in public schools, community colleges and universities. Public schools require a bachelor’s degree and a teaching credential. Students usually graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A. or a B.M) degree. A teaching credential requires another year of study and experience in student or practice teaching, thereby making it a five-year program of study. Community Colleges will want the candidate to have a Master’s Degree (M.A or M.M.) and almost always some teaching experience.
University level curriculum is very specialized into categories:
- Performance: Music majors with intensive study of instrument or voice can lead to jobs in professional orchestras, bands, choruses, church jobs, pop and rock ensembles and more.
- Music Education: Program preparing college students for teaching careers in elementary, high school or college.
- Musicology: The study of music history and literature usually leads to teaching positions in colleges and universities.
- Composition: The study of composing and arranging prepares one to work as a freelance composer or a composer and arranger for professional organizations.
- Music Industry: The business side of music. Music industry positions are varied, some examples are: recording engineer, retail sales of music, instruments and equipment; publishing, promoting and marketing a performer or product and impresario to name a few.
- University Teaching: Normally requires a Ph.D. or at least an M.A. People with a Ph.D. would definitely have a better chance of securing a position over a candidate with an M.A. degree. It would be very rare to acquire a university position with only a B.A. degree.
There are many avenues to a fulfilling and enjoyable career in music. One has to have the passion and interest and go for it. There are no shortcuts and the road isn’t an easy one but it can be a very worthwhile and satisfying life endeavor.
NOTES ON KEY
Dr. Lawrence E. Anderson, Founding Director & Conductor Emeritus, Danville Community Band