Transcript Musical Careersx

So you think you might
want to be a Music
Major?
https://www.theodysseyonline.com
/12-signs-youre-music-major
Music Degrees
 Composition
 Jazz
Studies
 Music
Education
 Music
Business
 Music
Production and Engineering
 Music
Performance
 Music
Therapy
Composition
What you think you’ll do
What you’ll actually do
Composition
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Composer
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Create music In addition to stand-alone music, a composer might
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Score music to accompany a film, television show, theatrical
performance, commercial, video game, art installation, or other visual
media, such as web content
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Required skills include knowledge of music notation, sight-reading, active
listening, critical thinking, creativity, and an awareness of both music
history and contemporary music
Electronic Composer
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Uses computer and MIDI technology throughout the entire composing and
arranging process
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May compose for a specific recording situation—such as film/TV
composers who score/compose to enhance visual media—or a live
performance situation, such as composers who create for live theater,
music, dance, or art
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May include producing MIDI mock-ups, which allow a director or
executive producer to hear the compositions before the recording or
performance process commences
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Knowledge of audio editing software is a must, along with the ability to
deliver results in fast-paced environments.
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Arranger
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Provides arrangements of a musical composition to be performed by an artist, band, orchestra,
or electronic composer
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Determines the voicing, instrumentation, harmonic structure, rhythm, tempo, and other aspects
of a song or composition based on the artist, producer, director, or conductor’s specifications
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The arranger’s work may then surface as part of a live or recorded performance by an artist,
band, orchestra, or electronic composer in settings such as concert halls, films, television
shows, video games, commercials, art installations, web content, or other visual media
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Should be trained in music theory, orchestration, composition, and harmony, and should have
experience as a copyist and as a composer or songwriter, as well as experience playing one or
more instruments.
Songwriter
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Performing songwriters create and perform their own music, while other songwriters create
music to be performed by other parties. Some songwriters work as a solo act or as the leader of
a group featuring their original material, while some more often co-write in coordination with
other songwriters
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Typically write both music and lyrics, often working in collaboration with other composers
and/or lyricists.
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Exhibit creativity and knowledge in composition, music history, conemporary, and market trends
Conductor
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Leads an orchestra or ensemble in performance. This may include selecting the repertoire,
preparing the musicians via rehearsals, and all other business affairs related to leading an
orchestra
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Typically able to hear comments from the studio control room in a recording setting and may
incorporate that feedback into the session so as to best direct the musicians/orchestra
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Should have strong ability on an instrument (most often, piano), in-depth musical knowledge,
the ability to sight-read. In addition, conductors have great interpersonal and leadership skills in
order to work with composers, players, editors, orchestrators, and copyists.
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Educator/Teacher
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Composition teachers usually teach in a higher-education setting, such as in a
college, conservatory, or university
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May also teach others privately, or teach other subjects in addition to
composition, such as music theory, music arranging, music history, conducting,
or they may conduct chamber groups, choruses, or orchestras
Transcriber
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A transcriber notates musical performances onto a score from a recorded
performance.
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Most often applies to notating live Jazz performances, especially for the
improvisational sections
Music Editor
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Responsible for mixing and synchronizing music with a visual counterpart, such
as a film or video game
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Often provides a temporary track that is used as a stand-in for the final score
until that score is ready
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Must be versatile and possess a great musical sensitivity, a keen ear for
balance, and an awareness of how music can make or break a dramatic scene
or sequence
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Must also be familiar with the technology used to mix and synchronize music in
conjunction with visual media
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Sound Designer
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Employed to develop and/or utilize a sound library to implement sounds and
effects for a variety of potential clients, including artists/bands; films, television
shows, video games, and other visual media; live theater; production and
multimedia companies; and manufacturers
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Typically uses an array of sophisticated electronic equipment to find sonic solutions
in their work
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Must posses a creative mindset, the ability to record and edit audio, and the
discipline to manage a multitude of audio files across various projects
Programmer
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Uses software to produce MIDI keyboard/synthesizer tracks for inclusion in a score
for visual media such as film, TV, video games, and commercials, or for art
installations, live performances, and more
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May also sequence a composition so as to enable the composer, music editor, or
others an opportunity to hear it—and identify any problematic areas—without
having to hire a full orchestra before it reaches its final performance or recording
stage
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Must possess strong skills with music sequencing software and notation software
Jazz Studies
Jazz Studies
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Jazz Composer
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Create music
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Might score music to accompany a film, television show, theatrical performance, commercial, video game, art
installation, or other visual media, such as web content. This work may include scoring as well as songwriting.
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Required skills include music notation, sight-reading, active listening, critical thinking, creativity, and an
awareness of both music history and current trends.
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Might be a Jingle Writer
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Songwriters/composers/lyricists who specializes in writing music for radio and television commercials
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Responsible for representing their client musically as directed
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Must be skilled in all styles, be strong musical arrangers, and be able to compose well for a very short form.
Educator/Teacher
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Jazz composition teachers usually teach in a higher education setting such as in a college, conservatory, or
university
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May also teach other students privately, or teach other subjects in addition to jazz composition, such as music
arranging; jazz history; or conducting big band jazz groups, jazz combos, or vocal jazz ensembles.
Other Careers
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Electronic Composer
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Arranger
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Songwriter
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Orchestrator
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Conductor
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Transcriber
Music Education
Music Education
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Elementary/Primary School Music Teacher
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Work in public, private, or parochial schools
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Duties vary depending on the school and the ages and grades they teach, but for
the most part they teach a general music class in kindergarten through sixth grade
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Introduce students to the different elements of music such as steady beat, pitch
variance, dynamics, form, performance etiquette
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Must often follow guidelines for what they teach that are set up by the school
music department heads, district music supervisors, and state music education
supervisors
Secondary School Music Teacher
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Generally teach in grades 7-12, and they work in public, private, or parochial
schools
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Duties vary depending on the type of job they are hired forMay teach specifically
on one instrument or many
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May be responsible for leading a school band, orchestra, or choir, and for putting
on school concerts and competitions
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May handle rehearsals and conduct the school groups as well
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College/Conservatory/University Music Educator
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Are often for a variety of different positions
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May be brought into a school as a general music educator to teach areas of music
theory, music arranging, music history, or specifically to teach vocal or
instrumental performance.
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Also often hired to coach chamber music groups or to conduct choruses or
orchestras, or wind ensembles
Academic Researcher
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Dedicated to the careful study of a given subject, field, or problem in order to
discover key facts, principles, new areas of inquiry, or conclusions
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Typically uses the scientific method to investigate and record findings
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Research is often undertaken in a graduate school environment, such as the
pursuit of a master’s degree or doctorate.
Private Instructor
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Typically teach individual (or group) lessons in order to advance the learning rate
of a student
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Must be able to develop and implement an effective curriculum that will engage
students in the learning process in order to deliver desired results for those that
they instruct.
Music Business
Music Business
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Artist Manager (or Personal Manager, Agent)
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Represents one or more group or artist and oversee all aspects of an act (artist)
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Deals with and advises the act(s) on all business decisions, and may offer insights on the creative decisions an
artist must make as well in attempting to help guide the artist(s) to their career goals.
Entrepreneur
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Organizes, operates, and assumes the risks related to a business venture
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Common businesses launched by entrepreneurs included recording studios, private teaching practices,
performing general business bands, booking agencies, artist management agencies, music retailers, music
publishing companies, and record labels, among others
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Often exhibit interest in new technologies, market trends, and investment opportunities in order to pursue a
vision that will lead to starting a company with a well-defined specialization.
Booking Agent (or Talent Agent)
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Finds work for creative professionals within the entertainment industry
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May schedule appearances by musicians, actors, dancers, filmmakers, writers, speakers, and more. In the
musical context may schedule live performances for clients in clubs, arenas, festivals, church buildings, and so
on. To do so, they must network with venue operators, music promoters, and other bookers
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Handles all financial matters in connection with the performance date and coordinates all matters related to
production and logistics. Often also involved with promotion of the events that they book
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Must be highly organized and motivated, and must possess excellent communication skills. In addition, booking
agents need computer skills to maintain databases of contacts and venue information
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Understand tour scheduling and often double as talent scouts who are able to recognize rising potential
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Concert Promoter
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Presents, organizes, advertises, and finances concerts at performance venues such
as arenas, festivals, clubs, church buildings, auditoriums, etc
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Often secures money for the concert by finding others to share in the
profits/expenses
Independent Radio Promoter
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Has a similar role as that of a promotional staffer at a record label. Usually
employed by an independent radio promotions company or works freelance
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Will often hire the services of an independent radio promotions company to
generate airplay of a particular song or record
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Contacts radio station program directors, music directors, and disc jockeys in a
local, regional, national, or even an international market
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Set up appointments with these station people and bring a number of new album
releases as well as a supply of promotional or press material relating to the artist
or band
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May socialize frequently with program directors and music directors to help
improve the chances that a radio station will add a song to its playlist.
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Retail Sales Management
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Works, runs, and operates a retail music store. Duties include employee
supervision, training, ordering, coordinating the timing and arrival of distribution
shipments to the store, budgeting and financial planning, and coordinating sales
promotions for specific CDs.
Entertainment Attorney
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Handles any contractual matters conceivable within the entertainment industry
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Can be freelance, hired on retainer, or an employee of a company or business
within the entertainment industry
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Generally specialize in one of three separate fields within the entertainment
industry: sports, film and television, or music
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An attorney that specializes in the music industry usually has a solid depth of
understanding with regard to copyright laws and artist/band agreements with
managers, publishers, record labels, booking agents, etc
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Successful completion of law school and a state bar exam are requisites for being
an entertainment attorney
Business Manager
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The business manager handles the financial affairs of musicians and entertainers.
Most have degrees in business administration with concentrations in accounting or
management. The business manager should have knowledge of negotiating,
accounting skills, investments, and tax laws.
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Music Business Consultant
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Advise clients—be they artists, entrepreneurs, or other music industry professionals—on
business strategy for their career or organization
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Must possess a deep understanding of business, law, music, and industry trends in order
to provide solid advice with confidence
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Must demonstrate excellent skills in listening, qualitative and quantitative research, and
communication, including public speaking and the development of written and/or visual
reports
Contractor
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Responsible for hiring musicians or road crew staff and tending to all the necessary
contract obligations through the appropriate union organizations. It is in the contractor's
best interest to procure the best talent possible while working within given budget
guidelines.
Label Manager
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Oversees one or several departments at a record label and is responsible for the overall
operation of the label, including budget management, production, A&R, marketing,
scheduling, licensing, and more
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Gives the record label direction and purpose and serves as the team leader, often making
the final call in the decision-making process
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Should generally possess significant experience within the music industry prior to
attaining this role
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Must demonstrate excellent communication skills, project and time management, a solid
understanding of the technical side of the recording process, and exemplary
interpersonal skills.
Music Production and
Engineering
Music Production and Engineering
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Producer
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Plays a variety of roles depending on whether they are working in music, film, theater,
dance, video games, or other media. In the music industry, producers often work with
recording artists and record labels to create songs and albums for release
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Supervises all aspects of the recording process—including contracting session players and
overseeing the recording budget—and may also help the artist select songs to be
recorded
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Should be an excellent musician with a lot of performance experience
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In addition to possessing a great depth of knowledge in music, a producer should hold
extensive technical knowledge of recording equipment, engineering, and acoustics
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Must also demonstrate creativity and excellent interpersonal skills.
Recording Engineer/Mixer
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Operates the mixing console and other equipment during the process of recording music
or sound
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Generally run recording sessions, with oversight from the producer
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Responsibilities include crafting a recording that meets all stakeholders’ stated desires
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Also called upon to be mixers, working with the output of recording sessions to piece
together a polished finished product
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Must possess well-trained ears, advanced technical knowledge of recording and mixing
tools, and an ingrained understanding of studio etiquette.
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Studio Manager/Owner
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Responsible for running the business of the recording studio and may be a sole or
partial owner of the business
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Responsible for booking acts to record at the studio, scheduling engineers,
marketing the studio, and budgeting and providing for all the needs of a
professional recording studio
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Also is the in-house diplomat, acting as the liaison between engineers and clients,
ensuring client satisfaction, and handling all financial transactions with clients
Sound Technician
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Responsible for high-quality sound during live performance
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Supervise the placement of equipment and work with the talent during the sound
check to achieve the best sound
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May even work a soundboard during the actual performance.
Audio Engineer for Videos
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Makes certain that the audio tracks are synchronized and equalized with the video.
Live Sound Engineer
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Primary responsibility is to operate the soundboard during a live performance
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Also is involved in sound check and the placement of equipment in preparation for
a live performance
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Interactive and Mixed Media Specialist
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Work to create features for websites, software, and a wide variety of digital
multimedia applications. These features may contain sound, music, text, video,
images, and/or animation
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May be charged with developing and implementing “front-end” content or “backend” functions, or both
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This position requires a broad spectrum of skills, which may include graphic design,
web design, web development/computer programming, sound design, editing, and
more
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Should possess an understanding of marketing, communications, and digital user
behavior.
Studio Designer
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Provide complete audio, video, and acoustic design services for recording facilities
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Can serve as consultants for designing or renovating studios for select and distinct
purposes
DJ/Remixer
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May be charged with editing a song or completely recreating it to sound different
from the original version
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May also mix recorded music live for an audience
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Knowledge of audio editing and music production software as well as performance
dynamics and knowledge of current musical trends/contemporary music is a must
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Audio Developer
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Create, collect, and/or compile sound effects and music to be used in apps, video
games, and other web-based features
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May record sounds or music or draw from a preexisting sonic library, or both, and
may oversee voice-over recording sessions
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Primary role is to ensure that the finished product contains professional-quality
audio
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Should possess electronic production and sound design skills, a working knowledge
of professional audio recording and editing software, a creative mindset, and
typically must harness the ability to deliver results under tight deadlines
Music Performance
Music Performance
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Performing Artist (Recording Artist/Group)
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Specializes in the performance of music, theater, or dance
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Whether performing new original material or previously created works, a
performing artist’s skills define their marketability
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May work as a solo act or with a group
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Required to have a basic knowledge of marketing such as community management
through social media and content generation (e.g., video, text, and photos) for
promotional purposes.
Orchestra/Band Member
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Plays supporting role as an instrumentalist in a musical group
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A vast knowledge of repertoire, musical skill, and sight-reading ability are
important qualities for the orchestra/band member to develop, especially in the
orchestral environment
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Must be able to play well with other members of the group and must be highly
organized so as to know the material before rehearsal
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The ability to play more than one instrument is often very helpful to the
orchestra/band member, whose responsibility is to follow the directions of the
group leader or conductor to deliver the desired performance of prepared music in
performance and recording situations.
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Theatre Musician
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Theatre Performer
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A theatre performer is a singer/actor or actress who performs in a music theatre
production on stage
Accompanist/Rehearsal Pianist
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A theatre musician is an instrumentalist that plays in the pit orchestra of a music
theatre production
Primarily works with vocalists and/or music theatre groups for rehearsals, live
performance, or audition settings
Cantor
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A cantor is a song leader in a Reformed, Conservative, or Orthodox Jewish
Synagogue/Temple Service, or Catholic or Christian Orthodox service
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Sings liturgical prayers and leads the worshippers in attendance to sing in a precise
and measured "call and answer"-type response to his/her own sung part or line
Church Musician: Choir Director, Worship Leader, Praise & Worship Band
Member, Organist, and Soloist
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Plays sings, or conducts during the musical portion of a worship service
Music Therapy
Music Therapy
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What career opportunities are available for music therapists?
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Opportunities for employment are available to the registered music therapist, not
only in traditional clinical settings, such as agencies serving individuals with
emotional, developmental, or physical disabilities, but in new and expanding areas
of health care delivery
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Music therapists are now employed in hospice care, substance abuse programs,
oncology treatment centers, pain/stress management clinics, and correctional
settings
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Many music therapists work in special education settings, where they provide
either direct services to students with disabilities or function as consultants for
music educators and special educators
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A recent hearing before the U.S. Senate's Special Committee on Aging and the
subsequent passage of the Older Americans Act of 1992 have increased the
recognition of music therapy's value, as well as employment opportunities
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Where do music therapists work?
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Inpatient psychiatric unit
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School
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Private practice
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Intermediate care facility/mental retardation
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University
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Nursing home
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State institution
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Geriatric facility
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Community mental health center
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Inpatient medical unit
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Drug/alcohol program
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Group home
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Outpatient clinic
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Correctional facility
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Hospice