Music is a broad career field, and comprises of many different branches and categories. Many people are mistaken that a career in music is limited to singing or composing. The field of music offers many diverse career opportunities for individuals who wish to become a part of this challenging industry. From music educators to audio engineers and from singers to recording producers, a number of occupations are available in the music industry. We often come across singers and artists who are school drop outs, but are making a fortune out of their music career.
Although this is a possibility, it is recommended that you acquire music education and build the necessary skills needed for this competitive field. With increasing competition, the demand for more skilled and educated artists is high. If you have the passion and the dedication to build a career in the music industry, you should start off by equipping yourself with a degree in music. Many prestigious schools are offering music degrees and even online music degrees to students. Music is a broad academic principle, and studying this will help prepare you for a challenging career ahead.
Music Degrees
Students enrolled in music degree programs will learn about the various theories of music, composition, and history of the field. Music degree programs are available at all levels of post-secondary education. If you want to pursue a career as a musician, a composer, or even a music director, you must have a thorough understanding of the field. Degrees in music cover many aspects of the field, including general areas such as English composition and humanities. Students will acquire brief knowledge of how the music industry operates. Music as an academic field is not just related to instruments and singing, but aims to cover administrative and theoretical elements of the field as well. Some of the subjects covered in this degree program are:
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Educational philosophy
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Music theory
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Major applied instrument
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Music history and literature
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Entertainment business law
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Music publishing
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Music technology
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Music performance
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Music education
Students may also pursue an area for specialization that will prepare them for a career path that suits their personal interests. For example, students interested in teaching music may choose music education as their main specialization, and those interested in seeking administrative job positions in the music industry could choose music business management as their specialization area. The curriculum of music degrees will vary from institute to institute.
Career Opportunities
There are many career paths you could choose from in the music industry. From music composers to orchestrators and from sound designer to recording engineer, there are many diverse occupations in the music industry. The income level of each job will vary from place to place. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, music directors and composers made a median income of $47,350 in 2012. Your experience, skill, and area of specialization will play a crucial role in determining your career ahead. The music industry is one of the most challenging sectors, but offers dynamic career opportunities to individuals.