Music Career Services
Careers In Music
With an estimated value of $62 billion, the music industry provides countless career opportunities for aspiring musicians. An enterprising musician could consider over 35,000 open music jobs that are currently listed on Indeed.com.
It is essential to develop your skills as early as possible, even though you may not apply for jobs until your final semester. Talk to your program’s alumni, your school’s career services office, and your professors from the beginning to develop yourself into a competitive musician. You may also consider visiting these web resources:
Music Career Strategies
- 12 Careers To Pursue in Music
- How to Start a Music Career
- How to Make Money in Music
- Creative Careers
- 57 Great-Paying Flex Jobs for Musicians
- 15 Careers in the Music Industry
- Music Business Careers
- Music Careers: The Complete List
- 50 Great Jobs for Musicians
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Musicians and Singers
- 22 Great Careers in Music
Possible Career Paths
PRODUCTION
- Music Producer
- Recording Engineer
- Video Engineer
- Sound Technician
- Electronics Technician
MANAGEMENT
- Artist Manager
- Tour Manager
- Booking Agent
- Music Publicist
- Event Organizer
CREATOR
- Composer
- Orchestrator
- Music Arranger
- Sound Designer
- Special Effects Specialist
MUSIC THERAPIST
PERFORMER
- Classical (orchestra, chamber, military band, soloist)
- Session Musician
- Accompanist
- Church Musician
- Singer/Songwriter
- Cruise Ships & Resorts
- Musical Theatre
- Opera
- Theme & Amusement Parks
- Voice-Over Artist
CONDUCTOR
- Conductor (concert)
- Music Director (for stage)
- Music Director (for worship)
TEACHER
- School Music Teacher
- Private Music Teacher
WRITING ABOUT MUSIC
- Music Journalist
- Social Media Influencer
- Author
INSTRUMENT MAINTENANANCE AND REPAIR
- Instrument Repair
- Piano tuner
- Instrument Builder
PUBLISHER (PRINTED MUSIC)
- Music Editor
- Music Copyist
MERCHANDISER
- Music Store Owner
- Salesperson
- Reed maker
ATTORNEY
- Entertainment
- Copyright and Licensing
National Organizations Who Support Musicians’ Careers
General
- Americans for the Arts – Arts U DIAL Studio Professional Development Series
- ArtJobs (includes visual and performing arts)
- Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP)
- BIPOC Arts
Music Teaching
Performance
- https://www.musicalchairs.info/jobs
- https://americanorchestras.org/learn/human-resources/jobs-center/
- https://www.sphinxmusic.org/job-postings
- https://orchestraplan.com/
- https://auditioncafe.com/
- https://www.entertainersworldwidejobs.com/musician-jobs
- https://www.musiciansoncall.org/about-us/careers/
- Creative Careers
- Orchestra Careers: Resources, events, and coaching with Sonja Thoms (Also a YouTube Channel)
North Carolina Organizations Supporting Musicians’ Careers
Internships/Residencies
Music Education students
Music Education students engage in numerous fieldwork experiences in the Greensboro area prior to Student Teaching. All music education students must complete at least one semester of student teaching in the public schools prior to teaching licensure. Students who are interested in music education are invited to visit https://www.teachmusic.org/
Music Performance students
Student performers have secured professional engagements or internships with organizations such as:
- Greensboro Symphony Orchestra https://greensborosymphony.org/
- Greensboro Opera https://greensboroopera.org/
- North Carolina Folk Festival https://ncfolkfestival.com/
- Music for a Great Space https://musicforagreatspace.org/
- Winston Salem Symphony https://www.wssymphony.org/
- John Coltrane International Blues and Jazz Festival https://coltranejazzfest.com/
- Piedmont Wind Symphony https://www.piedmontwindsymphony.com/
- Salisbury Symphony https://salisburysymphony.org/
- Asheville Symphony https://ashevillesymphony.org/
- Carolina Theatre https://carolinatheatre.com/
- Blue Ridge Chamber Orchestra https://brco.avenue.org/
- Fayetteville Symphony https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/
- Numerous churches, recording studios, and commercial music venues throughout the Triad region
Student Performer Teaching Opportunities
- Music Academy of North Carolina https://www.musicacademync.org/
- Moore Music Company lesson program https://www.mooremusiccompany.com/private-lessons
- UNCG Community Music Lesson program https://vpa.uncg.edu/community-engagement/ed-programs-youth-adult/community-music/