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Michael Schwartz Library

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Michael Schwartz Library

Career Resources for Music Students

In this guide, you'll find resources about career choices in music, preparation of resumes and cover letters, and ways to maintain occupational health once you've landed the music job of your dreams.

General Resources

Careers in Music

Potential Careers:

  • Arranger (Adapter)
  • Orchestrator
  • Copyist
  • Conductor
  • Educator/Teacher
  • Transcriber
  • Editor (Music Publishing)
  • Composer for Film, Television, Theater, and Multimedia
  • Music Supervisor (Theme Specialist: Film/TV)
  • Film Conductor
  • Assistant to the Composer
  • Jazz composer
  • Jingle writer

Potential Careers:

  • Sound Designer
  • Film/Video Sound Designer
  • Digital Audio Editor
  • Synthesist/Producer
  • MIDI Pre-Producer
  • Engineer
  • Consultant (Other: Manufacturer Representative, Technical Support, or Sales Representative)
  • Multimedia Developer (Interactive Multimedia Specialist)
  • Product Representative
  • Computer Music Researcher
  • Studio Manager/Owner
  • Sound Technician
  • Multimedia Developer (Interactive Multimedia Specialist)
  • Record Company Staff
  • Studio Designer

Potential Careers:

  • Personal Manager (or Artist Manager, Agent)
  • Booking Agent (or Talent Agent)
  • Concert Promoter
  • Independent Radio Promoter
  • Entrepreneur (Music Business)
  • Retail Sales Management
  • Entertainment Attorney
  • Business Manager
  • Music Supervisor (Music Licensing/Clearance)
  • Music Business Consultant
  • Contractor (or Leader)
  • Record Label Business Careers
  • Music Publishing Business Careers
  • Tour/Road Work Business Careers

Potential Careers:

  • Elementary/Primary School Music Teacher
  • Secondary School Music Teacher
  • College/Conservatory/University Music Educator
  • Private Instructor
  • Choir Director
  • Music Education Supervisor (or School Music Supervisor)
  • Independent Primary or Secondary School Music Teacher

Where do music therapists work?

  • Inpatient psychiatric unit
  • School
  • Private practice
  • Intermediate care facility/mental retardation
  • University
  • Nursing home
  • State institution
  • Geriatric facility
  • Community mental health center
  • Inpatient medical unit
  • Drug/alcohol program
  • Group home
  • Outpatient clinic
  • Correctional facility
  • Hospice

Potential Careers:

  • Performing Artist (Recording Artist/Group)
  • Vocal/Instrumental Soloist
  • Session Musician
  • General Business Musician
  • Orchestra/Group Member
  • Conductor
  • Background Vocalist 
  • Floor Show Band
  • Theatre Musician/Performer
  • Accompanist/Rehearsal Pianist
  • Church Musician: Choir Director, Worship Leader, Praise & Worship Band Member, Organist, and Soloist
  • Product Demonstrator

Potential Careers:

  • Music Librarian
  • Music Special Collections Librarian
  • Music Archivist
  • Ensemble/Orchestra/Opera Librarian

Potential Careers:

  • Musicology/Ethnomusicology Professor
  • Music Librarian
  • Music Special Collections Librarian
  • Music Archivist
  • Music Copyright Lawyer
  • Music grant-writer
  • Music writing editor
  • Classical/jazz/world music radio DJ
  • University administrator
  • Concert reviewer
  • Program notes writer

Professional Organizations