Career Options In The Music Industry

For many of us, music is more than something we enjoy – it’s an outright passion, something that forms a key part of our personality, how we spend our time, and even the friendships we build with others. Given that we all know the best career advice is to “do what you love”, then anyone with a true dedication to music should definitely consider a career within the music industry. However, the music industry is expansive, and much of the work that goes into creating the songs that the world loves is hidden – saved for the small print “thank you” section of an album sleeve, or quick mentions in an awards acceptance speech. In this piece, we’ve sought to pull the curtain back and identify a list of potential careers that anyone who wants to turn their love of music into a full-time career should consider. 

Singer

There are many different routes to a full-time singing career to consider; wedding singing, background singing for professional acts, singing on cruise ships, and – of course – releasing your own singles and albums to the general public. If you’re wondering “will I need to take singing lessons to sing professionally?”, then the answer is yes; singing lessons will help to hone your talent and teach you how to preserve vocal health. From there, you can then – depending on the type of singer you want to be – auditioning for roles, try your hand at talent shows, or even start a YouTube channel showcasing your singing skills in the hopes of catching the eye of a producer. 

Sound engineer

Sound engineers are responsible for all of the technical aspects of the music that people hear either at a concert or on a recording, mixing and controlling levels to help to ensure a crisp, clear, and enjoyable listening experience. It’s a highly-skilled job, so you will need to consider questions such as “who has sound engineering courses and programs?” to find an appropriate school to train at. It’s also worth noting that, when qualified, you’ll have plenty of options for your career – sound engineers are a crucial part of the music industry, of course, but also play an influential role in the production of TV shows, movies, and more besides. 

Music journalist / blogger 

For many music fans, the ability to listen to music as a full-time job would be a dream come true – and if you decide to write about music for a living, it’s a dream you’ll be able to realize. From writing critical reviews of the latest releases to interviewing stars, music journalism is a fantastic career choice where every day will offer something different. One of the best ways to get started is to start your own blog and promote your work, though you could also consider taking a journalism or writing qualification and then applying for jobs at established publications. 

Agent 

Agents are responsible for arranging appearances for an artist or band that they represent, which includes duties such as negotiating contracts and managing a tour schedule. To become an agent, you could consider contacting local artists and asking to book appearances on their behalf, or look for an internship with an established agency. If you’re wondering “what are the best qualifications if I want to become a music agent?”, then qualifications in music management and marketing should prove to be very beneficial. 

All of the above options can lead to a long, fulfilling a career in the music industry. 

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