A Career Guide for Music Majors

Throughout history, music has been an important While music is a performing art, few individuals are element in most cultures, serving as a rich and able to support themselves as full-time musicians. diverse experience used in many ways. Music can Many music majors elect to combine performing with be a form of communication, artistic expression, jobs that allow them to be closely related to music entertainment, therapy or worship. Within the in the workplace. Some music majors continue broad field of music, there are many areas of their education in a graduate or professional school specialization. A concentration in music, with its program. emphasis on performance, analysis, and critical interpretation provides a foundation for careers in education, business, communications and the arts. Skills

The study of music develops skills ranging from sensitivity, enable graduates to contribute to and musical expression to analysis of musical works. succeed in many professions. For example, the Music also develops the ability to concentrate ability to put feelings and impressions about music intensely, listen introspectively, observe keenly, into words is needed by such diverse professionals work under pressure, meet deadlines and maintain as a music librarian, a music critic and a music composure when faced with the unexpected. Well- therapist. A sample of representative skills and developed communication skills, along with aural abilities follows:

Artistic/Technical Communication Research/Analysis Education Creating and performing Writing and speaking Gathering and analyzing Informing and explaining music effectively information Interpreting symbols and Ability to give and accept Considering historical Group dynamics images constructive criticism perspectives Sensitivity to and Conveying complex Hearing and recognizing Organizing information and appreciation of diverse information tonal and harmonic materials musical styles balance, rhythm, and tempo Doing detailed and Describing impressions Working with primary Teaching a skill, concept or accurate work about music sources principle Directing a performance Presenting theories/ideas Perceiving patterns/ Program planning structures

Career Opportunities

There are many career and job options for music retail, wholesale, manufacturing, importing, majors. There are all kinds and types of performance exporting, publishing, recording, repair and settings from symphony orchestras to wedding gigs. rebuilding and tuning. People who are successful What you are paid and how often you work depends in the music industry frequently have training and on your skills, reputation and the demand for your experience in both music and business. Many new music. However, most professional musicians work businesses have grown out of recent developments at a combination of jobs and professional activities in technology and computers. that are equivalent to or more than, full-time in other fields. Many music majors make a living innon- The recording industry is huge, covering thousands performance jobs and perform on weekends. of independent labels as well as the handful of major record labels. Technical jobs entail the actual The music industry is broad in scope and includes studio work of recording, producing and Conductors

Fine Arts Career Services • The University of Texas at Austin • DFA 1.103 • http://www.utexas.edu/finearts/careers [512] 232-7333 • [email protected] • twitter.com/utfacs • http://www.facebook.com/utfacs 1 A Career Guide for Music Majors mastering the music. Production jobs entail the funds, rehearsing, scheduling and performing. As duplication and packaging of the recordings and the orchestra increases in size, length of season their promotional materials. Administrative jobs and budget, the conductor and music director tend to cover the promotion, research and budgeting of confine their activities to performing, programming, the industry. Then there are the jobs connected supervising personnel and working in educational to sales and merchandise, and contracts and legal programs. In addition to his or her performance issues. People in the industry often move from job responsibilities, a conductor may also take on the to job, acquiring diversified skills and climbing the duties of a music director. ranks to better jobs. Information Science Performance Music librarians work in libraries with large Musicians perform music of all types. If you are just collections of music books, recordings, musical getting started it may be worth it to do some volunteer scores and periodicals associated with music. They or low pay “gigs” for the experience. Research the can be found in public and academic libraries, radio performance options in your own community, read and television stations, music publishing companies the local newspapers’ calendar sections and look and professional music associations. for the entertainment listings on the web for your town, city or region. All performance careers start Music Therapy locally! Music therapists use music to accomplish these therapeutic aims: the restoration, maintenance and Church/temple musicians combine music improvement of mental and physical health. Music performance and teaching. Most are employed therapists work at hospitals, treatment centers, part-time, although large congregations may employ nursing homes, hospices, rehabilitation centers, a full-time music director or minister of music. In prisons and mental health clinics. addition to being competent performers, church or temple musicians must understand composition, Media transposition and arranging. They must also be This encompasses a wide range of music careers familiar with the theology and liturgy of worship. including composition, scoring, production, editing, clearing copyrights and licensing. There are many Music Education types of media including video games, radio, Music teachers work at elementary and secondary television, internet and print. When you use any of schools, colleges and universities, private studios these media and you notice music played, printed and public or private community music schools or referred to, chances are there was a person paid (which may be associated with a performing to make that happen! organization). Music Criticism Composition Music critics are a unique combination of journalist Composers often write works on commission. and musician. Their views are published daily, often They look for grant and competition money to pay providing quotations to be used as publicity for for the commissioning of new works. In the more performing artists. They affect their audience both commercial arena, composers may create music for indirectly and directly. Indirectly, by determining movies, jingles, multi-media projects, video games which artists will survive in the performance media or Broadway revues. They may also arrange, adapt and will therefore be available for the public to or transcribe the work of other composers. choose from, and directly, by influencing the choices the public makes, its understanding of Conducting performances and its reactions to them. Conductors have a wide spectrum of activities and responsibilities. At the level of the smaller community The preparation of music critics is largely as one and metropolitan orchestras, the conductor may might expect. More than two-thirds of the music have to function as a jack-of-all-trades: raising critics in large US cities majored in music, with

Fine Arts Career Services • The University of Texas at Austin • DFA 1.103 • http://www.utexas.edu/finearts/careers [512] 232-7333 • [email protected] • twitter.com/utfacs • http://www.facebook.com/utfacs 2 A Career Guide for Music Majors performance and then music history identified as a museum is likely to have staff members in the leading areas of specialization. Nearly half of education that work with school groups to introduce the music critics have earned at least a master’s children to the exhibits. An opera company, concert degree. Music criticism is a highly specialized field, hall, or theatre needs box-office and front of the one that blends music and expressive writing skills. house workers to manage ticket sales, write press The glamour of attending concerts and meeting releases, market the productions in the community, performers is an undeniable benefit, but the quick and create visibility. Some theatre companies pace, objectivity and late and sometimes long hours need general managers to schedule tours, monitor may be less appealing. Music critics must have a union agreements, and run the business side of sincere desire and dedication to the profession. performances.

Arts Administration Over the last decade, arts management has become Arts organizations, like most for profit companies, a growing field with increasing specialization and have a number of administrative, business or training. A number of new graduate training and management functions. These roles require people certification programs have emerged. These with creativity and an understanding and passion programs may be useful, depending on your interests for the arts, as well as skills in a range of areas from and goals. Some arts managers, for example, finance and marketing to education. suggest eventually pursuing a business degree with a specialization in nonprofit management. Almost The specific positions available at an arts without exception, however, arts managers advise organization will depend on what the organization getting work-related experience first and considering does and how large its budget and staff are. Since graduate study later on. If you decide to investigate arts managers are needed in virtually every arts graduate study, begin by asking professionals what organization, from theatre companies to museums, programs they think are valuable and respected in many opportunities exist in this field. For example, the field.

Job Titles These job titles are examples of some of the ways that music majors have applied their skills and abilities. An internship is a good way to explore many of the occupations listed below and receive on-the-job training at the same time. In general, additional education or specialized training is required for those occupations marked with a (*) on the following list.

Arts Council Director Lyricist Music Director Recording Engineer Music Librarian Instrument/Equipment Business Manager Music Therapist Salesperson Fundraising Director Music Teacher Church Music Director Bow Specialist Recording Engineer Restoration Specialist Sound Technician Music Critic Sound Technician Accompanist Piano Technician/Tuner Accompanist Attorney Acoustical Engineer Business Manager Educational Coordinator Music Software Programmer Musicologist Events Planner Electronic Music Technician Ethnomusicologist Clinician Studio Musician Promoter, Booking Agent Film Scorer/Music Editor Club Performer Restoration Specialist Private Lesson Teacher Music Software Programmer Music Retailer Music Publishing Chamber Musician Public Relations Band Director Conductor *College Professor Composer

Employers of Music Majors

Television/Radio/Film Magazines and Newspapers State and Federal Government Agencies Music Publishers Churches Hospitals Colleges/Universities/Schools Music Stores Production Companies Entertainment Law Firms Theaters Software Development Firms Libraries Instrument Manufacturers Record Companies Performing Arts Organizations Cruise Lines Film Companies

First Jobs Held by Recent UT Graduates

Marketing Segment Specialist Production Assistant Choir Director Assistant Band Director Investor Services Representative Medical Researcher Band Director Music Festival Administrator Acoustical Design Consultant Museum Intern

Earnings

Musicians and singers held about 176,200 jobs Music directors and composers held about 93,200 in 2010. They often perform in settings such as jobs in 2010. About 38 percent were self-employed. concert halls, arenas, and clubs. They often work Jobs for music directors and composers are found in religious organizations and performing arts all over the country. However, many jobs are located companies. In 2010, 43 percent of musicians and in cities in which entertainment and recording singers were self-employed. activities are concentrated, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Many musicians and singers find only part- time or intermittent work and have long periods The median annual wage of music directors and of unemployment between jobs. The stress of composers was $45,970 in May 2010. The median constantly looking for work leads many to accept wage is the wage at which half the workers in an permanent full-time jobs in other occupations occupation earned more than that amount and half while working part time as a musician or singer. earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less Rehearsals and recording sessions are commonly than $21,720, and the top 10 percent earned more held during business hours, but performances take than $85,020. place most often on nights and weekends. From: Occupational Outlook Handbook at The median hourly wage of musicians and singers http://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/ was $22.39 in May 2010. The median wage is the musicians-and-singers.htm and http://www.bls.gov/ wage at which half the workers in an occupation ooh/entertainment-and-sports/music-directors-and- earned more than that amount and half earned less. composers.htm The lowest 10 percent earned less than $8.50, and the top 10 percent earned more than $60.02.

Graduate School Options

The three most common graduate degrees offered chamber music, lessons, master class or repertoire in music are the Master of Music, Doctor of class, language competencies for singers and at Musical Arts and Doctor of Philosophy. For general least one academic course per year in theory or information about music graduate programs history. and a list of accredited graduate programs, see the College Music Society’s Directory of Music Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.): This is the Faculties in College and Universities, United States doctoral degree in performance, composition and and Canada (available in the Fine Arts Library or conducting. The M.M. is usually a prerequisite to online with limited search capabilities at http://www. enter a D.M.A. program. Programs vary greatly, music.org/). but it usually takes a minimum of two years to complete the course and residency requirements. Artist Diploma or certificate programs: These For performers, this usually involves 3-6 full solo graduate or postgraduate programs are geared recitals. For composers, a number of compositions towards performance with few or no academic are expected. A thesis or doctoral research paper is requirements, and are typically considered to be also required. Language requirements, coursework/ non-degree programs. seminars in theory and history and ensembles may be part of the degree requirements. Master of Music (M.M.): Usually a two-year program that is offered with concentrations in Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): These doctorates performance, composition, theory, music education are usually offered in musicology, music theory and musicology. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s or music education. After two to three years of degree in music or its equivalent. Typical master’s coursework, general exams precede work on the programs require about 36 credit hours, which dissertation. for performers usually include large ensemble,

FACS Resources for Music Majors

Fine Arts Career Services keeps a small library of arts career and job search related books, many of which are not available at other University of Texas libraries. Students may come by the office (DFA 1.103) to browse books during our regular hours.

100 Careers in the Music Business Music, Money, Success & the Movies Guide to Competitions 2004 Music & Money Booking and Tour Management for the Performing Music, Money and Success Arts New England Conservatory Music Career Chamber Music Association: Membership Informational Handouts Directory 2005 OPERA America: Membership Directory Complete Guide to Film Scoring The Savvy Musician Exploring Careers in Music Texas Music Industry Directory 2006 Great Jobs for Music Majors The Musician’s Way Making Your Living as a String Player

* For a complete list of FACS Resources visit http://www.utexas.edu/finearts/careers/career-information * Visit http://www.lib.utexas.edu/fal/collections/current_periodicals/index.php for a complete listing of music journals available in the Fine Arts Library

Online Resources for Music Majors Fine Arts Career Services Greenlights www.greenlights.org HireUTexas Greenlights is a provider of nonprofit strengthening http://recruit.utexas.edu/hireutexas/ and support services including professional UT’s online job and internship database which posts development events, workshops, and a job board professional opportunities for all majors. containing hundreds of postings by member organizations. Fine Arts Works https://finearts-utexas-csm.symplicity.com/ Idealist Fine Arts Career Services’ database of art-related http://www.idealist.org/ opportunities. Fine Arts students can post a resume Idealist.org connects people with job, volunteer and and view job postings and upcoming career events. action opportunities posted by 90,000 organizations around the world. Job Listings Musical Chairs Alliance of Artist Communities http://www.musicalchairs.info/jobs http://www.artistcommunities.org/ The world’s leading online resource for performance, The Alliance of Artists Communities is the service teaching and administration jobs in classical organization for the field of artists’ communities music. and residencies. They maintain artist residency listings, advocate for artist residency programs and New England Conservatory Bridge communities, and offer professional development https://www.myinterfase.com/nec/student/ for artists. Their website includes job postings. Includes over 2700 opportunities in music including performance, arts administration and music industry Americans for the Arts jobs as well as competition, festival, scholarship http://jobbank.artsusa.org and grant listings. Current students can contact This advocacy organization supports the arts in Fine Arts Career Services for login information. many ways. Their job bank is the premier electronic recruitment resource for the industry and includes New York Foundation for the Arts national job listings for all of the fine arts. It includes http://www.nyfa.org/ postings in academia, arts administration and This website provides a number of services for management. Check out the rest of their site for artists including job and internship postings, funding other helpful arts resources. opportunities, arts advocacy and services for artists. They also maintain an online newsletter covering Art Job current issues affecting artists. https://www.artjob.org/ Comprehensive, up-to-date national listings of jobs, USA Jobs internships, fellowships and other employment https://www.usajobs.gov/ opportunities in the arts. Contact Fine Arts Career USAJOBS is the U.S. Government’s official Services for the username and password. system/program for Federal jobs and employment information. They offer an excellent page dedicated ArtSearch to students and recent graduates seeking Federal http://www.tcg.org/artsearch/ jobs. The publication from the Theatre Communication Group for full-time, part-time, seasonal, year-round and internship opportunities in the performing arts. Contact FACS for the username and password.

Overseas Job Opportunities American Music Therapy Association http://www.musictherapy.org/ Going Global This site answers many questions students may have about music therapy as a career. http://www.goinglobal.com/ Search for job openings and internship opportunities in countries around the world. Listings are American Musicological Society updated daily! Additionally, Going Global career http://www.ams-net.org/ and employment resources include more than The AMS was founded to advance research in the 10,000 pages of constantly-updated content on various fields of music as a branch of learning and topics such as: job search sources, work permit/ scholarship. visa regulations, resume writing guidelines and examples, employment trends, salary ranges, American Society of Composers, Authors and networking groups and cultural/interviewing Publishers (ASCAP) advice. http://www.ascap.com/ ASCAP is a membership association of U.S. Regional Organizations composers, songwriters and publishers of every kind of music and hundreds of thousands worldwide. Austin Creative Alliance http://www.austincreativealliance.org/ Association of Performing Arts Presenters As a nonprofit arts service organization, ACA http://www.apap365.org/ focuses on sponsoring projects and programs that Excellent site for those interested in arts both strengthen Austin’s performing arts community administration positions. Includes a job bank. and bring new audiences to the arts. Find links to some of the Austin-area arts organizations. Chamber Music America http://www.chamber-music.org/ Texas Commission on the Arts Chamber Music America promotes artistic excellence http://www.arts.texas.gov and economic stability within the profession and Includes links to numerous sites, opportunities strives to ensure that chamber music is a vital part and assistance for visual and performing artists. of American life. View their employment links by going to New Opportunities. The College Music Society http://www.music.org/ Texas Music Office Publications include the Music Vacancy List, The http://www.gov.texas.gov/music Directory of Music Faculties, and The International The TMO is a clearinghouse of music and music- Directory of Music Organizations. related industry information. Eastman Office of Careers and Professional Texas State Agencies List Development Materials https://www.tsl.texas.gov/app/lrs/agencies/index.html http://esm.rochester.edu/iml/careers/library.php The list contains an entry for each current Texas Includes excellent information on music resumes state agency with links to contact and other and cover letters. information about the agency. League of American Orchestras Professional Organizations http://www.americanorchestras.org The League of American Orchestras leads, supports American Federation of Musicians and champions America’s orchestras and the vitality http://www.afm.org/ of the music they perform. This site has an excellent The AFM is the largest union in the world representing Career Center section. the interests of the professional musician.

Musical America http://www.musicalamerica.com/ The site is divided into three sections: Industry News, Directory Articles and Listings, and includes a Career Center.

National Association for Music Education nafme.org Contains information for teachers, job postings and a great guide to careers in music.

Opera America http://www.operaamerica.org/ Their professional development page includes links to employment, internships and fellowships.

Texas Music Educators Network http://www.tmea.org Site includes a job database and other helpful information for music educators

Other

Artist House Music http://www.artistshousemusic.org/ Nonprofit website which exists to educate musicians and music entrepreneurs on how to build a sustainable career.

Orchestralist http://www.orchestralist.net Orchestralist is an international forum for conductors, composers, players and their colleagues in the orchestra business.

Worldwide Internet Music Resources http://library.music.indiana.edu/music_resources A useful list of online resources that includes a comprehensive list of professional associations for specific instruments and other areas of music.

The information in this guide was compiled from resources available online and in DFA 1.103. Updated July 2015