Careers for Music lovers

Music offers a broad spectrum of job possibilities.

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Historically, aspiring music performers have outnumbered available performance jobs, leaving music lovers with few alternatives other than teaching, according to Indiana State University's Theodore Piechocinski in a November 2009 School Band and Orchestra article. However, technology has transformed the music industry and opened new doors to music-related careers. Those with a passion for music can work for a variety of music businesses, have behind-the-scenes jobs that promote performers and find occupations that enhance life through sound and song.

Music Business Jobs

Like corporations in other industries, music-related businesses - publishers, record companies and talent agencies, for example - employ people with varied experience and education in positions ranging from entry-level to management. They also hire legal and financial experts who specialize in music-specific issues such as copyright law, contracts and royalty payments. According to the University of Central Florida, combining a music degree with a degree in law, or a business specialty such as marketing, accounting or information technology, gives you an edge as a candidate for a music-business career.

Music Business Support Jobs

Talent may get performers a contract, but they need marketing and publicity to sell DVDs and concert tickets. Music enthusiasts can work behind-the-scenes in jobs with firms that support and build an artist's career. For example, advertising and public relations agencies create campaigns for new albums, handle publicity, manage fan clubs and promote tours for their music clients. These promotion-oriented businesses employ copywriters, photographers and website designers as well as account managers, researchers and event planners. Music lovers who want to be involved in discovering new bands and singers could pursue a job in the artist and repertoire - commonly referred to as A & R - department of a recording label.

Related Reading: Are There Other Types of Jobs in Music Besides Teachers or Engineers?