When you think about the various types of music performance careers, the role of a professional musician is likely top of mind. If you love performing on the stage, then this may be the right career for you to pursue. However, there are many other options to consider.
Professional Musician
Professional musicians and singers may perform solo or in groups such as bands or orchestras. Those in bands may play gigs at clubs, bars, weddings and other private parties. These musicians work to cultivate their fan base so they can land a contract with a record label, although these days, musicians can also sell their music online through streaming services.
Other professional musicians play in orchestras, where they may have the opportunity to rise to the rank of section leader.
There are also music career opportunities for:
- Worship arts musicians
- Professional opera singers
- Background singers (who support the lead singer)
- Backup performers for live performances and recording sessions
Music Educator
If you’re passionate about music but aren’t sure you’d like to perform on a stage, then you might consider becoming a music teacher instead. This career would allow you to pass on your love of music to the next generation.
There are two primary options for aspiring music educators: private music instruction and music teaching in schools. If you’d like to teach music in a public school, you’ll need to become a licensed teacher. Private music teachers who give lessons out of their own private music studios (or homes) do not need to be licensed.2
If you decide that you’d like to teach within a school, you should look for a music degree that leads to teacher licensure. Be sure to check the licensing requirements for teachers in the state where you plan to work. In addition to your bachelor’s degree and license, you’ll need work experience in the classroom, which you can gain through a student teaching rotation.2
As a school music teacher, you’ll prepare and give lessons that teach your students how to read scores, understand music theory and perform on instruments and vocals. You’ll also need to grade assignments and performances, manage classroom discipline, organize student recitals and meet with parents. As a member of the faculty, you can expect to attend regular staff meetings.
Private music teachers who give lessons out of their own studios or homes aren’t required to be licensed, but they do need to demonstrate credentials and proficiency to attract students.
Private music teachers may provide one-on-one or group instruction. In addition to giving lessons, private music teachers must market their services to attract new clients and work toward success in this music-related career.
Music Producer
Music producers work closely with musicians in the recording studio. The professional relationship between a music producer and a musician is similar to that between an editor and a writer. The producer’s job is to ensure that the final result is the best it can be and that it reflects the vision for the piece.
This career requires both technical knowledge and artistic vision.3 A music producer might do anything from using audio editing software to running the soundboard. They can work with artists to help them achieve the right sound and create a cohesive vision for an individual song or an entire album.
Music Agent
Although music agents don’t perform or record music professionally, they do play a vital role in getting talent on stage and in the studio. Also known as talent agents, music agents represent bands and individual musicians. Their main areas of responsibility include booking shows and negotiating performance contracts. They may book just one show at a time, or they may be responsible for contracting an entire tour or residency at a nightclub, concert hall or casino.
By necessity, music agents must be adept at cultivating strong professional relationships with others in the industry, such as concert promoters, venue managers and record label decision-makers. A robust network of contacts enables music agents to help their clients book larger, more prestigious shows and enjoy career success.
Disc Jockey (DJ)
The term disc jockey, or DJ, can encompass a couple of different types of music professionals. Many disc jockeys work for radio stations, where they are responsible for playing music and offering commentary on their radio station. DJs can also be performing artists who host events and mix tracks.4 Many DJs also write and produce their own musical tracks.
Other DJs have perfected the art of turntabling. This is the practice of mixing various sounds and tracks to create new music and beats. Some prefer to use modern DJ software.
It’s possible for popular DJs who host events to achieve celebrity status. DJs who write and produce their own music might enjoy popular acclaim. There is also the potential to license original music and earn royalties.
