The music lovers business is governed by a variety of moving pieces, including musicians. There are many ways you may join the creative sector since it requires more than just artists and equipment.
Depending on your preferences, some of the lesser-known paths in the music business might provide you with what you’re searching for in a job that lets you be surrounded by music.
Prior to anything else, it’s critical to comprehend the evolution of this industry. The way that music is consumed, shared, and marketed has altered as a result of apps like TikTok, SoundCloud, Instagram, and Spotify.
Also Read: Global Music Editing Software Market Industry Outlook, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast
Social media’s influence on music
Musicians may not be selling CDs as much as they once did, but streaming services have taken over. 29% of music fans who use streaming services share songs, albums, or playlists, according to research by MusicWatch. Twitter is used by more than 50% of listeners to follow or acquire band and performer updates. According to statistics, the way we connect with music has changed, which has an impact on the music industry as a whole and the managerial positions that support it.
In comparison to the past, artists and their teams now have greater influence over how their music is distributed, including how it is marketed, released, and promoted during performances. It has also altered the degree to which musicians, their managers, and publicists are in charge of their reputation and brand.
Furthermore, the number of fans that artists need to be successful has decreased. Due to the ability of fans to organize themselves into fandoms or sizable groups of supporters thanks to social media, artists may now generate significant revenue depending on their skill, endorsements, commercials, or views.
What to expect from a music business degree
According to Larry Miller, the head of the music business department at New York University Steinhardt, a degree in the field consists of three parts: analytical, musical, and management education.
- Understanding the global music industry market, macro- and microeconomics, mathematics, marketing, financial accounting and management, as well as entertainment and organisational analysis, are all included in the analytical component
- Aural understanding, music history, keyboard abilities, and music in modern global culture are some of the topics covered in the musical section’s lessons on music theory.
- Music publishing, concert management, entrepreneurship, writing, media planning, finance, and entertainment law are all included in managerial training.
Miller told Business News Daily, “It’s a well-rounded curriculum that utilizes the left and right brain.” Students in a strong music business degree are also prepared for positions that don’t yet exist. It prepares students to create the music industry of the future.
How to choose the best music business program
Your objective while selecting a music business school is to be as close to the industry as you can be in case a chance arises while you are earning your degree. Being in a location where you can find jobs and internships at neighbouring record labels or businesses is a key benefit. New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Nashville are some of the best cities in the world for music.
Where you study music should be determined by the availability of internships, according to Michael McCutcheon, a career consultant at Wanderlust Careers. Your career will benefit from a curriculum with strong and established partnerships with music corporations, in addition to teaching you microeconomics and concert management skills. Look for programmes with top-notch networking and internship opportunities since they might be just as important to your success as your knowledge of your courses.
Difficulties for pursuing careers in music
Not usually as dazzling as the performances is the music industry. If you’re not acquainted with the day-to-day operations of your industry, that may be an issue.
You could decide halfway through the work that you no longer want to do this, McCutcheon warned.
It might be disappointing if the employment involves more paperwork and making calls than really pursuing your interest. Internships and job shadowing are crucial steps in the process because of this. They offer you the opportunity to really complete the task so you can figure out what you enjoy and don’t like.
Even the degree in music business itself is not easy to get.
Resilience is necessary, Miller added. “Looking at the business side or aspiring to operate your own label or firm demands attention, work ethic, and working hard in certain areas that don’t come naturally to the student.”
Jobs you can get with a music business degree
The music business does not need performers to work there. For instance, here are 10 professions for music enthusiasts in the background.
1. Video and sound engineers
One of the highest-paying positions in the music business is that of the video and sound engineers. You are in charge of mapping the speech effects and sound effects for video games. Recording and score composers have equally lucrative roles within this field. The overall sound and feel of the game are influenced by all of these tasks. Film and television production may benefit from the expertise of video and sound experts.
Median salary: $40,000 to over $120,000
2. Recording engineers
Recording engineers capture, edit, and mix audio for musicians or record labels. They oversee the recording session’s aesthetic and technical components. Usually, they collaborate with or act as composers, song arrangers, movie sound editors, or music producers. They might also work for firms that produce concerts or television shows.
Median salary: $25,000 to $150,000
3. Music directors/conductors
Orchestral and choir conductors are called music directors or conductors. They choose and prepare the music for their artists, oversee practise sessions, and direct performances. School bands, church choirs, youth orchestras, performing groups, and sometimes even television or radio stations are led by music directors.
Median salary: $43,098
4. Music teacher
You may impart your knowledge to musically motivated kids by working as a music instructor. This is a fantastic opportunity to support your neighbourhood, encourage youngsters to discover their skills, and instruct them in the principles of music. You may offer your own courses and programmes, or you can hold them at schools or academies. You’ll probably like imparting your knowledge to others, whether you specialise in teaching a particular instrument or desire to teach music in general.
Median salary: $42,099
5. DJ
DJs liven up gatherings by entertaining people with their musical and beat-making prowess. Working local concerts will give you the opportunity to bring your own style to the music and wow audiences with upbeat songs they can dance to all night. You’ll have the ability to make new friends and interact with those who share your passion for the arts in addition to enjoying the events you work.
Median salary: $58,907
6. Musical therapist
Sound is a tool that musical therapists use to make others feel better. Many individuals believe that music is therapeutic, soothing the mind and assisting them in overcoming challenging circumstances. With the use of music, music therapists help their patients manage their stress and pain—both emotional and physical.
Several music therapy programmes that educate you how to use different approaches on patients in diverse situations will let you become certified. According to the American Music Therapy Association, musical therapists might work in a private practise or in hospitals, mental health organisations, rehab facilities, day care centres, nursing homes, and schools.
Median salary: $57,094
7. Music journalist
Music journalism can be the solution for you if you want to work behind the scenes. When you write for a music publication like Rolling Stone or Billboard, you may review new albums, feature musicians, and cover shows. Even if you’re just creating articles about your local music scene as a freelancer or for a tiny, regional publication, many readers may be encouraged to get more active in music by what you write.
Median salary: $50,011
8. Music agent
Musicians may manage their relationships, events, social media, and the many chances that are presented to them every day with the aid of music agents or representatives. They also market the songs, albums, plays, and other works of their clientele.
By working for a music marketing company or developing your own, you may represent musicians. Other significant aspects of the work include project management, press releases, interviews, and similar tasks. You would be in charge of overseeing an artist or band’s public relations initiatives.
Median salary: $50,255
9. Songwriter
A significant portion of the creation of music is done by lyricists or songwriters. Every song has a narrative, and the power of language may produce a No. 1 hit. Although it’s not an easy career to start into, if you have a talent for poetry, you should think about writing lyrics for music and sharing your own experiences and tales
Median salary: $51,360
10. Music franchise owner
Owning a music franchise enables you to learn more about the business aspect of music. There are several music franchises available, such as School of Rock, a course meant to help students on their musical travels, and Music Go Round, a store that sells equipment at reasonable prices for musicians. You may use your enthusiasm to help the industry and spread your enthusiasm for the arts. Your calling could be to own and run a music franchise that benefits the local area.
Median salary: $69,327
Companies to consider for music careers
Working for one of these music labels may help you earn the money you want in a job linked to music, regardless of the precise area you pick.
- The Staples Center in Los Angeles and the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri are two venues that The Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) works with for live music and sporting events.
- Naturally, Apple dominates the world, and iTunes has played a significant role in the business from the very beginning. Apple also creates the music production programmes Logic Pro and GarageBand in addition to Apple Music.
- There are many different music publishers as well as lyricists and composers that are members of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. It collects royalties, licences, and promotes the music of its customers while taking a sizable percentage of any public performances of their compositions.
- Amplifiers, electric guitars, and basses are all produced by Fender. Legendary musicians including Jimi Hendrix and George Harrison have used its guitars.
- One of the top three global record labels is Sony Music. A few of its record labels include RCA, Epic, RED Music, and Columbia Records.
- More than 140 million people use Spotify, which since 2008 has influenced the music industry.