Illinois Wesleyan: Possible careers with a music degre

What can I do with a music degree?

IWU's School of Music offers Bachelor of Music degrees in Music Education, Performance (Vocal, Piano, Instrumental, and Composition), and a Bachelor of Arts in music. We also offer courses in conducting that are required by our Bachelor of Music students.

General Information:

Finding positions in the music industry requires a combination of talent, training, connections and some luck. Perseverance is required!
Develop competencies in business management, computers, marketing, or other areas to broaden range of employment possibilities.
Develop a variety of skills. Become "multitalented."
Confidence, personality, a positive attitude, and a love of music are important to success.
Need basic tools of self-promotion.
Some jobs may require you to join unions or guilds.
Performers often travel frequently and must be flexible regarding their work schedules.
Gain experience working for a music publisher or other businesses in the entertainment industry.
Majoring in music provides students with a sense of aesthetics and an understanding of human expression valuable to many employers.

Areas	Employers	Strategies
Teaching	Daycare centers Elementary and secondary schools Private schools Recreation centers Colleges and Universities Conservatories Private Lessons Studio or Self-employed	Acquire teaching certificate for public school teaching. Gain experience working with children through volunteer or part-time work experiences. Graduate degree required to teach in higher education. Specialize in an area such as music, music theory, composition, music history, etc. Performance skill on one instrument or voice required. Develop business relationships with schools and/or music stores to increase client base.
Performance Instrumental Vocal	Armed Forces bands and orchestras Symphony orchestras Small ensembles Rock or jazz groups Dance bands Concert soloist Clubs and restaurants Church choirs Community choral groups Opera chorus or soloist Musical theaters Ballet productions Recording industry Radio, television, and motion picture industries	Develop musical talent and skill. Obtain formal training to acquire necessary skills, knowledge, and ability to interpret music. Ambition and showmanship are important. Join campus bands and choruses, church choirs, and other performing acts. Seek competitions, apprenticeship programs, and workshops to gain experience and recognition. Opportunities are very limited. Most performers have other careers. Auditions are generally required.
Composing/ Arranging	Self-employed Record companies Publishers Muzak Motion picture and television industries Production companies	Knowledge of composition, harmony, arranging, and theory are important. Learn how to use electronic instruments and synthesizers. Develop computer and desktop publishing expertise. Skill on one or more instruments and voice are necessary. Seek grants and awards through foundations. Very few musicians earn living through composing.
Conducting	Choirs Choral groups Symphonies Opera Armed Forces bands and orchestras	Develop superior musicianship and leadership. Acquire extensive experience in performing groups. Opportunities extremely limited. Gain acceptance into a conductor-training program or related apprenticeship.
Musical Therapy	Hospitals: general and psychiatric Special education facilities Mental health centers Nursing homes Correctional facilities Private practice Outpatient clinics	Take courses in psychology, social work, or education. Earn a master's degree in music therapy and seek certification. Volunteer in a rehabilitation setting. Must demonstrate a genuine interest in helping people.
Music Libraries	Colleges and universities Conservatories Public libraries Radio and television stations	Develop computer and research skills. Gain thorough knowledge of music and musicology. Earn master's degree in library/ information science.
Recording Industry	Production recording studios (most located in New York City, Los Angeles, and Nashville) Publishing and Editing Producing Recording Engineering Manufacturing Talent Acquisition Promotion/Media Relations Publicity Administration Marketing and Sales Product Management	Complete an internship at a record company. Take business courses to work in management or administration. Journalism, public relations, and communication classes helpful for work in areas of promotion. Gain sales experience for marketing. Must interact well with people and develop persuasion tools. Knowledge of electronics, audio engineering, and recording knowledge required for production. Work or volunteer at a campus or local radio station. Join organizations involved with bringing events and entertainment to campus. Work at a retail record store to learn about the industry.
Communication	Radio and television stations Virtual reality sound environments e.g. Internet sites, software creators Music and Program Direction On Air Performance Promotion Voice-over Copyright / Clearance Administration Music License Administration Music Editing, Production, and Composing Sound Mixing Post Production Research	Take classes in communications, broadcasting, or journalism. Work at on-campus radio station. Complete an internship at a television or radio station. Develop computer-related skills such as software development and programming.
Miscellaneous	Sales: Music shops Record stores Instrument manufacturers Music Journalism: Music-related publications Magazines and newspapers Law: Entertainment law firms	Sales: Get sales experience. Work in a retail music outlet. Music Journalism: Take courses in journalism and English. Law: Write articles for campus newspaper. Earn law degree.