Many parents of aspiring musicians question whether a career or a degree in music is the right course of action.
This is mainly due to the perceived lack of careers in music that will pay a livable wage.
Fortunately, the starving artist stereotype is just that, a stereotype.
The reality is that there are countless careers in music that will pay an annual salary of six figures, many of which are outside of the music performance realm.
A degree in music can be a priceless tool to secure one of these lucrative careers.
In the article below, we will look at what your child can do with their music degree.
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How employable your child will be is an essential aspect of becoming a music major.
In this regard, a music degree is absolutely worth it.
Many employers seek out music students because these candidates have knowledge of music theory, note reading, performance techniques, and understand the technical aspects of music.
Every degree has its own concentration and various required courses in music, so your child should know the career path they want before getting started.
They don't have to know the exact position, per se. But knowing whether they'd like to produce music, assist musicians, perform music, or teach goes a long way.
Sometimes internships, networking, winning music competitions, and a working knowledge of music hardware or software can help land any of those jobs.
However, music colleges offer many of these resources under one roof, so getting a music degree is still a smart idea.
For many people who dive into the music industry, being a professional musician is the number one goal.
The thrill of performing live on stage and the excitement that accompanies releasing a song that is widely streamed are just a couple of the sensations musicians strive for.
Earning a music degree would put your son or daughter a step ahead of the competition when it comes to learning about the industry, networking with like-minded peers, using top-of-the-line equipment, and acquiring the best performance techniques.
So many additional doors are opened beyond being a musician when a music degree comes into play.
Let's take a look at some music degree jobs:
Music education is vital at all school levels, and with their degree, your child can become a music teacher.
While not all music teachers who offer private lessons need a degree in music, some teacher agencies, particularly the agencies sending teachers into educational establishments, do require a music degree and a minimum grade in the instrument you are teaching.
The music producer essentially manages the entire process.
They help choose songs and session musicians, write or suggest edits to the arrangements, and coach musicians, singers, and artists through their parts.
In addition, they work behind the scenes and manage the recording of an album or a singular track.
They will select the song, determine how it should be recorded, and strive to achieve a specific sound.
Music Therapist
Music Therapy is perhaps the most fulfilling career in the music business.
Being a music therapist is an incredible occupation that involves working in various situations with various people.
The career path for art therapy is a degree in the chosen subject followed by a master's in Arts Therapy which allows you to register as an art therapist.
Once registered, you can deliver services privately or with a company or institution.
A broadcast engineer may work with radio, TV, movies, and every medium that requires support from a sound technician.
A sound engineer ensures the appropriate audio is captured clearly and that listeners can easily hear dialogue and any other audio at a constant level.
A sound technician for the music for video games has become an increasingly popular and lucrative career in music.
Many broadcast companies require a degree in music or music production.
Booking agents find jobs & gigs for composers, performers, producers, etc.
Booking agents are often considered synonymous with a talent agent, but that isn't necessarily true in the field of music. In music, a booking agent typically books the shows and music festivals for the performers & producers they represent.
A booking agent is a single person or entity that puts together tours & shows for their artists.
An audio or sound engineer is a very sought-after career in music.
Audio production specialists are concerned with how sound is manipulated, recorded, and mixed in audio recordings.
Recording engineers have to know your stuff if you want the type of high-profile clients that will turn this into a lucrative career.
As a concert promoter, you are responsible for organizing a tour or performance at music venues.
Promoters typically reach out to an artist manager, but this is not always the case.
Networking is crucial when it comes to concert promotion and being able to successfully construct a good musical genre lineup.
A music director is a professional responsible for overseeing and guiding musical performances and productions.
Their role varies depending on the setting, whether it’s a symphony orchestra, theater production, film, church choir, or other musical ensembles.
A skilled music director elevates the quality and impact of a musical performance by harmonizing artistic vision with technical precision.
Their ability to inspire and lead is crucial for creating memorable and transformative musical experiences.
A music critic is a professional who evaluates and analyzes musical performances, recordings, compositions, and trends.
Their primary role is to provide informed, thoughtful commentary on music, helping audiences understand and appreciate the nuances of a work or performance.
Music critics may work for newspapers, magazines, online platforms, radio, or television and often play a role in shaping public opinion about music and musicians.
Music management refers to the business side of an artist's career, involving tasks such as planning, organizing, and coordinating to ensure the artist's success and growth.
Music managers act as a bridge between artists and the music inudstry, helping to oversee everything from bookings and promotions to financial matters and career strategy.
A music education administrator is a professional responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and strategic management of a music school or conservatory.
They ensure that the school runs smoothly, meets its educational and financial goals, and provides students and faculty with the resources needed for success.
As a result of their studies in music, your kid will learn a set of skills specific to the music industry.
These skills and their new knowledge of music will apply to careers directly related to the degree, including:
Upon graduation, your child will develop skills that are transferable to multiple career industries beyond just musical talent.
These expected skills include:
Nearly any career in the music industry can eventually can make an annual salary of six figures.
Many successful performing artists in almost every genre make well into the 6-figures, with the most successful making 7-figures.
Music producers, musical theatre artists, songwriters, and even teachers can all command six-figure salaries when their abilities demand it.
According to ZipRecruiter, performance musicians can expect an average salary of around $42,000. This depends on the state your child works in and does not include the leverage of an accredited music education.
The career goals your child chooses, how hard they work, and the opportunities they take advantage of will all influence their success.
Beyond everything else are the intangible benefits.
With a college level music degree, your child can pursue their passion, travel, be their own boss, and utilize their creativity.
When it comes down to a major in music and making money, all your kids need to do is push themselves to do it.
Hard work, the right tools, and dedication will ensure your kid makes money with their music.
If they have the talent and willpower, it is there for the taking.
One of the best ways to accelerate a music career is by choosing a degree program with an accredited music school.
If your child is interested in music production, guitar, vocals, bass, drums, or keyboard, the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media has intricate music programs for them.
AIMM provides an immersive, non-stop music education atmosphere where skills are guaranteed to blossom. Your child will learn the best industry tips and techniques.
Are you not currently located near Atlanta? No worries! AIMM also offers 100% online music programs.
If your child has the drive to succeed in the music industry but doesn't know where to start, let the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media put them on the right path.
Help your child pursue their passion by studying music in college.
If your child's ultimate goal is to have a career in music, click below to learn how AIMM can help.