Careers in Music
Why Choose a Career in Music?
A career in music includes hundreds of viable choices in addition to the traditional performer and teacher pathways. Music and the creative industries—including pro-audio, event technology, and more—are dynamic and constantly expanding. Individuals with creativity, technical skills and curiosity, organizational skills, teamwork, and a passion for music are highly sought after.
Variety
The creative industry is perpetually evolving with hundreds of exciting and rewarding career opportunities and professional communities. Here’s a small sample of sectors in the music and creative arts:
- Software and Music Technology
- Sales and Service
- Marketing and Communications
- Live Event Production and Stage Tech
- Engineering and Industrial Arts
- Instrument Making and Lutherie
- Repair and Maintenance
- Recording and Production Arts
- Venue and Tour Management
- Event Marketing and Promotion
- Graphic Design and Photography
Stability
Music and the creative industry hold hundreds of career options that can lead to a life-long, sustainable life in music, and the demand for specific skills in the field is extremely high. For example, music students graduating with teacher credentials experience a 100% placement rate for available jobs.
Sustainability
Data from the U.S. Department of Labor (2021) reports annual income for music and creative industry jobs with a median range of $49,000 to $79,000. Current annual salaries range from $27–$50k for paid intern and entry-level positions, $50k–$120k for manager-level and tech roles, and $70k–$230k+ for leadership and executive-level positions. Several career pathways in the creative industry provide opportunities to make well over $200,000.
Paths to Consider
There are various pathways to pursue a career in music, and the specific route you take depends on your interests, skills, motivation, and goals. Adaptability, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous learning are essential for a career in music. Here are just a few career pathways:
Formal Education
Pursue a degree, major, or minor in music at a conservatory, college, or university; a two-year degree from a community college, or a professional training program. Degree options include music teaching, performance, arranging, composition, music business, pro audio, and technology.
Internships
Work as an intern at a music or creative industry company or organization during your higher education study. Interns learn a lot about a company’s output and products—from development to distribution—as well as handling internal administrative tasks and getting to know people at various levels of their careers. An internship can offer great insight into many future career options.
Apprenticeships
Seek an apprenticeship for jobs in music or the creative sector, especially those requiring focused, technical skills such as instrument repair, graphic design, and event touring and support. An apprenticeship can provide the experience of learning from the pros and building skills and knowledge for a fulfilling musical career. Apprenticeships usually involve paid, on-the-job training under the supervision of qualified professionals.
Private Lessons/Self-Study
Take private lessons with a skilled music teacher. This pathway provides personalized instruction tailored to specific needs. Some musicians are self-taught or develop their skills through self-study. New and evolving technologies support music production and distribution. Continuous learning and self-improvement are central themes in every musician’s life.
Entrepreneurship
Develop entrepreneurial skills to create opportunities. Start a music teaching business, develop a product or service, establish a record label, organize concerts, or explore other avenues within the music industry. Creative energies to share, engage, and explore music-making can evolve to lead these efforts.
Networking
Attend the NAMM Show, trade conferences, and workshops that offer opportunities to meet industry professionals and fellow musicians and explore job prospects. Passionate, creative, and energetic people in music and the arts thrive on networking to expand their ideas; it also develops skills and job options.
Exploring a Career in Music
For those eager to explore or encourage a career in music, we recommend taking the following steps:
For Students
Share career interests and aspirations with parents, guardians, and school counselors. Use the Careers in Music brochure as a reference. Talk to music educators, teachers, and people you may already know who work in related music and art fields and explore their path to their careers. Take advantage of networking opportunities—like The NAMM Show—to meet and chat with people in occupations you are interested in.
For Parents and Guardians
Talk to your high schooler about future career goals and how they align with opportunities in music and the arts; use the Careers in Music brochure and website for additional information. Start a conversation with school counselors about establishing pathways and skills desirable for a career in music.
For Music Teachers and Educators
Review the Careers in Music brochure with students, parents, and school counselors. Share experiences in pursuing a career in music and, where possible, serve as a resource for students considering a profession in music and the creative sector.
For School Counselors
Provide the Careers in Music brochure and site resources to students and parents. Reach out to music and arts-related businesses, visit the NFHS Careers in Music page, and the NAMM Foundation for additional resources.
For Potential Employers
Share the Careers in Music brochure with local school counselors. Provide access to the Careers in Music brochure at your place of business, and—if you offer private lessons—hand it out to students and families. Share career experiences with students interested in a career in music.
Careers in Music MATERIALS
The NAMM Foundation, in partnership with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), has created helpful materials highlighting the many career opportunities in the music and creative industry. You can download a digital copy of the materials or order complimentary printed copies of the brochure for display or distribution in your classroom, school, or place of business.
Download the Materials
Order Printed Brochures
We are happy to provide these brochures for free! Please share how you're putting them to use and tag us on social @nammfoundation. If you would like to help us offset printing costs, please consider a donation to the foundation.
Please use our online portal to order complimentary printed brochures for your classroom, school, or business. If you do not have an account, you can create one for free! After logging in, select "Brochures" from the category list, and then select the "Careers in Music" brochure. Click on the quantity field and select the amount you want to order. Add your selection to the cart and proceed through the checkout process. The NAMM Foundation will cover any shipping costs displayed (you will not be asked to enter any payment information).