CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR
MUSIC MAJORS
SKILLS & ABILITIES OF THE MUSIC MAJOR
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Oral Communica on Skills
Wri en Communica on Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Proficiency in Field of Study
Demonstrated Teamwork
Leadership Abili es
Flexibility
Analy cal Skills
Problem Solving Skills
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Decision‐Making Abili es
Ini a ve
Goal Orienta on
Crea vity
Organiza onal Skills
Presenta on Skills
Computer Skills
Cri cal Thinking Skills
Performance Skills
POTENTIAL CAREERS
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Composer/Songwriter
Choir Director
Copywriter
Editor
Film Music Editor
Instrumentalist/Singer
Music Cri c
Music Execu ve
Music Publisher
Sales Representa ve
Teacher
Music Therapist
Music Video Producer
Music So ware Programmer
Sound Engineer
Stage Manager
Talent Agent
Theatrical Agent
Tour Coordinator
Recording Director
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Transcriber
Music Librarian
Song Copyright and Licensing Administrator
Marke ng Director
Human Resources Manager
Record Producer
Produc on Designer/Assistant
Lawyer
Crea ve Director
Publicist
Press Agent
Booking Agent
General Manager
Interna onal Fes val and Tour Promoter
Instrument Technician
Music Supervisor, TV/Film
Journalist
Sta on Manager
*Taken from 100 Careers in the Music Business (Crouch) 2008 TYPES OF EMPLOYERS
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Government
Record Labels
Marke ng Firms
Ar s c Management Firms
Elementary/Secondary Schools
Colleges and Universi es
Adver sing Agencies
Concert Halls
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Publishing Companies
Bookstores
Fine Arts Theaters
Journals and Magazines
Radio and TV Sta ons
Literary Agencies
Nonprofit Organiza ons
Instrument Manufacturers
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Private Studios
Theater Companies
Peace Corps
TV/Radio Sta ons
Travel and Tourism
Religious Organiza ons
Museums
Recording Companies
*Taken from h p://www.unca.edu/career/majorsheets/
TOP 10 OCCUPATIONS EMPLOYING PERSONS WITH A BACHELORS IN MUSIC
Ar sts, broadcasters, writers, editors, entertainers, public rela ons
Teachers, secondary schools
Teachers, elementary schools
Personnel, training, and labor rela ons specialists
Other management‐related occupa ons
Postsecondary Professors
Sales occupa ons, including retail
Top and mid‐level managers, execu ves, administrators
Secretaries, recep onists, typists
Other administra ve (e.g. records clerk, telephone operators)
12.2%
10.3%
10.0%
5.3%
5.3%
5.1%
5.0%
4.9%
4.2%
3.3%
POST GRADUATION ACTIVITIES
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About 44% proceed to earn a post‐graduate degree.
About 60% of the master’s degrees are earned in music.
About 17% of the master’s degrees are earned in the field of educa on.
*Taken from The College Majors Handbook (Fogg, Harrington, & Harrington) 2004
RELATED BOOKS IN THE CAREER RESOURCE LIBRARY (CLC 530)
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Opportuni es in Music Careers
Career Opportuni es in the Music Industry
100 Careers in the Music Business
Opportuni es in Performing Arts Careers
Vault Guide to Media and Entertainment
Smart Moves for Liberal Arts Grads: Finding a Path to Your Perfect Career
Keys to Liberal Arts Success
Top Careers for Liberal Arts Graduates
Great Jobs for Liberal Arts Majors