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So you think you might want to be a Music Major? https://www.theodysseyonline.com /12-signs-youre-music-major Music Degrees Composition Jazz Studies Music Education Music Business Music Production and Engineering Music Performance Music Therapy Composition What you think you’ll do What you’ll actually do Composition Composer Create music In addition to stand-alone music, a composer might Score music to accompany a film, television show, theatrical performance, commercial, video game, art installation, or other visual media, such as web content Required skills include knowledge of music notation, sight-reading, active listening, critical thinking, creativity, and an awareness of both music history and contemporary music Electronic Composer Uses computer and MIDI technology throughout the entire composing and arranging process May compose for a specific recording situation—such as film/TV composers who score/compose to enhance visual media—or a live performance situation, such as composers who create for live theater, music, dance, or art May include producing MIDI mock-ups, which allow a director or executive producer to hear the compositions before the recording or performance process commences Knowledge of audio editing software is a must, along with the ability to deliver results in fast-paced environments. Arranger Provides arrangements of a musical composition to be performed by an artist, band, orchestra, or electronic composer Determines the voicing, instrumentation, harmonic structure, rhythm, tempo, and other aspects of a song or composition based on the artist, producer, director, or conductor’s specifications The arranger’s work may then surface as part of a live or recorded performance by an artist, band, orchestra, or electronic composer in settings such as concert halls, films, television shows, video games, commercials, art installations, web content, or other visual media Should be trained in music theory, orchestration, composition, and harmony, and should have experience as a copyist and as a composer or songwriter, as well as experience playing one or more instruments. Songwriter Performing songwriters create and perform their own music, while other songwriters create music to be performed by other parties. Some songwriters work as a solo act or as the leader of a group featuring their original material, while some more often co-write in coordination with other songwriters Typically write both music and lyrics, often working in collaboration with other composers and/or lyricists. Exhibit creativity and knowledge in composition, music history, conemporary, and market trends Conductor Leads an orchestra or ensemble in performance. This may include selecting the repertoire, preparing the musicians via rehearsals, and all other business affairs related to leading an orchestra Typically able to hear comments from the studio control room in a recording setting and may incorporate that feedback into the session so as to best direct the musicians/orchestra Should have strong ability on an instrument (most often, piano), in-depth musical knowledge, the ability to sight-read. In addition, conductors have great interpersonal and leadership skills in order to work with composers, players, editors, orchestrators, and copyists. Educator/Teacher Composition teachers usually teach in a higher-education setting, such as in a college, conservatory, or university May also teach others privately, or teach other subjects in addition to composition, such as music theory, music arranging, music history, conducting, or they may conduct chamber groups, choruses, or orchestras Transcriber A transcriber notates musical performances onto a score from a recorded performance. Most often applies to notating live Jazz performances, especially for the improvisational sections Music Editor Responsible for mixing and synchronizing music with a visual counterpart, such as a film or video game Often provides a temporary track that is used as a stand-in for the final score until that score is ready Must be versatile and possess a great musical sensitivity, a keen ear for balance, and an awareness of how music can make or break a dramatic scene or sequence Must also be familiar with the technology used to mix and synchronize music in conjunction with visual media Sound Designer Employed to develop and/or utilize a sound library to implement sounds and effects for a variety of potential clients, including artists/bands; films, television shows, video games, and other visual media; live theater; production and multimedia companies; and manufacturers Typically uses an array of sophisticated electronic equipment to find sonic solutions in their work Must posses a creative mindset, the ability to record and edit audio, and the discipline to manage a multitude of audio files across various projects Programmer Uses software to produce MIDI keyboard/synthesizer tracks for inclusion in a score for visual media such as film, TV, video games, and commercials, or for art installations, live performances, and more May also sequence a composition so as to enable the composer, music editor, or others an opportunity to hear it—and identify any problematic areas—without having to hire a full orchestra before it reaches its final performance or recording stage Must possess strong skills with music sequencing software and notation software Jazz Studies Jazz Studies Jazz Composer Create music Might score music to accompany a film, television show, theatrical performance, commercial, video game, art installation, or other visual media, such as web content. This work may include scoring as well as songwriting. Required skills include music notation, sight-reading, active listening, critical thinking, creativity, and an awareness of both music history and current trends. Might be a Jingle Writer Songwriters/composers/lyricists who specializes in writing music for radio and television commercials Responsible for representing their client musically as directed Must be skilled in all styles, be strong musical arrangers, and be able to compose well for a very short form. Educator/Teacher Jazz composition teachers usually teach in a higher education setting such as in a college, conservatory, or university May also teach other students privately, or teach other subjects in addition to jazz composition, such as music arranging; jazz history; or conducting big band jazz groups, jazz combos, or vocal jazz ensembles. Other Careers Electronic Composer Arranger Songwriter Orchestrator Conductor Transcriber Music Education Music Education Elementary/Primary School Music Teacher Work in public, private, or parochial schools Duties vary depending on the school and the ages and grades they teach, but for the most part they teach a general music class in kindergarten through sixth grade Introduce students to the different elements of music such as steady beat, pitch variance, dynamics, form, performance etiquette Must often follow guidelines for what they teach that are set up by the school music department heads, district music supervisors, and state music education supervisors Secondary School Music Teacher Generally teach in grades 7-12, and they work in public, private, or parochial schools Duties vary depending on the type of job they are hired forMay teach specifically on one instrument or many May be responsible for leading a school band, orchestra, or choir, and for putting on school concerts and competitions May handle rehearsals and conduct the school groups as well College/Conservatory/University Music Educator Are often for a variety of different positions May be brought into a school as a general music educator to teach areas of music theory, music arranging, music history, or specifically to teach vocal or instrumental performance. Also often hired to coach chamber music groups or to conduct choruses or orchestras, or wind ensembles Academic Researcher Dedicated to the careful study of a given subject, field, or problem in order to discover key facts, principles, new areas of inquiry, or conclusions Typically uses the scientific method to investigate and record findings Research is often undertaken in a graduate school environment, such as the pursuit of a master’s degree or doctorate. Private Instructor Typically teach individual (or group) lessons in order to advance the learning rate of a student Must be able to develop and implement an effective curriculum that will engage students in the learning process in order to deliver desired results for those that they instruct. Music Business Music Business Artist Manager (or Personal Manager, Agent) Represents one or more group or artist and oversee all aspects of an act (artist) Deals with and advises the act(s) on all business decisions, and may offer insights on the creative decisions an artist must make as well in attempting to help guide the artist(s) to their career goals. Entrepreneur Organizes, operates, and assumes the risks related to a business venture Common businesses launched by entrepreneurs included recording studios, private teaching practices, performing general business bands, booking agencies, artist management agencies, music retailers, music publishing companies, and record labels, among others Often exhibit interest in new technologies, market trends, and investment opportunities in order to pursue a vision that will lead to starting a company with a well-defined specialization. Booking Agent (or Talent Agent) Finds work for creative professionals within the entertainment industry May schedule appearances by musicians, actors, dancers, filmmakers, writers, speakers, and more. In the musical context may schedule live performances for clients in clubs, arenas, festivals, church buildings, and so on. To do so, they must network with venue operators, music promoters, and other bookers Handles all financial matters in connection with the performance date and coordinates all matters related to production and logistics. Often also involved with promotion of the events that they book Must be highly organized and motivated, and must possess excellent communication skills. In addition, booking agents need computer skills to maintain databases of contacts and venue information Understand tour scheduling and often double as talent scouts who are able to recognize rising potential Concert Promoter Presents, organizes, advertises, and finances concerts at performance venues such as arenas, festivals, clubs, church buildings, auditoriums, etc Often secures money for the concert by finding others to share in the profits/expenses Independent Radio Promoter Has a similar role as that of a promotional staffer at a record label. Usually employed by an independent radio promotions company or works freelance Will often hire the services of an independent radio promotions company to generate airplay of a particular song or record Contacts radio station program directors, music directors, and disc jockeys in a local, regional, national, or even an international market Set up appointments with these station people and bring a number of new album releases as well as a supply of promotional or press material relating to the artist or band May socialize frequently with program directors and music directors to help improve the chances that a radio station will add a song to its playlist. Retail Sales Management Works, runs, and operates a retail music store. Duties include employee supervision, training, ordering, coordinating the timing and arrival of distribution shipments to the store, budgeting and financial planning, and coordinating sales promotions for specific CDs. Entertainment Attorney Handles any contractual matters conceivable within the entertainment industry Can be freelance, hired on retainer, or an employee of a company or business within the entertainment industry Generally specialize in one of three separate fields within the entertainment industry: sports, film and television, or music An attorney that specializes in the music industry usually has a solid depth of understanding with regard to copyright laws and artist/band agreements with managers, publishers, record labels, booking agents, etc Successful completion of law school and a state bar exam are requisites for being an entertainment attorney Business Manager The business manager handles the financial affairs of musicians and entertainers. Most have degrees in business administration with concentrations in accounting or management. The business manager should have knowledge of negotiating, accounting skills, investments, and tax laws. Music Business Consultant Advise clients—be they artists, entrepreneurs, or other music industry professionals—on business strategy for their career or organization Must possess a deep understanding of business, law, music, and industry trends in order to provide solid advice with confidence Must demonstrate excellent skills in listening, qualitative and quantitative research, and communication, including public speaking and the development of written and/or visual reports Contractor Responsible for hiring musicians or road crew staff and tending to all the necessary contract obligations through the appropriate union organizations. It is in the contractor's best interest to procure the best talent possible while working within given budget guidelines. Label Manager Oversees one or several departments at a record label and is responsible for the overall operation of the label, including budget management, production, A&R, marketing, scheduling, licensing, and more Gives the record label direction and purpose and serves as the team leader, often making the final call in the decision-making process Should generally possess significant experience within the music industry prior to attaining this role Must demonstrate excellent communication skills, project and time management, a solid understanding of the technical side of the recording process, and exemplary interpersonal skills. Music Production and Engineering Music Production and Engineering Producer Plays a variety of roles depending on whether they are working in music, film, theater, dance, video games, or other media. In the music industry, producers often work with recording artists and record labels to create songs and albums for release Supervises all aspects of the recording process—including contracting session players and overseeing the recording budget—and may also help the artist select songs to be recorded Should be an excellent musician with a lot of performance experience In addition to possessing a great depth of knowledge in music, a producer should hold extensive technical knowledge of recording equipment, engineering, and acoustics Must also demonstrate creativity and excellent interpersonal skills. Recording Engineer/Mixer Operates the mixing console and other equipment during the process of recording music or sound Generally run recording sessions, with oversight from the producer Responsibilities include crafting a recording that meets all stakeholders’ stated desires Also called upon to be mixers, working with the output of recording sessions to piece together a polished finished product Must possess well-trained ears, advanced technical knowledge of recording and mixing tools, and an ingrained understanding of studio etiquette. Studio Manager/Owner Responsible for running the business of the recording studio and may be a sole or partial owner of the business Responsible for booking acts to record at the studio, scheduling engineers, marketing the studio, and budgeting and providing for all the needs of a professional recording studio Also is the in-house diplomat, acting as the liaison between engineers and clients, ensuring client satisfaction, and handling all financial transactions with clients Sound Technician Responsible for high-quality sound during live performance Supervise the placement of equipment and work with the talent during the sound check to achieve the best sound May even work a soundboard during the actual performance. Audio Engineer for Videos Makes certain that the audio tracks are synchronized and equalized with the video. Live Sound Engineer Primary responsibility is to operate the soundboard during a live performance Also is involved in sound check and the placement of equipment in preparation for a live performance Interactive and Mixed Media Specialist Work to create features for websites, software, and a wide variety of digital multimedia applications. These features may contain sound, music, text, video, images, and/or animation May be charged with developing and implementing “front-end” content or “backend” functions, or both This position requires a broad spectrum of skills, which may include graphic design, web design, web development/computer programming, sound design, editing, and more Should possess an understanding of marketing, communications, and digital user behavior. Studio Designer Provide complete audio, video, and acoustic design services for recording facilities Can serve as consultants for designing or renovating studios for select and distinct purposes DJ/Remixer May be charged with editing a song or completely recreating it to sound different from the original version May also mix recorded music live for an audience Knowledge of audio editing and music production software as well as performance dynamics and knowledge of current musical trends/contemporary music is a must Audio Developer Create, collect, and/or compile sound effects and music to be used in apps, video games, and other web-based features May record sounds or music or draw from a preexisting sonic library, or both, and may oversee voice-over recording sessions Primary role is to ensure that the finished product contains professional-quality audio Should possess electronic production and sound design skills, a working knowledge of professional audio recording and editing software, a creative mindset, and typically must harness the ability to deliver results under tight deadlines Music Performance Music Performance Performing Artist (Recording Artist/Group) Specializes in the performance of music, theater, or dance Whether performing new original material or previously created works, a performing artist’s skills define their marketability May work as a solo act or with a group Required to have a basic knowledge of marketing such as community management through social media and content generation (e.g., video, text, and photos) for promotional purposes. Orchestra/Band Member Plays supporting role as an instrumentalist in a musical group A vast knowledge of repertoire, musical skill, and sight-reading ability are important qualities for the orchestra/band member to develop, especially in the orchestral environment Must be able to play well with other members of the group and must be highly organized so as to know the material before rehearsal The ability to play more than one instrument is often very helpful to the orchestra/band member, whose responsibility is to follow the directions of the group leader or conductor to deliver the desired performance of prepared music in performance and recording situations. Theatre Musician Theatre Performer A theatre performer is a singer/actor or actress who performs in a music theatre production on stage Accompanist/Rehearsal Pianist A theatre musician is an instrumentalist that plays in the pit orchestra of a music theatre production Primarily works with vocalists and/or music theatre groups for rehearsals, live performance, or audition settings Cantor A cantor is a song leader in a Reformed, Conservative, or Orthodox Jewish Synagogue/Temple Service, or Catholic or Christian Orthodox service Sings liturgical prayers and leads the worshippers in attendance to sing in a precise and measured "call and answer"-type response to his/her own sung part or line Church Musician: Choir Director, Worship Leader, Praise & Worship Band Member, Organist, and Soloist Plays sings, or conducts during the musical portion of a worship service Music Therapy Music Therapy What career opportunities are available for music therapists? Opportunities for employment are available to the registered music therapist, not only in traditional clinical settings, such as agencies serving individuals with emotional, developmental, or physical disabilities, but in new and expanding areas of health care delivery Music therapists are now employed in hospice care, substance abuse programs, oncology treatment centers, pain/stress management clinics, and correctional settings Many music therapists work in special education settings, where they provide either direct services to students with disabilities or function as consultants for music educators and special educators A recent hearing before the U.S. Senate's Special Committee on Aging and the subsequent passage of the Older Americans Act of 1992 have increased the recognition of music therapy's value, as well as employment opportunities Where do music therapists work? Inpatient psychiatric unit School Private practice Intermediate care facility/mental retardation University Nursing home State institution Geriatric facility Community mental health center Inpatient medical unit Drug/alcohol program Group home Outpatient clinic Correctional facility Hospice