Exploring paths after earning a music degree: potential career paths and avenues
In the vibrant and ever-evolving world of music, a formal education can serve as a valuable stepping stone towards a successful career. Whether one aspires to be a performer, a music producer, or a music business professional, there are various music degrees that cater to diverse interests and careers.
One such institution offering a comprehensive music education is the London College of Creative Media. With a dedicated placement cell, a robust curriculum, and opportunities to learn and mentor under professional musicians, the college provides an ideal platform for aspiring musicians.
The London College of Creative Media offers a BMUS (Hons) Contemporary Music Performance and Production program, designed for entrepreneurial musicians who wish to produce and manage their own music projects. The program covers music composition, theory, and production, offering comprehensive knowledge and versatile music literacy.
Among the most common music degrees for pursuing a career in the music industry are the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music, the Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in Music Education, the B.M. in Jazz Studies, the B.M. in Performance, the B.S. or B.M. in Music Business, the Music Industry Minor, and the Music Production Minor.
The B.A. in Music offers a broad education in music theory, history, and performance, equipping students with strong musicianship skills, preparing them for careers as performers, teachers, and composers. On the other hand, the B.M. in Music Education focuses on training students to become music teachers.
The B.M. in Jazz Studies and the B.M. in Performance are specialized degrees, the former in jazz performance and theory, and the latter in professional music performance. Meanwhile, the B.S. or B.M. in Music Business combines music knowledge with business-related skills like marketing, management, and law, preparing students for roles such as booking agents, tour managers, publicists, and more.
The Music Industry Minor and the Music Production Minor offer practical knowledge in music publishing, copyright, live performance, artist management, royalties, and recording contracts, preparing students for roles such as concert promotion, booking agencies, music law, performance management, and royalty distribution.
A music degree can act as a foot in the door of the competitive entertainment industry, providing industry expertise and relevant skills. Pursuing a music degree can boost career prospects by making students industry-ready, teaching them how to approach music producers, sign up with agents, and register music for intellectual property rights.
In the UK, a music degree can enhance employability. Typical employers in the music industry include music production companies, music retailers, media organizations, and film production companies. As a music graduate, one can earn around £29,000 per year, depending on music specialization.
Moreover, many music programs offer practical music and auditioning training, which can help secure lucrative gigs. The diversity in career roles available for music graduates is vast, including artistic director, artist manager, band director, choral director, composer, music copyright consultant, digital recordist, disk jockey, film score producer, music historian, private music teacher, sound engineer, sound designer, music therapist, and more.
It is essential to note that while a music degree is not a necessity to pursue a career in music, it can provide significant advantages in a competitive industry. Choosing a music degree in London, a city known for its thriving music scene, can expose students to multiple career and networking opportunities. A well-designed music course can provide industry-specific and transferable skills such as communication, creative thinking, performance under pressure, a keen eye for new music genres, planning and organizational skills, self-discipline, memory skills, critical reflection skills, and more.
In conclusion, selecting a degree aligned with your career interests in performance, business, or production gives specialized skills and industry knowledge, improving job prospects and professional success in the highly competitive music industry. Pursuing a bachelor's programme in music can help carve a successful career path in the global music industry.
A formal education in music, such as a music degree, can foster employability in the music industry by providing relevant skills and industry expertise. For instance, a music degree from the London College of Creative Media, with its focus on contemporary music performance and production, can equip aspiring musicians with versatile music literacy and a platform for professional growth. This career-focused education can help carve a successful path in the increasingly competitive global music industry, offering opportunities in various fields like entertainment, education-and-self-development, and lifestyle.
An education in music can be a valuable stepping stone towards a diverse lifestyle, as it opens up career paths in different areas of the industry. Whether one aspires to be a performer or producer, or seeks a career in music business, there are numerous music degrees available to cater to distinct interests and career goals. These degrees not only deepen one's understanding of music theory, history, and performance, but also encompass practical knowledge in areas like music publishing, copyright, live performance, artist management, royalties, and recording contracts. Thus, a music degree can act as a foundation for a dynamic lifestyle and career in the fascinating world of music.
