Key Takeaways:
- Audio Engineers manage sound equipment and processes in multiple industries, earning an average annual salary of $45,192.
- Music Therapists utilize musical skills to treat various psychological and physical issues, with an average salary of $40,627.
- Musicians can work in diverse genres, performing live or recording, with earnings significantly varying based on gigs and contracts.
As a music graduate, there are so many ways you can develop your music career. Here is a list of the top five jobs you could get with your degree.
Audio Engineer
Audio engineers assemble, operate, and maintain equipment used to make, record, amplify, mix, or reproduce sound. Other key responsibilities include assessing the acoustics of the performance theaters, assembling necessary equipment, consulting with producers to determine sound requirements, and monitoring audio signals to improve sound quality. Those who work in studios may be tasked with recording audio onto digital audio tapes and anticipating possible sound problems during live recording. Sound engineers usually work in advertising, film, broadcasting, and live performance. They often work for long hours to meet deadlines, including during weekends and holidays. Their average annual salary is $45,192, according to Payscale.
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Music Therapist
Music therapists use their knowledge and skills in music to offer relief to individuals suffering from psychological, mental, and physical problems. To deliver desirable outcomes, music therapists agree on treatment objectives with their clients, plan, review, and assess therapy sessions, take an active role in these sessions, and help clients explore and create their own musical languages. They also support their clients’ creative development, assess their non-musical behaviors, and record their progress. Music therapists earn an average annual salary of $40,627. Most of them work as private consultants. Others work for mental health institutions, governmental agencies, and schools.
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Private Music Teacher
Private music teachers combine their musical skills and teaching abilities to help students learn music. They plan overall schemes of work and teach students how to sing and play instruments. They also monitor student progress through periodic exams and arrange performance opportunities for students in school concerts and events. Music teachers work in schools, colleges, or community-based settings. Some of them may work from home or travel to various locations to teach private clients. Music teachers earn an average annual salary of $41,024.
Musician
Musicians create and perform music in events and concerts. They may perform a wide variety of genres, including hip-hop, jazz, rock, classical, and folk. Musicians participate in recording sessions, compose new songs and music, create new tunes, arrange tours, and conduct promotions. They often work as freelance artists or as salaried members of a band, choir, orchestra, theatrical ensemble, and opera company. The salaries of musicians vary greatly, depending on whether they are working as freelancers or as salaried members of a band or orchestra. Successful freelance musicians can earn as much as $1 million per concert, which is a very lucrative income. Since the music industry is very competitive, aspiring musicians must practice continuously to succeed.
Radio Broadcast Assistant
Radio broadcast assistants play a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations of a national or local radio station. They work alongside program coordinators to ensure smooth operations of the radio station. Typical duties include editing audio packages, securing clearances and licenses, recording audio transmissions, and offering technical support to the production team. Radio broadcast assistants usually work between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tight deadlines may require them to work overtime, including nights and weekends. They earn an average annual salary of $45,632.
Obtaining a music degree is something you cannot afford to underestimate as a graduate. The degree offers you a perfect opportunity to explore many job options and build a strong music career.