Music

Music Department Home Page

A major or minor in music is strongly recommended for those pursuing a music career to give you detailed knowledge of the music field. Use your college years to develop your talents in one or more instruments.

What is Your Focus?

Here's how to build skills as a Bethel student that will prepare you to compete for some of the most popular music related jobs today.

Music Education Job Titles: Music Teacher, Choir Director, Community Music Educator, Studio Teacher Potential Employers: Schools, Churches, Universities, Non-Profit Organizations Strategies: Attain teaching certification in your state Demonstrate ambition to continually study & improve Perfect performance skill in one instrument Develop ability to teach others and work in groups Gain experience working independently on self-motivated tasks

Business & Music Industry Job Titles: Music Critic, Advertising Jingle Writer, Music Technician, Disc Jockey, Piano Technician, Film Companies, Audio Technician, Music Store Manager Potential Employers: Television, Radio, Non-Profit Organizations Strategies: Attain expert knowledge of the music business world Consider pursuing another major or minor in business Develop specialized skill in one or more music/media industries Gain experience in one or more music industries Demonstrate ability to work independently and in groups Gain extensive knowledge of music technology

Performance Job Titles: Conductor, Instrumentalist, Vocalist, Organist, Music Director, Perfomer, Entertainer, Arranger, Composer, Songwriter, Lyricist Potential Employers: Churches, Orchestras, Non-Profit Organizations, Film Companies, Theatres Strategies: Focus studies in sacred music; study classical languages Acquire skill in motivating and conducting musical groups Develop keyboard transposition and improvising skills Become fluent in sight-reading, transposing, and improvising Cultivate leadership and diplomacy skills Pursue graduate study to develop superior musicianship Obtain specialized skill in one instrument

Research / Education Job Titles: Music Librarian, University Instructor, Music Critic Potential Employers: Schools, Universities, Libraries, Non-Profit Organizations Strategies: Obtain thorough knowledge of music and musicology Acquire working knowledge of classical foreign languages Demonstrate experience in library and research techniques Pursue graduate studies to develop expertise in field Develop knowledge of copyright and performance rights

Technology Job Titles: Sound technician, recording Mixer, Music Software Programmer, Film Music Editor, Sound Engineer Potential Employers: Studios, Theatre Companies, Advertising Companies Strategies: Gain Experience through an internship Consider pursuing another major or minor in business Develop specialized skill in one or more music/media industries Gain extensive knowledge of music technology

Other Music Areas Job Titles: Music Therapist, Copywriter, Communications Expert, Theatrical Agent Potential Employers: Self-Employed, Counseling Centers, hospitals, Non-Profit Organizations Strategies: Gain experience working with populations with disabilities Increase facility on piano, guitar, and percussion instruments Develop skill in paying attention to detail Obtain knowledge of both instrumental and vocal music Spend time working with a variety of age groups

Employment Web Sites

General Career Exploration Website - O*Net
Spotlight on Careers Website (You must be logged into the Bethel network to receive access to this site.)

For current employment websites, type keywords such as "music employment" in an online search engine.

Internships

Vocalessence - provides internship positions throughout the organization for those who are interested in beginning careers in performing arts management and/or arts education.

Professional Organizations

• American Association for Music Therapy
• American Choral Directors Association
• American Composers Forum
• American Federation of Musicians
• American Guild of Musical Artists
• American Musicological Society
• Association for Technology in Music Instruction
• Association of Performing Arts Presenters
• Music Publishers Association
• Music Teachers National Association
• Musicians Foundation
• NAMM Foundation
• National Association of Schools of Music

Need More Info?

For more information or assistance with an internship, graduate school or the job search process, please set up an appointment with a Career Counselor in the Office of Career Development and Calling by calling 651.638.6460 or stopping by CC322.

Adapted From:
http://www2.gasou.edu/sta/career.htm
http://careers.wcu.edu/majors.html