Do you want to get a job in the music industry? If so, what jobs can you get? What jobs are available for someone with a music composition degree? Music composition degrees are not typically considered to be vocational, but I’d like to show you some examples of how you can use your music composition degree after graduation.
A music composition degree is a valuable credential that can lead to a wide range of careers. In fact, it’s one of the most versatile degrees you can earn in higher education because it opens doors to many different areas of the arts and entertainment industry.
Here are some of the most common jobs for people with a music composition degree:
-Musician: If you play an instrument or sing, you could make money by performing in bands or solo acts. You might also be able to get hired as a composer for television shows, movies, and video games. In addition to making money from performing, you may be able to make extra income by selling CDs or tickets to your shows.
-Music teacher: If you enjoy teaching others how to play an instrument or sing well enough so that they can perform in public venues like bars or restaurants then this job may be right up your alley! You might also be able to teach students at private schools or other types of educational institutions such as colleges/universities (where classes are taught by professors). The pay tends to vary widely based on location and type of school/institution where classes are taught; however salaries typically range from $40k-$100k annually depending on whether they’re teaching private lessons versus group
What jobs can you get with a music composition degree
Introduction
In the world of composition, there are a lot of options for work out there. I’ve seen people get hired in all sorts of jobs that didn’t exist ten years ago. Let’s take a look at some options:
Musical theater composer
Your degree could lead to a position as a musical theater composer—the person whose job it is to write original music for plays and musicals. If you enjoy writing music, this job may be right up your alley.
You would work closely with the director and choreographer on the show’s score, which is typically comprised of both instrumental pieces (such as orchestrations) and vocal numbers sung by actors. You might also collaborate with other composers who are working on other aspects of production, such as sound design or dance music.
If you’re interested in writing for television shows or movies, check out our article on careers in film scoring!
Film or TV composer
A film or TV composer is responsible for writing music for a variety of different scenes and characters. This requires that you have a good understanding of the show you are composing for, as well as how to write music that fits the scene and character it represents. You must also be able to work well with other musicians, producers, directors and other team members in order to create high-quality soundtracks for films or television shows. Many composers choose to specialize in one genre of music or another (such as jazz), but others create scores that incorporate numerous styles from around the world into one cohesive composition.
Scoring for video games
Scoring for video games
Many composers are now finding work in the field of video game scoring. This is a growing industry, and therefore jobs are plentiful. However, you will have to have a solid understanding of how to use technology in order to be hired by companies. You will need to know how to use a computer and its software programs as well as music notation programs such as Sibelius or Finale. You will also need some experience with DAWs (digital audio workstations) such as Pro Tools or Logic Pro X; these are the pieces of software that help composers create layers of sound on top of each other in order to make complex compositions out of simpler parts. Finally, if possible try using MIDI keyboards (a type of electronic keyboard) instead of using actual instruments like pianos because they allow you more versatility when composing music for video games since there isn’t much variation between different versions from one model line up another like there might be between different types instruments from different manufacturers.”
Recording artist
Recording artist
If you have a passion for making music, it can be exciting to consider what it would be like to see your work on the radio or discussed by fans. The recording industry is one way that musicians can make money from their craft. However, there are many steps involved in getting started as an independent recording artist.
Before diving headfirst into this field, consider how much time and effort you would need to invest in order to achieve success. You will need a sound studio of some kind where you can record and edit your music, as well as create promotional materials such as album covers or posters for live shows where you sell tickets for performances at venues around town (or online). If this seems like too much work for one person alone then maybe it’s best that you stick with composing music instead of trying everything yourself at once!
Composing music for commercials or advertisements
While commercials are typically very short, they are still important to a company. Music for commercials is often written in a style that is more catchy and memorable. This helps people remember the product or service being advertised, which means that companies will come back again and again for their business. Some examples of companies that use music for commercials include:
- McDonald’s
- Coca-Cola
- Shell Gasoline
Writing for a music library
If you have a passion for writing music and would like to work in an environment where your work is heard by a wide audience, then this could be the right fit for you. A music library provides access to music and sound effects that can be licensed by filmmakers, video game designers and other media professionals. This can be a great way to make money while doing something creative.
You don’t need any formal education or experience as a composer, but it’s helpful if you know how to play an instrument or two so that you can create your own samples when needed. Since there aren’t many openings in this field, it may take some time before you find your first job (which will probably require extensive travel). However, once established as an expert in the field there may be opportunities for other types of freelance writing such as: teaching courses about music composition at local colleges; providing music production services (working with artists on their albums); composing original scores for television shows or movies; working as an arranger/orchestrator who adapts existing songs into new arrangements according to client specifications; conducting orchestras during concerts; transcribing works from one medium onto another like sheet music versus digital format
Teaching orchestra and band
Teaching orchestra and band is a great way to make a living. If you enjoy performing as well, this career path can be fulfilling in many ways. It also gives you the opportunity to share your passion with others and help them develop their own talents.
While teaching might not be the first career that comes to mind when considering options for music composition degree holders, it’s actually one of the most popular professions for musicians outside of performing on stage or recording albums in the studio.
Teaching privately
As a composer, you can teach privately to students of all levels, ages and skill levels. You can teach privately to students of all genres and styles. As long as the student is interested in learning music composition and theory, they will benefit from your lessons.
There are a lot of possible careers in music composition.
There are a lot of possible careers in music composition. Music composition is an excellent degree to pursue if you enjoy being creative and having a lot of control over your own work. It’s also an ideal field for those who want to try their hand at writing songs, as opposed to simply providing background music for film or TV shows.
Whether you’re interested in composing for commercials, video games or television shows like “Sesame Street,” there are plenty of jobs available if you have the right credentials on your resume. The best way to prepare yourself for these careers is by taking classes that focus on music theory and composition techniques so that you can create original songs from scratch instead of relying on popular tunes from other artists’ albums.
Conclusion
You’ll have a lot of career options as a music composer, some that you may not have thought of! You can write music for movies and commercials, start your own band, or teach orchestra or band at a school. The possibilities are endless, so dream big and follow your dreams!
