Career Opportunities with a Major in Music Education
Many jobs require a college educated individual. College graduates can use their education in a wide variety of occupations.
The Music Education degree prepares students for careers teaching instrumental, choral and general music at K-12 levels. It provides a foundation for developing careers in music business, arts administration and other arts-related specialties. Music students also find employment with music technology and the mental disciplines learned in music theory.
SKILLS RELATED TO MUSIC EDUCATION
- An interest in teaching or training
- Good communication skills
- Able to analyze, interpret, and appropriately convey musical background / theories to others
- Knowledge of scales / music / composition
- Ability to practice and concentrate for long periods of time
- Ability to accept constructive criticism
- Vocal / instrumental ability
- Ability to relate well to people
The following list is a representative sample of job titles for individuals with a Music Education major. The list represents some, but certainly not all, careers which Music Education majors may consider.
Some of these jobs also require education beyond a bachelor's degree.
| Accompanist | Advertising Worker | Announcer |
| Arranger | Arts Administrator | Vocalist |
| Audiologist | Audio-Visual Librarian | Band Director |
| Booking Agent | Broadcast Technician | Church Musician |
| Commentator | Composer | Concert Manager |
| Copyright Expert | Critic | Cue Selector |
| Editor | Entertainment Manager | Film/Music Editor |
| Instrument Designer | Lecturer | Lyricist |
| Media Specialist | Museum Music Curator | Music Therapist |
| Musicologist | Orchestra Manager | Performer |
| Piano Tuner | Producer | Public Relations Specialist |
| Reporter | Salesperson | Songwriter |
| Sound Equipment Technician | Tape Copier | Teacher |
| Technical Writer | Television Director | Transcriber |
EMPLOYERS IN MUSIC EDUCATION
- Educational institutions
- Churches/Religious institutions
- Theaters
- Music libraries
- Music stores
- Private clubs
- Newspapers
- Auditoriums
- Museums
- Recording studios
- Community symphonies
- Film industry
- Radio/TV industy
- Magazines/Journals
- Music publishing companies
- Community agencies
- Orchestras
WEB SITES RELATED TO MUSIC EDUCATION
Metro State Music Education Department- 1212 Jobs
- Acoustical Society of America
- Berklee Careers in Music
- Center for Computer Research in Music and Accoustics
- Entertainment Recruiting Network
- Music Jobs Online
- Music Network USA
- Record Labels on the Web
- UC San Diego Music Library
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS FIELD
- Association of Independent Music
http://www.musicindie.com - International Association of Jazz Educators
http://www.iaje.org - Music Teachers National Association
http://www.mtna.org - MENC: The National Association for Music Education
http://www.menc.org - Music Related Associations A-M
http://www.berklee.edu/careers/associations_a-m.html - Music Related Associations N-Z
http://www.berklee.edu/careers/associations_n-z.html
The above information is collected from alumni surveys of numerous colleges, professional associations, and multiple print and online resources.