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Music Performance

Occupational Possibilities

A major in applied music provides the building blocks on which to base many career paths; wide-ranging course work is combined with general music instruction and intensive study of a specific instrument or voice. Many applied music majors continue to graduate school, but other careers are available to holders of undergraduate degrees.

Some occupations, such as teacher or background music designer, may require additional training or special talents or skills. In general, further graduate study is required for the occupations marked with a *.

Business

  • Music/equipment salesperson
  • Media director
  • Uniform salesperson
  • Music store manager
  • Instrument technician
  • *Computer programmer
  • *Marketing researcher
  • Electronics technician
  • Background music designer
  • Instrument manufacturer
  • *Copyright attorney
  • Music editor/publisher

Performance

  • Studio Musician
  • Recording technician
  • Church music director
  • Military musician
  • *Conductor
  • Composer
  • Artist-in-residence




Human Services and Management

  • *Music therapist
  • City cultural events planner
  • *Orchestra manager
  • Group travel planner/tour manager
  • Camp manager
  • Community arts center director
  • Talent recruiter
  • Disc/video jockey
  • Performance center manager


Education and Communication

  • Teacher
  • *Professor
  • Music critic
  • Arts columnist
  • *Musicologist
  • *Music librarian
  • *Curriculum designer
  • Private studio operator
  • Media consultant
  • *Audio technician
  • Sound mixer
  • Fundraiser

 

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Skills and Abilities

A major in applied music is valuable to those wishing to pursue careers as professional performers. Many other skills are learned which may be applicable to a wide range of occupational groups as well. Definition of problem areas, for example, is valuable to an audio technician, a teacher, and a conductor on a daily basis. Representative skills developed in a music major are listed below.

Interpersonal Relations

  • Working with community groups
  • Leading/participating in small and large groups
  • Understanding group dynamics
  • Observing human interactions
  • Working within organizations


Problem Solving

  • Defining problem areas
  • Taking multiple approaches to problems
  • Examining components
  • Using other symbol systems
  • Attending to details
  • Perceiving patterns/structures



Performance

  • Gauging public tastes
  • Performing for large audiences
  • Assessing an audience
  • Program planning
  • Using other languages
  • Developing fine aural skills
  • Listening critically
  • Demonstrating creativity and artistic expression
  • Developing vocal/manual flexibiliy and dexterity

Analysis

  • Considering historical perspectives
  • Defining quality
  • Recognizing cultural differences/similarities
  • Thinking critically
  • Weighing values
  • Recognizing the school/period/composer of a work
  • Comparing interpretations

 

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Career Planning and Resources

Internships

Job Search

Professional Associations

For More Information

...about careers, graduate and professional schools, internships, professional associations, or job descriptions contact:

University Career Center
110 Burge Union
(785) 864-3624

For information about majors and concentrations in applied music:

Music and Dance Department
452 Murphy Hall
(785) 864-3436

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