You absolutely can make a living in music in the 'real world,' and as you already know, music is probably one of the important things that frankly makes your life worth living! When you imagine people who are  involved in music-careers, the first person that comes to mind is likely to be a music teacher. If you expand your thinking, next might come a big-name opera singer or world-famous Rock star. The opportunities are far broader than that, but often it is hard to picture exactly what those 'other' careers might be.

You're in luck! The National Association of Schools of Music has compiled a partial list of music-related careers you might not even have considered. The title of their list actually asks the question, "What Can You Do With a Music Degree from a Liberal Arts College?". We've borrowed and adapted their list under fifteen broad headings: Educator; Instrumentalist; Vocalist; Church or Temple Musician; Conductor; Composer, Arranger, or Copyist; Words and Music; Business & Merchandising; Science & Technology; Managerial and Executive Positions; Music Therapy; Legal Services; Music Production; Music Support Services; and Broadcasting & Advertising. As you browse the list, some of these music jobs are pretty much self-evident, while others may sound like pie-in-the-sky dreaming; but on second thought, you realize that everyone in the world who pursues one or more of these career-paths was once a person just like you thinking, "I wonder what if..." 

Educator

College Music Professor 

Music Supervisor

Music Consultant

Music / Arts Administrator 

Private Music Studio Teacher 

Private School Music Teacher 

Public School Music Teacher 

Instrumentalist

Armed Forces Band or Orchestra

Clinician or Coach

Concert Band 

Chamber Ensemble

Dance Band

Instrumental Soloist 

Jazz Band 

Rock Band

Studio Recording Contract Player

Symphony Orchestra 

Vocalist

Church / Temple Soloist

Clinician or Coach 

Concert Choral Ensemble Singer  

Concert Soloist

Dance Band Singer 

Musical Theatre (lead roles)

Musical Theatre (chorus)

Opera Singer (lead roles)

Opera Singer (chorus) 

Studio Recording Contract Singer

Church / Temple Musician

Minister of Music

Organist

Choir Director

Praise Band Leader 

Soloist

Conductor

Commercial Music 

Community Ensembles

Professional Ensembles

Student Ensembles 

Composer, Arranger, Copyist

Chamber Ensembles

Choral Groups

Commercial Music

Concert Bands

Dance Bands

Jazz Combos

Jazz Ensembles

Orchestras

Operas

Words and Music

Advertising Copy Writer 

Librettist

Lyricist

Music Critic

Music Editor 

Music Journalist

Playwright 

Business & Merchandising

Broadcast Station Broker

Concert Promoter

Music Merchant (sales)

Music Wholesaler (distributor)

Publicist

Talent Agent

Ticket Sales Manager 

Science & Technology

Acoustician

Equipment Maintenance

Instrument Manufacturer

Recording Master Technician

Recording Studio Designer

Sound Engineer

Sound Technician

Managerial / Executive Positions 

Artist's Personal Manager

Artist's Agent

Arts Administrator

Artist Union Officer

Audience Research Director

Broadcasting Executive

Company Manger

Concert Promoter

Development Director

Educational Director

Entertainment Director

Film / Video Producer

Market Research Director

Music Publisher 

Orchestra Manager

Personnel Director

Production Manager

Recording Studio Manager

Stage Manager 

Music Therapy

Clincal Therapist

Hospital Therapist

Nursing Homes

Private Practice

Rehabilitation Centers 

Special Education 

Legal Services

Copyright Lawyer

Copyright Researcher

Entertainment-Business Lawyer

Law Firm Paralegal

Music Production

Audio Engineer

Audio Technician

Choreographer

Music Coordinator 

Orchestra Contractor

Producer

Singer-Actor

Singer-Dancer

Special Material Writer

Stage Director

Stage Manager

Talent Coordinator 

Writer / Arranger / Lyricist

Music Support Services

Music Coordinator

Music Copyist

Music Editor (cutter)

Music Librarian

Talent Coordinator 

Broadcasting & Advertising

Account Executive

Composer / Lyricist

Creative Director

Disc Jockey

Music Librarian

Music Director

Producer-Director

Program Supervisor

Publicist

Research Director

Salesperson

Ticket Sales Agent 

Ticket Sales Manager 

Writer 

As you can see, when it comes to including music in your career, at Hastings College you've got a world of options! If it all feels a bit overwhelming, don't worry, we have an excellent, student-centered program of expert advocates and advisors who will help you in choosing your path and planning your curriculum! You'll certainly want to confer with the Chairman of the Music Department, Dr. Robin Koozer, and with your HC advocate-advisor early in the process of electing your specific program of study. They'll be happy to offer guidance, and to share their insights and expertise.

And if you just can't make up your mind, we want to introduce you to a great HC resource, the Office of Career Services. Follow this link for a glimpse of the many Major and Career Exploration Resources available to Hastings College students.