Music | Career Centre

Have you always loved performing and wanted to compose and showcase your own music or be part of a musical group or orchestra? A degree in Music will expose you to a vast diversity of music styles, from classical to jazz, from traditional world music to contemporary repertoires and electronic and digital music application. Your study will combine course and studio work in music history and theory as well as composition and musical arrangement. Furthermore, you will have the exciting opportunity to perform in public concerts and recitals, as soloist and as part of ensembles.

Career Options in Music

This list is not exhaustive but it provides a solid idea of what fellow graduates have gone on to do and what potential careers a Music degree can offer. Some options are more directly associated with specific areas of Music than others.

Broadcaster
Composer
Concert Promoter
Conductor
Critic
Curator
Editor/Publisher
Exhibit Designer
Film Researcher/Consultant
Fundraiser
Instrument Maker/Designer
Marketing Director
Media Correspondent
Music Industry Journalist
Music Industry Agent
Music Therapist
Musician

Non-profit Administrator
Orchestra Director
Performing Artist
Producer
Radio Host
Recording Artist
Recording Engineer
Sound Specialist
Special Events Organizer
Stage Crew Manager
Stage Designer
Talent Scout
Teacher
Theatre Administrator
Vocal Coach
Vocalist

Some of these career choices may require additional education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential education or professional formative courses and exams. For a more in-depth description of some of the careers mentioned above visit Career Cruising (login information can be found on the home page of the Career Centre's online system) or the National Occupational Classification website.

Skills Developed through a Music Degree

A background in Music ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges.

Core Music Skills

The ability to compose, analyze and present music to peers and audiences
Exposure to hands-on studio settings and the confidence to create with different instruments
An ability for creative thought and expression through music
Knowledge of the theory, the history and the practice of music in a variety of contexts
A good understanding of contemporary music industry software and modern music media and techniques

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

The ability to organize, understand and analyze sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks
The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands
The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
The skills to collect various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields, put them into writing and efficiently convey your message and the goal of your work

Management and Teamwork

The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project's intended end result
The capacity to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing an industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field.