Do you have a love of music? With a formal music education, you can choose the music career you have always dreamt of. Whether you want to teach students or heal others through the power of music, there are a wide range of options. The following are the most common music careers and each has their own advantages.
Become a University-level Music Educator
Many formally trained musicians go on to become university-level music educators. As a music educator, you can teach various subjects including music theory, history, and performance. Additionally, you have an opportunity to inspire students who are actively furthering their formal training. Music educators are professors who are highly respected and play a pivotal role in helping students enhance their training.
Professors encourage students to use critical thinking skills when it comes to understanding music. They promote creativity and inspire the development of new theories. Furthermore, they present and discuss a diverse range of ideologies to students and are integral parts of conservatories. With a variety of specializations, university music educators can offer educational courses in jazz, orchestra, or choir.
Teach Music to Primary and Secondary Students
A degree in music education gives musicians an opportunity to become an educator for primary and secondary students. Often, music teachers who teach in primary and secondary schools are typically a student’s first exposure to formal music education. As such, you have a unique ability to leave a lasting impression on students’ lives. Studies show that elementary and high school music teachers have high levels of job satisfaction.
Similar to the university level, primary and secondary music teachers can teach and manage the band, orchestra, or choir. They can also facilitate performing arts shows and plays put on by the school. Music teachers have a great deal of flexibility in their work and can pick their favorite pieces and selections.
Help Others as a Music Therapist
Formally trained musicians, who have a desire to help others, tend to go into music therapy. Becoming a music therapist is an ideal way to use the power of music to heal others. Music therapists are often employed by hospitals and clinics. Children’s hospitals are well known for paying nice salaries to music therapists. Moreover, research has shown that music therapy has therapeutic benefits that are equivalent to traditional talking therapies. Being a music therapist is a highly meaningful career that can enable you to do what you love most whilst helping others.
Start Your Own Business as a Private Instructor
Another career path is to become a private instructor. Private instructors may open their own music shops, work out of their homes, or commute to their students’ homes. Becoming a private instructor gives musicians the ultimate flexibility. Private instructors create their own schedules and pay rate. As they build their reputation and obtain testimonials, they can become highly sought after in the market.
Ultimately, obtaining formal training in music education can lead to multiple career opportunities. Musicians can become educators, therapists, or entrepreneurs, the possibilities are endless.
