Career Awareness…More Than Just Performance & Teaching

Music is a hobby and a form of self-expression, but it can also be a full-fledged career. The only problem is we tend to over-simplify what our options are….performer or teacher.

Performance

Many musicians may view themselves as performers and assume that a career in performance would be a natural progression from their past experiences. High school students often participate in music through performance as ensemble members and this exposure tends to shape their future career aspirations. However, the reality of a career in performance is not always as straightforward. The music performance industry is highly competitive, and finding full-time employment can be challenging. According to Gerardi (2002), "In one year in the United States, six thousand students graduated with degrees in performance. In that same year, there were about four hundred openings in symphony orchestras."

But also, those who have achieved some of these full-time performance jobs (including this author), have found the job to be particularly brutal for someone with an invisible disease. Spoiler alert…there are many talented musicians and not enough jobs, many musicians steer away from a career in music as a result.

Music Education

While the music performance industry may have too many musicians, the (K-12) music education industry faces a shortage of musicians, particularly in string programs.

“A lack of string teachers is a particular concern. Recent data suggests that an estimated 3,027 string teaching positions were available between 2016-17 and 2019-20 at a rate of 757 openings per year. Researchers also noted a lack of male and minority instructors in this area”. Smith et al., 2018

This shortage is due to the large number of retiring teachers, the increasingly difficult teacher-preparation curricula, and the high attrition rate among teachers. It is important to note that while teaching music may seem like a good idea, many music teachers also face professional dissatisfaction (think of book banning, mass shootings, and other issues) and may choose to leave the field. This can be due to a perceived lack of support or the view of music education as short-term employment while taking auditions or supplementing their performance endeavors.

Other Opportunities in the Music Industry

While performance and education are the most well-known career options for musicians, there are many other opportunities in the music industry. These include careers in music production, music therapy, music business, and music journalism, to name a few. Berklee has a great list of potential music career paths here, begin researching what taps into your skills (musical, extra-musical, and career skills) and create awareness around career possibilities.