Music is a universal language. And just like any other language, music can be learned by anyone who wants to do so – regardless of their background or natural ability. Music is the best way of entertainment to relax, and it can even be used to help people heal. But the question remains: what does one do after they’ve earned their degree in music?
The options are endless, really. Music education graduates can go on to teach in schools, work as music therapists, or pursue a career in composing or performing. The sky’s the limit when it comes to what you can do with a music education degree. Let’s have a deeper look into all the options.
1. Teach in Schools
One of the most obvious choices for music education graduates is to teach in schools. This could be at the elementary, middle, or high school level. You could also choose to teach in a special needs classroom, or even start your own music program from scratch.
The beauty of teaching is that there are always options available – even when the job market is tough. If you want to teach in a public school, then you will need to become certified by the state in which you live. This certification process usually involves completing a standardized test and meeting all of the requirements set by the state department of education.
Private schools typically don’t require certification, but they may prefer or even require that their teachers have a degree in music education. If you want to teach in a private school, then it’s a good idea to contact the school directly and ask about their requirements.
2. Music Therapists
Another great career option for music education graduates is to become a music therapist. Music therapists use music as a form of therapy to help people with physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities. They may work with people who have autism, Alzheimer’s disease, or Down syndrome, just to name a few examples.
To become a music therapist, you will need to complete an accredited graduate program in music therapy. These programs are typically two to three years in length and will give you the training you need to work with clients.
3. Composers and Performers
If you’re more interested in the creative side of music, then you may want to pursue a career as a composer or performer. As a composer, you would create original pieces of music for commercials, movies, television shows, or video games. You could also work as a freelance composer, which would allow you to work on a variety of projects.
You can also start sharing your music on platforms like SoundCloud or Spotify, which can help you build a following on SoundCloud or Spotify and eventually land gigs performing live.
The great thing about being a composer or performer is that you can often work from home, which gives you a lot of freedom and flexibility.
4. Become Session Musician
If you want to perform but don’t want to be responsible for leading the band, then you could become a session musician. Session musicians are musicians who are hired to play on recordings. They may work in a studio or they may travel to different locations to record music.
The nice thing about being a session musician is that you can often work on a freelance basis, which means you can set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want.
5. Become Recording Engineer
If you’re interested in the technical side of music, then you may want to pursue a career as a recording engineer. Recording engineers are responsible for setting up and operating the equipment used to record music. They may work in a studio or they may travel to different locations to record music.
To become a recording engineer, you will need to complete a training program at a technical school or college. These programs typically last two to four years and will give you the skills you need to work in the industry.
After you complete a training program, you can start working as an intern or assistant engineer. Once you have some experience, you can then apply for jobs as a recording engineer.
These are just a few of the many career options available to music education graduates. With a little bit of research, you’re sure to find a career that’s perfect for you. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring today!