Ty Collins

Author: Ty Collins

Non-Performing Careers in Music

Perhaps your original career plan was to be a professional singer or musician, but somewhere along the way, that plan changed.  Deciding not to perform doesn’t mean you still can’t work in music.  Transitioning from a performing career can be challenging, but it also offers a world of opportunities where your skills and passion for music can thrive. While some might require additional education, here are ten other options to consider.

Music Education

  • Teaching: Consider obtaining teaching credentials to become a music teacher in schools or private institutions. Your performance background will be invaluable in inspiring and educating students.
  • Workshops and Clinics: Lead workshops, masterclasses, or clinics for aspiring musicians. This can be particularly fulfilling and allow you to share your expertise.

Music Therapy

  • Certification: Pursue certification as a music therapist. This field combines music with therapeutic practices to help individuals with various emotional, mental, or physical challenges.
  • Specializations: Work in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, or private practice.

Music Production and Technology

  • Sound Engineering: Learn about sound engineering and audio production. Your musical ear can be an asset in recording studios, live sound for events, or post-production for media.
  • Music Production: Work as a music producer, helping other artists to develop their sound and record their music.

Arts Administration

  • Management: Use your insider knowledge of the music industry to manage arts organizations, orchestras, or theaters. Roles in operations, marketing, or development can be very rewarding.
  • Event Planning: Organize concerts, festivals, or other music-related events. This can include everything from logistics to artist management.

Music Business and Entrepreneurship

  • Music Publishing: Work in music publishing, helping artists get their music distributed and monetized.
  • Artist Management: Become an artist manager, using your experience to guide other musicians in their careers.
  • Entrepreneurship: Start your own music-related business, such as a music school, a recording studio, or a music promotion company.

Writing and Journalism

  • Music Criticism: Write for music magazines, blogs, or newspapers as a critic or columnist, sharing your insights and reviews of performances, albums, and trends.
  • Content Creation: Develop content for online platforms, creating videos, podcasts, or blogs that focus on music education, reviews, or industry news.

Performance-Related Roles

  • Session Musician: Work as a session musician for recordings or live performances. This can be a more flexible and varied path compared to solo performing.
  • Accompanist: Accompany other performers, whether singers, dancers, or other musicians, in various settings such as schools, churches, or theaters.

Corporate Roles in the Music Industry

  • Marketing and PR: Use your understanding of the music scene to work in marketing, public relations, or social media for music labels, venues, or artist agencies.
  • Talent Scouting: Work as a talent scout or A&R (Artists and Repertoire) representative, discovering and nurturing new talent.

Community and Non-Profit Work

  • Community Programs: Lead or coordinate community music programs, which can range from youth orchestras to outreach programs in underserved areas.
  • Non-Profit Organizations: Work with non-profit organizations that promote music education, cultural initiatives, or support for musicians.

Further Education and Specialization

  • Advanced Degrees: Consider pursuing further education in fields like musicology, ethnomusicology, or arts administration, which can open up additional career paths in academia or specialized areas.

Final Thoughts

It’s important to reflect on your interests, strengths, and the aspects of music that you are most passionate about. Networking with professionals in these fields and possibly seeking internships or volunteer opportunities can provide practical insights and open doors. Remember, the skills and experiences you’ve gained in performance—such as discipline, creativity, and collaboration—are highly transferable and valued in many other roles within the music industry and beyond.

USAJOBS Career Explorer

There are thousands of jobs in the federal government and finding the one right for you can be an exhaustive process. Have you ever wondered if there was an easier way to determine which federal government job is the best fit for your interests? There is! The USAJOBS Career Explorer helps job seekers find occupations in the federal government that align with their career interests.

Job seekers answer a series of questions (10-15 minutes) that result in a matched list of federal occupational series. The list offers explanation of jobs in plain language and links to relevant open job announcements. The Career Explorer covers over 300 occupations in the General Schedule and Wage Grade pay scale. 

Try the USAJOBS Career Explorer!

A Career as an Activist

What Does It Mean to Be an Activist?

Being an activist means working to bring about social, political, economic, or environmental change. Activists are passionate about their causes and work to raise awareness, influence public opinion, and push for policy changes. They might focus on issues like climate change, human rights, animal welfare, or social justice, among others.

How Does One Get Started as an Activist?

Getting started as an activist often begins with identifying a cause you care deeply about. Here are some steps to help you get started:

  • Educate Yourself: Learn as much as you can about the issue. Read books, watch documentaries, and follow news related to your cause.
  • Join a Group: Many activists start by joining existing organizations or groups that align with their interests. This can provide support, resources, and a community of like-minded individuals.
  • Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to help with events, campaigns, or other activities.
  • Raise Awareness: Use social media, blogs, or local events to spread the word about your cause.
  • Advocate: Contact your local representatives, participate in peaceful protests, and engage in discussions to advocate for change.

Where Do Activists Work?

Activists can work in a variety of settings, including:

  • Nonprofit Organizations: Many activists work for nonprofits that focus on specific issues.
  • Community Groups: Local community groups often work on grassroots campaigns.
  • Government: Some activists work within government agencies to influence policy from the inside.
  • Schools and Universities: Educational institutions often have clubs and organizations dedicated to activism.
  • Online: The internet has become a powerful tool for activism, allowing people to connect and organize globally.

Pros and Cons of Being an Activist

Like any career, there are both positives and negatives to working as an activist.

Pros:

  • Making a Difference: Activists can create real change and make a positive impact on society.
  • Community: Being part of a movement can provide a powerful sense of community and support.
  • Personal Growth: Activism can help you develop skills like public speaking, organizing, and leadership.

Cons:

  • Emotional Toll: Fighting for a cause can be emotionally draining, especially when progress is slow and there will always be others opposed to your cause.
  • Financial Instability: Many activist roles are unpaid or low-paying, which can lead to financial challenges.
  • Risk of Burnout: The intense nature of activism can lead to burnout if self-care is not prioritized.

Most activists advocate for peaceful methods of protest and change. They believe in using nonviolent tactics like marches, sit-ins, and petitions to make their voices heard. However, there are instances where activism can turn violent, especially if tensions run high or if there is a strong opposition. Violence is never appropriate, nor is it acceptable to try and destroy someone’s life or career by public shaming or “cancelling” them. 

As mentioned above, most activists make little money. Some activists work as volunteers and do not receive any payment. Others may work for nonprofit organizations or as community organizers and earn a modest salary. According to some sources, the average salary for a community organizer in the United States is around $40,000 per year, but this can vary based on location, experience, and the specific organization.  As you rise in the ranks of a larger nonprofit organization, your salary will increase as well. 

Being an activist is a challenging but rewarding career. It requires passion, dedication, and resilience. If you are committed to making a difference, activism can be a powerful way to contribute to the world.

Art Therapy: A Path to Healing Through Creativity

Art therapy is a unique and rewarding career that combines the creative process of making art with the therapeutic process of healing. Art therapists use their skills to help people express themselves, explore their emotions, and improve their mental health. Let’s dive into what art therapists do, who they work with, their work environment, and the education required to become one.

Art therapists use various art forms, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage, to help clients express their thoughts and feelings. They believe that the creative process can be a powerful tool for healing and personal growth. Here are some key tasks that art therapists perform:

  • Assessment: They evaluate clients’ needs and determine the best approach to therapy.
  • Therapeutic Sessions: They conduct individual or group sessions where clients create art to explore their emotions and experiences.
  • Interpretation: They help clients understand the meaning behind their artwork and how it relates to their feelings and behaviors.
  • Treatment Planning: They develop personalized treatment plans to address clients’ specific issues and goals.
  • Documentation: They keep detailed records of clients’ progress and sessions.

Art therapists work with a diverse range of clients who experience a variety of challenges including:

  • Children and Adolescents: Helping young people cope with issues like trauma, anxiety, and behavioral problems.
  • Adults: Assisting individuals dealing with stress, depression, addiction, and other mental health challenges.
  • Elderly: Supporting seniors facing aging-related issues, such as dementia and loneliness.
  • Special Populations: Working with people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or those who have experienced significant life changes.

Art therapists work in various settings, including hospitals, schools, mental health clinics, in private practice, and in community centers.

Becoming an art therapist requires a combination of education, training, and experience. Beginning in college, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and/or art is recommended. After completing your undergraduate degree, potential Art Therapists enroll in a master’s program in art therapy, which typically takes 2-3 years to complete. These programs include coursework in psychology, counseling, and art therapy techniques, as well as supervised clinical experience.

The salary for art therapists in the United States can vary based on factors like experience, location, and the specific work setting. Entry-level Art therapists typically earn around $45,000 per year. Experienced Art Therapists (8+years) on average earn $65,000+ per year.

Art therapy is a fulfilling career that allows you to combine your passion for art with a desire to help others. By guiding clients through the creative process, art therapists play a crucial role in promoting mental health and well-being. If you have a love for art and a commitment to helping people, this career might be the perfect fit for you.

Where have other Lawrence Students found #VPA Internships?

If you are looking for a #VPA Career Community related internship, you might want to look for opportunities at work sites that have hosted Lawrence interns in the past! Here are just some!

• Art/Museums:
o The Trout Museum of Art
o Hearthstone Historic House Museum
o History Museum at the Castle
o Art Institute of Chicago
o John Michael Kohler Art Center
o Peninsula School of Art and Gallery
o Wisconsin Arts Board
o Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
o Museum of Wisconsin Art
o Milwaukee Art Museum
o Metropolitan Museum of Art
o Museum of Modern Art
o Walker Art Center
o St. Louis Art Museum
o Toledo Museum of Art
o Dallas Museum of Art
o Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
o Walters Art Gallery
o Sotheby’s
o Smithsonian Institution
o Americans for the Arts

o Walker Art Center
o St. Louis Art Museum
o Toledo Museum of Art
o Dallas Museum of Art
o Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
o Walters Art Gallery
o Sotheby’s
o Smithsonian Institution
o Americans for the Arts


• Music:
o Chicago Symphony Orchestra
o Lyric Opera of Chicago
o Timeless Music Entertainment
o Merit School of Music
o New York Jazz Academy
o Carnegie Hall Weill Music Institute
o Center for Deep Listening
o Kairos Alive!
o Broadway Cares
o Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
o Stone Soup Theatre
o Forte Community Music Project
o Peninsula Players
o Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
o Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra
o The Grand Oshkosh
o Metropolitan Opera
o Red River Lyric Opera
o Interlochen Center for the Arts
o Aspen Music Festival and School

Exploring Non-Faculty Careers in Higher Education

When we think of colleges and universities, our minds often gravitate toward faculty members—the professors who impart knowledge in lecture halls. However, behind the scenes, a diverse array of professionals contributes to the smooth functioning of these institutions. If you enjoy the college environment and are considering working in one, here are just some common non-faculty positions with insights into their significance, educational requirements, and career prospects.

Admissions Counselors

Admissions counselors serve as the welcoming face of an institution. They engage with prospective students, evaluate applications, and conduct interviews. Their goal? To attract the best-fit candidates and ensure a vibrant student body.

Most admissions counselors hold a bachelor’s degree, although some institutions prefer candidates with a master’s degree. A background in fields like education, communication, or psychology is valuable.

As colleges compete for enrollment, the demand for skilled admissions professionals remains steady. Their ability to connect with students directly impacts an institution’s success.

Student Affairs Professionals

Student affairs professionals focus on enhancing the overall student experience. They oversee residence halls, student organizations, and campus events. Their work revolves around student well-being, engagement, and personal growth.

A master’s degree in student affairs, counseling, or a related field is common. These professionals often collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to create a supportive environment.

As colleges prioritize holistic student development, student affairs roles continue to be in demand. These professionals play a pivotal role in shaping campus culture.

Development Officers

Development officers are the financial architects of higher education. They cultivate relationships with donors, alumni, and corporations to secure funding for scholarships, research, and infrastructure projects.

While a bachelor’s degree is essential, specialized training in fundraising techniques can enhance career prospects. Some development officers hold advanced degrees or certifications.

As institutions seek resources to thrive, skilled fundraisers remain indispensable. Their ability to connect philanthropy with institutional goals is crucial.

Financial Aid Advisors

Financial aid advisors guide students through the labyrinth of financial assistance. They help students access grants, loans, and scholarships, ensuring that financial barriers don’t hinder educational pursuits.

A bachelor’s degree is typical, often in fields like finance, counseling, or education. Strong communication skills are essential for explaining complex financial concepts to students.

With rising college costs, financial aid advisors play a critical role in making education accessible. Their expertise bridges the gap between aspiration and affordability.

Career Counselors

Career Counselors empower students for life beyond graduation. They provide career counseling, organize workshops, and connect students with employers. Their mission? To foster successful transitions from academia to the workforce.

A bachelor’s degree is common, but some institutions prefer master’s degrees in counseling or career development. These professionals stay abreast of industry trends and job market dynamics.

Career Outlook: As students increasingly prioritize career readiness, career center services remain in high demand. Career Center staff bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Registrar Staff

Registrars are the guardians of academic records. They manage course registration, transcripts, and academic policies. Their meticulous work ensures compliance with regulations and supports student progress.

A bachelor’s degree is usually required, and some positions may necessitate a master’s degree. Attention to detail and organizational skills are paramount.

Steady demand exists due to ongoing administrative needs. Registrars contribute to the academic backbone of an institution.

Academic Advisors

Academic advisors guide students on their educational journey. They assist with course selection, degree planning, and academic success strategies. Their personalized support keeps students on track toward graduation.

A bachelor’s degree is common, often in fields related to education or counseling. Some institutions prefer advisors with master’s degrees.

As colleges focus on student retention and timely graduation, academic advisors remain essential. Their mentorship shapes students’ academic experiences.

Remember that these non-faculty roles collectively shape the fabric of higher education. Whether you’re drawn to admissions, student life, or fundraising, there’s a rewarding career path waiting for you within these vital functions.

Sources:

  1. Practical Alternatives to Tenure: Lessons Learned for Best Practice
  2. HigherEdJobs
  3. Inside Higher Ed: How to Land a Community College Job