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.