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How AI Can Help You Land Your First Job in the Arts

So you’ve just graduated (or you’re about to) from Lawrence, and you’re ready to take on the world as an artist, performer, filmmaker, musician, or designer. You’ve got the talent. You’ve got the passion. But the job search? That part might feel… a little overwhelming.

Here’s some good news: you don’t have to do it all alone.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools can be a major asset for creative grads trying to break into the arts. Whether you’re looking to perform, get cast in a show, land a gallery internship, or work behind the scenes, AI can help you find opportunities, craft stronger applications, and walk into interviews with more confidence.

1. Find Arts-Focused Employers (Without Doom-Scrolling Job Boards)

Not every arts job is going to show up on Handshake, Indeed or LinkedIn. Some of the best opportunities—especially for visual artists, performers, or behind-the-scenes creatives—live on smaller platforms, organization websites, or word of mouth.

But with AI tools like ChatGPT, you can start your search in a smarter way. Try asking things like:

  • “What contemporary dance companies in New York are open to emerging choreographers?”
  • “Which small film studios in Atlanta offer assistant editor roles?”
  • “What art nonprofits hire recent grads for community programs?”

These tools can surface ideas, organizations, and leads you might not have found otherwise. Once you’ve got a list, use AI again to research each place—its mission, recent projects, and what kind of work it’s doing. You’ll walk into the application process already sounding like you get them.

2. Write Custom Resumes and Cover Letters (Without Losing Your Mind)

One of the fastest ways to get ignored? Sending the same generic resume and cover letter to every opportunity.

AI can help you avoid that trap. You can feed it your background and the job description, and it’ll help you draft tailored documents that actually speak to the role. Think:

  • Artist statements that describe your work clearly and powerfully
  • Cover letters that highlight your relevant experience (like being the stage manager for Cabaret or editing your senior capstone film)
  • Resumes that include the right keywords for applicant tracking systems

Pro tip: Always review and edit what AI gives you. Use it as a first draft, not the final product. You want your personality and creativity to shine through.

3. Prep for Interviews Like a Pro

Nervous about interviews? Totally normal. Luckily, AI can help you practice.

Want to prep for a studio assistant role? An audition interview? A grant pitch? You can ask AI to simulate common questions and even give you tips on how to answer them. It’s like having a rehearsal partner—just one that never gets tired of your monologue.

You can also use AI to break down tough questions, practice storytelling, or figure out how to explain a complicated project in simple terms.

4. Don’t Let AI Kill Your Voice

A quick word of caution: don’t rely on AI to do the thinking for you.

Copying and pasting straight from AI tools without editing can make your application feel robotic or off-base. Worse, you might include information that’s outdated or flat-out wrong. And in the arts—where originality, authenticity, and personal connection really matter—that’s a big no.

Use AI as a creative assistant, not a replacement. You bring the spark; AI just helps you shape it.

Final Thoughts: Use the Tools, Own the Journey

Landing your first job in the arts might not look like a straight line. It may be part-time gigs, freelance work, or short-term projects before you find your groove. But using AI can help you approach the process with strategy, clarity, and a lot less stress.

The creative industries reward people who know how to tell their stories—and with AI by your side, you can do just that, from your resume to your next audition or gallery pitch.

What Are Music Booking Conferences?

Music conferences are events where people from the music industry gather to share knowledge, network, and discover new opportunities. They usually feature panels, workshops, and performances, and are a great way for industry professionals to connect and learn from each other.

Positive Experiences and Interactions

One of the best parts of attending a music conference is the chance to meet and learn from experienced professionals. You get to hear inspiring stories, gain valuable insights, and make connections that can help advance your career. For example, at SXSW, you might find yourself chatting with a well-known producer or discovering a new artist that you really connect with.

Different Professions at Music Conferences

Music conferences attract a wide range of professionals, including:

  • Artists and Musicians: They can showcase their work, get feedback, and network with other artists and industry professionals.
  • Producers and Songwriters: They can learn about new techniques, collaborate with others, and find new opportunities for their work.
  • Music Executives and Managers: They can scout new talent, negotiate deals, and stay up-to-date with industry trends.
  • Music Educators and Students: They can gain new teaching methods, learn about the latest research, and network with peers.

Closing Thoughts

To learn more about the different types of Music Booking Conferences, be sure to check out BAM! Complete Guide to Conferences – United States by Robert Baird. Baird lists an assortment of conferences that take place all over the country!

Music conferences are a fantastic way to learn, grow, and connect with others in the industry. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a seasoned professional, there’s always something new to discover and someone new to meet. So why not give it a try and see where it takes you?

How to Pursue Music Freelance

Rocking the Freelance Music Scene: A Guide to Pursuing Your Passion

If you’ve got a passion for music and want to turn it into a career, you’re in the right place. Freelancing in the music industry can be incredibly rewarding, offering both creative freedom and a variety of work opportunities. Here’s how you can kickstart your career and the types of gigs you can pursue.

Step 1: Build Your Brand

As a freelancer, you are your own brand. Building a strong personal brand can set you apart from the competition and attract clients. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Create a Professional Website:
    • What to Include: Your biography, samples of your work, testimonials, a blog, and contact information.
    • Why It’s Important: A professional website acts as your portfolio and makes it easy for potential clients to find and hire you.
  2. Leverage Social Media:
    • Platforms to Use: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube.
    • What to Post: Regular updates about your projects, behind-the-scenes content, music covers, and live performances.
    • Why It’s Important: Social media is a powerful tool to reach a wider audience, engage with fans, and showcase your personality and talent.
  3. Network and Collaborate:
    • How to Network: Attend music events, join online music communities, and collaborate with other artists.
    • Why It’s Important: Networking can open doors to new opportunities and help you build a solid reputation in the industry.

Step 2: Embrace the Entrepreneurial Spirit

As a music freelancer, you’re not just an artist—you’re also an entrepreneur. Here’s how to get into the entrepreneurial mindset:

  1. Understand the Business Side:
    • What to Learn: Basics of contracts, taxes, budgeting, and invoicing.
    • Why It’s Important: Managing your finances and legal matters efficiently will help you sustain and grow your career. To learn more about the financial and legal side of Music Freelance be sure to check out Tax Tips for Artists and Musicians.
  2. Set Clear Goals:
    • What to Do: Outline short-term and long-term goals for your career.
    • Why It’s Important: Having clear objectives keeps you focused and motivated.
  3. Market Yourself:
    • Strategies: Use email marketing, join music directories, and participate in industry forums.
    • Why It’s Important: Effective marketing helps you reach potential clients and gigs.
  4. Offer Multiple Services:
    • What to Offer: Diversify your offerings, such as songwriting, producing, teaching, and performing.
    • Why It’s Important: Multiple income streams increase your financial stability.

Step 3: Stay Organized

As a freelancer, you’ll need to manage your schedule, finances, and contracts. Use tools like Google Calendar, Trello, and accounting software to keep everything in check. Staying organized will help you focus on your music and avoid the chaos that can come with freelancing.

Step 4: Keep Learning and Growing

The music industry is always evolving, so stay updated with the latest trends and technologies. Take online courses, attend workshops, booking conferences and never stop learning. The more versatile you are, the more opportunities you’ll have.

Types of Freelance Gigs

  1. Session Musician:
    • What it involves: Playing instruments or singing for other artists’ recordings.
    • Who it’s for: Instrumentalists and vocalists with solid technical skills and the ability to adapt to different musical styles.
    • Example: A guitarist laying down tracks for a pop artist’s new album or a drummer recording for a jazz trio.
  2. Live Performer:
    • What it involves: Performing live at venues, events, or tours.
    • Who it’s for: Musicians who love the spotlight and have strong stage presence.
    • Example: Playing at local bars, weddings, corporate events, or going on tour with a band.
  3. Music Producer:
    • What it involves: Overseeing and managing the recording and production of music tracks.
    • Who it’s for: Tech-savvy individuals with a knack for sound engineering and creativity.
    • Example: Producing tracks for aspiring artists, remixing songs, or creating beats for hip-hop artists.
  4. Composer/Songwriter:
    • What it involves: Writing original music or lyrics for artists, TV shows, commercials, or movies.
    • Who it’s for: Those with a talent for crafting melodies and lyrics.
    • Example: Writing a jingle for an advertisement or composing a score for an indie film.
  5. Music Teacher:
    • What it involves: Giving private lessons or teaching at music schools.
    • Who it’s for: Musicians who enjoy teaching and sharing their knowledge.
    • Example: Offering guitar lessons to beginners or teaching music theory at a local school.
  6. DJ:
    • What it involves: Playing and mixing music at clubs, parties, or events.
    • Who it’s for: Those who love curating playlists and have a talent for mixing tracks.
    • Example: Spinning tunes at a nightclub or being the go-to DJ for weddings and private parties.
  7. Music Licensing:
    • What it involves: Licensing your music for use in TV shows, films, commercials, and video games.
    • Who it’s for: Composers and producers with a library of original tracks.
    • Example: Getting your song featured in a movie trailer or a commercial.

Final Thoughts

Pursuing a career in music freelancing is like riding a wave of creativity and business savvy. It’s challenging, but with passion, dedication, and a bit of hustle, you can turn your musical dreams into reality. So, tune those guitars, warm up those vocal cords, and get ready to rock the world!

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.

Pursuing a Career in Music Therapy

Hey there, future Music Therapists! Are you one of those people who believes in the healing power of music? Maybe you’ve experienced it yourself—how a certain song can lift your spirits, calm your nerves, or bring back cherished memories. Well, guess what? You can turn that passion into a rewarding career. Here’s a down-to-earth guide on how to become a music therapist and what to study in college to get there.

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is an established health profession in which music is used to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. Certified music therapists use the power of music to help clients improve their health and well-being. Music therapists design music sessions for individuals and groups based on client needs using music improvisation, receptive music listening, song writing, lyric discussion, music and imagery, music performance, and learning through music; participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning, ongoing evaluation, and follow up.

Why Choose Music Therapy?

Music therapy can be incredibly rewarding. You’ll have the chance to make a significant difference in people’s lives, helping them heal and grow through the universal language of music. Whether working with children with special needs, adults recovering from trauma, or seniors with Alzheimer’s, your work will have a profound impact.

So, if you’re passionate about music and want to help others, consider a career in music therapy. It’s a beautiful blend of art and science, offering both emotional fulfillment and professional satisfaction.

Things to Consider When Becoming a Music Therapist

Common College Majors:

While there is no one-size-fits-all path, here are some common and helpful majors:

  • Psychology: Understanding the human mind is crucial. Pair this with music courses.
  • Music Performance/Education: Focus on honing your musical skills while taking electives in psychology and health sciences.
  • Neuroscience or Biology: These majors provide a strong understanding of the biological aspects of therapy.

Complete an Internship:

  • As part of your degree, you’ll need to complete an internship under the supervision of a board-certified music therapist. This hands-on experience is invaluable.
  1. Consider Advanced Education:

Some music therapists go on to pursue a master’s or even a doctoral degree to specialize further and open up more career opportunities. Here are some graduate school programs you can consider:

  • Master of Arts in Music Therapy and Counseling: Programs like the one at Drexel University integrate advanced music therapy coursework with general counseling courses and hands-on clinical experience. This prepares graduates for various career paths in music therapy and counseling
  • Master of Education in Special Education with a focus on Music Therapy: Some universities offer specialized education degrees that include coursework in music therapy, such as Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University.
  • Master of Science in Music Therapy: Programs like the one at Sam Houston State University offer a master’s degree in music therapy for students with and without a bachelor’s degree in music therapy. These programs often include practicum or clinical supervision requirements.
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Music Therapy: For those interested in advanced study and research, programs like the one at the Herron School of Art + Design offer a Ph.D. in music therapy, which can be completed online or on-campus.
  • Online Master’s Programs: Many universities now offer online master’s programs in music therapy, which can be a flexible option for students who need to balance work or other commitments.
  • When choosing a graduate program, make sure it is approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) to ensure it meets the necessary standards for certification and licensure.

Get Certified:

    • In the United States, you’ll need to pass the certification exam offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) to become a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC).

    Online Sources:

    1. American Music Therapy Association
    2. Certification Board for Music Therapists
    3. National Institutes of Health on Music Therapy

    The Art of Auditioning (Part II)

    By Abby Atwater ’19

    THE ART OF AUDITIONING: PART II- THE AUDITION ITSELF

     It’s audition time! I hope my last article provided some valuable information on preparing for the audition. Now the audition is nearing and it is time to really buckle down. This post will focus on the actual audition as well as some additional non-musical preparation and well-being that may not always be taken into consideration as much as the musical aspects.

    DO:

    Plan Ahead

     Unless it is in a nearby city that you can very easily travel to and from, arrive to the audition city at least one night before the audition. Travelling the day of is quite risky and many auditions will often start rather early in the morning so this just wouldn’t be entirely practical. Remember to pack appropriate clothing, audition materials, money for food, and, of course, your instrument! See if you have a chance to play in the audition space the night before to get an idea for acoustics and make sure everything is sounding good. Realize that you may be spending a full day taking auditions if you advance so remain near the vicinity and don’t plan on leaving until later that night or the next day.

    Make sure your instrument is in top playing condition

     A few weeks or maybe a month before the audition, take your instrument in for a tune up. Make sure it’s well oiled, keys and pads are in good shape, and there aren’t damages that could hinder your ability to play well.

    Come prepared with repair tools, extra reeds, rosin, etc…

     I don’t want to caution anyone to “expect the worst” when it comes to auditioning, but come prepared with tools and materials in case things do go wrong mechanically. Bring screwdrivers, cork grease, extra reeds (new/unopened and old ones that might work better in a different environment), rosin, valve oil, reed working tools- whatever you may need. A lot could potentially go wrong while traveling and a malfunctioning instrument is one stressor nobody wants to deal with.

    Try to stay healthy

     Make sure to take time for yourself and be well-rested for your audition. Get a good night’s sleep, drink lots of water, and eat good foods: bananas help calm nerves, carbs are good to provide energy, and try to avoid greasy, dense food that might not sit well. Possibly take some time between warming up and the audition to meditate or go on a short walk. Try to keep yourself as healthy as you can leading up to the audition. You don’t have complete control over how your immune system functions so it may be a challenge to overcome an illness to deliver a great audition, but try your best and just don’t push yourself too hard.

    Warm up the day of

     Although it is tempting to want to show up to the site of your audition on the day of and just run through all your excerpts, this is not an effective way to prepare yourself. Spend time with a meaningful, complete warm up consisting of long tones, scales, thirds, arpeggios, extended range, and articulations exercises. This will help to prepare you both mentally and physically. I have been told numerous times that “it is never too late for slow practice” so spend time slow practicing spots in some of the excerpts and do not just run them carelessly.Dress Properly

     Even though you are behind a screen, you should be dressed as if you are attending an interview. If you win the position, later that day you will probably meet the audition committee and/or the music director so be dressed to impress. Another important, but unfortunate note: do not wear heels. Although orchestras have progressed a lot in this aspect, hearing heels walk into the room can indicate to the audition committee that a woman is about to audition and there can still be some bias held in this field. It is sad to admit this is still a concern today and that the shoes you wear could influence the committee as much as your actual audition does, but wearing flats or even going in barefoot would be the recommended way to go.

    DO NOT:

    Talk behind the screen!

     Similar to the dilemma with wearing heels, you don’t want to give anything away about yourself from behind the screen. Talking and even sneezing or coughing can be a giveaway about your gender. The audition committee uses the blind auditioning process to conceal your identity as best as possible and to not create any bias so your playing is all that they have to consider. Abide to the no speaking rule and only communicate very softly or nonverbally if absolutely necessary to the proctor that will likely be behind the screen with you.

    Overdo it the day of/before the audition

     Definitely make sure to warm up and have your chops in good playing condition, but don’t practice 5 hours the day before your audition. You will be exhausted plus you don’t want to psych yourself out with a lengthy practice session.

    Be intimidated hearing others warming up

     The day of the audition (and even the night before when staying at your hotel), there is going to be an abundance of very talented musicians present. Sometimes what you hear behind closed doors is not actually as impressive as what you hear in person. You can hear someone play the runs in the cadenza from Dances of Galanta at a wickedly fast speed and doubt yourself for playing it at a slower or more standard tempo, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that musician is any better especially if there is a lack of musicality behind the playing (see my next point about this).

    Expect to play a “perfect” audition

     There is no such thing as “perfection” so don’t expect your audition to be perfect. Play the best you can with good rhythm, pitch, and expression. Even if you feel like you messed something up and it wasn’t the best audition you have had, the audition committee might not have even noticed or are impressed and see something in you. This might be the audition you end up winning!

    Be defeated and give up if you don’t win the position

     I have heard from so many musicians that it can take 20-30 auditions before landing an orchestral job. You are bound to face rejection while auditioning and it is completely OK. It doesn’t mean you are a bad musician or that you will never land a job so be persistent. Even if at first you don’t succeed, one day you could be playing on a famous stage like those in Carnegie Hall or the Musikverein.

     Consider auditions to be the musician’s equivalent of an interview: you’re displaying your talents in an attempt to impress a selection committee and a great deal of preparation goes into it. The only thing that’s really different is the fact that all the “speaking” is done through your instrument and not verbally. Being a good musician is one thing, but knowing how to nail an audition is a skill of its own.

    Feel free to check out some of these other helpful links from musicians who have won orchestral jobs!:

    o  http://stringsmagazine.com/12-ways-to-ace-your-orchestral-audition/

    o  https://bulletproofmusician.com/how-to-win-an-audition-thoughts-from-3-renowned-performer-teachers/

    o  https://www.dwerden.com/tu-articles-pokorny-audition.cfm

    o  https://slippedisc.com/2014/03/inside-tips-how-to-pass-an-orchestra-audition/

    o  http://www.yeodoug.com/resources/symphony_auditions/yeoauditions.html