6 answers
Baldwin
Student
Orlando, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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Where do people start after graduating collage?
Hey everyone! I’m curious to know where people in music production typically start after graduating from college. Any tips or personal experiences to share?
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6 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2662
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Baldwin !
A career in Music is exciting to think about and it's wonderful that you have come to Career Village to explore this !
Actually, every Music Student's education is unique and different, so there really isn't a "typical" way that they begin their career after graduation. Once you understand that, you will be open to enjoying the journey step by step . Part of being a Music Major serious about the career is not only learning the technical necessities, but being around other music people that can become great friends and contacts later on. In the music industry, it is very important to get to know people and be seen.
College will give you the unique structure, discipline, and the personal, intellectual and social growth that will be essential in the Music Industry. Before you graduate, I can assure you that you will know exactly how to start the career that is unique to you. You will make decisions as to whether or not to stay in Orlando to pursue your career, move to New York City or Los Angeles which are two hubs for music as they have strong studio and production opportunities with recording labels. These decisions will be clear to you based on what you discover in your Music Department because you'll be there everyday. And, you'll want to be there everyday !
Throughout your stay in college, you will become aware of the Music community in Orlando or what ever town you go to college in. You will start to mingle with industry professionals at shows and events. You never ever know who you will meet. This is why there is no "typical" way to "begin" the career. You'll have to live the journey and have your own experience, but you'll learn everything being a Music major. Give it time and let it proceed naturally for you.
Once you have some demo videos of your work, you can upload the videos to You Tube or My Space (which seems to have evolved into a Music platform). Although the internet is not going to start your career, you will need a website with your work on it so you can submit the link when you audition or randomly send out for work. There are millions of singers and musicians that have websites but it's not to "start" your career, it's for audition and submission purposes. If someone is considering hiring you, that's when they'll go to your website and watch you perform.
Very important: don't "wonder" about this career. Take active steps now before college. Read books about the music industry, do volunteer work at a recording studio, form a small band, start performing solo as a Street Performer, be active. Try not to project thoughts of how your career is going to be. Even challenges can be positive in the music industry. It is a continual learning experience but college is going to be the best foundation for you.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best ! Start enjoying it now ! It will help you later if you concentrate on it actively today !
A career in Music is exciting to think about and it's wonderful that you have come to Career Village to explore this !
Actually, every Music Student's education is unique and different, so there really isn't a "typical" way that they begin their career after graduation. Once you understand that, you will be open to enjoying the journey step by step . Part of being a Music Major serious about the career is not only learning the technical necessities, but being around other music people that can become great friends and contacts later on. In the music industry, it is very important to get to know people and be seen.
College will give you the unique structure, discipline, and the personal, intellectual and social growth that will be essential in the Music Industry. Before you graduate, I can assure you that you will know exactly how to start the career that is unique to you. You will make decisions as to whether or not to stay in Orlando to pursue your career, move to New York City or Los Angeles which are two hubs for music as they have strong studio and production opportunities with recording labels. These decisions will be clear to you based on what you discover in your Music Department because you'll be there everyday. And, you'll want to be there everyday !
Throughout your stay in college, you will become aware of the Music community in Orlando or what ever town you go to college in. You will start to mingle with industry professionals at shows and events. You never ever know who you will meet. This is why there is no "typical" way to "begin" the career. You'll have to live the journey and have your own experience, but you'll learn everything being a Music major. Give it time and let it proceed naturally for you.
Once you have some demo videos of your work, you can upload the videos to You Tube or My Space (which seems to have evolved into a Music platform). Although the internet is not going to start your career, you will need a website with your work on it so you can submit the link when you audition or randomly send out for work. There are millions of singers and musicians that have websites but it's not to "start" your career, it's for audition and submission purposes. If someone is considering hiring you, that's when they'll go to your website and watch you perform.
Very important: don't "wonder" about this career. Take active steps now before college. Read books about the music industry, do volunteer work at a recording studio, form a small band, start performing solo as a Street Performer, be active. Try not to project thoughts of how your career is going to be. Even challenges can be positive in the music industry. It is a continual learning experience but college is going to be the best foundation for you.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best ! Start enjoying it now ! It will help you later if you concentrate on it actively today !
Xin Xie
23
Answers
Updated
Xin’s Answer
Hi Baldwin,
Classical music is trending again in my country—young people compose, arrange, and write lyrics, sharing their passion with peers. Some otaku even monetize their talents.
Network relentlessly—attend industry events, join Discord or Facebook groups, and stay active on social media.
Keep creating—your best work will open more doors than your degree.
Be adaptable—many successful producers didn’t start in music full-time (side hustles are normal).
I really admire people like you who have musical talent. Wish you all the best!
Classical music is trending again in my country—young people compose, arrange, and write lyrics, sharing their passion with peers. Some otaku even monetize their talents.
Network relentlessly—attend industry events, join Discord or Facebook groups, and stay active on social media.
Keep creating—your best work will open more doors than your degree.
Be adaptable—many successful producers didn’t start in music full-time (side hustles are normal).
I really admire people like you who have musical talent. Wish you all the best!
Sripriya K
2
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sripriya’s Answer
Individuals start their careers in entry-level positions like production assistant or recording technician. That would be the first step
CHUNTING DONG
36
Answers
Updated
CHUNTING’s Answer
They suggested trying freelancing by offering their production services online. They create a portfolio of their work and use social media and music-related platforms to promote themselves. Freelancing gives more creative freedom, but it also needs good self-management and marketing skills.
Thank you for the advice, Chunting!
Baldwin
Steve Fishman
Musician Producer
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Hey, So there are no exact rules. It about a combination of talent, social skills / attitude and very often just plain luck in my experience. Working in a recording studio especially one that has major clients opens doors. A friend did that and as a result won a few grammys as an engineer although that doesnt guarantee success or wealth, it did change the way people perceive him and offers some opportunities he wouldnt otherwise receive.
The most important thing imho is a combo of great skills, pro attitude (ie punctual, focused and fun) and powerful work that shows serious hit potential and/or authenticity / originality in your chosen genres. Then you have to meet and have people hear your work. Ive made the mistake of being shy/ insecure and not putting enough music out and ignoring social media / marketing.
The most important thing imho is a combo of great skills, pro attitude (ie punctual, focused and fun) and powerful work that shows serious hit potential and/or authenticity / originality in your chosen genres. Then you have to meet and have people hear your work. Ive made the mistake of being shy/ insecure and not putting enough music out and ignoring social media / marketing.
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
142
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Oooooooo a question made for me. I graduated with a degree in audio production, music business, and piano. I also got a certificate (minor?) in music composition. I'll break down what my friends who have the same degree as me are doing, and then what I personally am doing. There are so many paths in the music industry, and even if you start one that doesn't mean you will continue that path- you might end up doing something else! Before I go in depth, I need to correct what other people have said here. "Working in a studio and building your way up" doesn't work. At least not anymore. Everyone and their mother has access to the internet, mics, and ai. Studios are closing left and right and the ones that aren't have very important or specific clientele. There are established studios that will probably go under once the owners retire. I personally have sent my resume to every single audio production company in my area and none of them were even looking for a simple unpaid intern position. One of them even said that working for a studio is dead and that he isn't well versed in the new music industry and doesn't know how young people make a living in the music industry. I will tell you exactly how though.
Ok, first what friends with my degree are doing. The most popular path for people with my degree is to go into live sound and apply to a touring audio company or find work at a conference center, hotel, or any other place that needs audio reinforcement. This is a great living- but it's a lot of physical work and hours are all over the place. Don't get me wrong, I do LOVE live sound work, it can just be a lot sometimes. Live sound can also include corporate events, comedy events, and literally anything that involves a mic. Graduations, speeches, theater, protests, conferences, and so many other events need live sound reinforcement. So you will never be short of hours or work. I have also seen people with my degree go into studio work. The people who go down this route work with bands or artists and record them, then mix the music. I got to sit in on a recording session with an alumni when I was still in school.
The next most popular path people with my degree take is what I decided to do. I work as a music producer, songwriter, audio engineer, and business owner. My company, OK Hit Record Productions LLC is a single member LLC. I also do freelance work outside of my business. First, the work I do with my business. I make original music that I release to all platforms; send loops and samples to producers from around the world; sell digital products like beats, loops, samples, and drum sounds; mix and/ or master artists' songs, remix music on commission or for entertainment on YouTube; and provide live sound services for a select area. I have also provided consultation services to new and established artists, bands, producers, and record labels. Outside of my business, I perform. I have played in the pit for musicals, performed classical music, and am currently developing a pop music show with my original music. On top of all of that, to maintain my brand, I create and post content on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and sometimes Threads and Twitter. When you choose to go this route, you need to also learn bookkeeping, how to be smart with money, how to run ads, play an algorithm, and how to learn from the feedback you receive to adjust and keep going.
Ok, first what friends with my degree are doing. The most popular path for people with my degree is to go into live sound and apply to a touring audio company or find work at a conference center, hotel, or any other place that needs audio reinforcement. This is a great living- but it's a lot of physical work and hours are all over the place. Don't get me wrong, I do LOVE live sound work, it can just be a lot sometimes. Live sound can also include corporate events, comedy events, and literally anything that involves a mic. Graduations, speeches, theater, protests, conferences, and so many other events need live sound reinforcement. So you will never be short of hours or work. I have also seen people with my degree go into studio work. The people who go down this route work with bands or artists and record them, then mix the music. I got to sit in on a recording session with an alumni when I was still in school.
The next most popular path people with my degree take is what I decided to do. I work as a music producer, songwriter, audio engineer, and business owner. My company, OK Hit Record Productions LLC is a single member LLC. I also do freelance work outside of my business. First, the work I do with my business. I make original music that I release to all platforms; send loops and samples to producers from around the world; sell digital products like beats, loops, samples, and drum sounds; mix and/ or master artists' songs, remix music on commission or for entertainment on YouTube; and provide live sound services for a select area. I have also provided consultation services to new and established artists, bands, producers, and record labels. Outside of my business, I perform. I have played in the pit for musicals, performed classical music, and am currently developing a pop music show with my original music. On top of all of that, to maintain my brand, I create and post content on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and sometimes Threads and Twitter. When you choose to go this route, you need to also learn bookkeeping, how to be smart with money, how to run ads, play an algorithm, and how to learn from the feedback you receive to adjust and keep going.