Career questions tagged musician
How can a band director balance their own personal musical goals with their educational responsibilities?
I am an aspiring band director in my first year in college studying music education, and I value my own personal growth on my instruments just as much as I value education. I have been told by several people that band directors often have such a busy job during and outside of school that they rarely have time to play their instrument, but I want to make sure I can still have time to practice my instruments.
How do musicians become involved in pit orchestras? #Spring26
I am currently a senior at Valencia High School, and will be a freshman in college this fall as a Music Education and Performance major. I would love to work in theatre as a musician.
What is the best thing I can do to launch myself forward in the music industry early on in my studies??
I have been playing music since 7th grade. I am a flute and saxophone player. As an incoming college freshmen in fall i want to continue my studies in music.
What is the best University Music-wise?
What would you consider as the best school for a music major from Personal experience?
Is it wise to only get a music therapy degree? Thank you for reading my thoughts and thank you in advance for helping me!
I want to become a music therapist to work with all ages and abileties. I was told that a socialwork degree would be much better in terms of money and job opportunities. I also love music and psychology practices so music therapy as a career seems like the best fit. Music has been a leading factor in my life since I was very young. Being a full-time musician doesn't align with my personality and life circumstances. However, I know that most music therapists have their own businesses and I'm more of a social butterfly. I love bouncing ideas off people and working as a team My friends say I really help them through their problems and give them real tools for them to help themselves.
What measures can I take to make sure my entire career feels rewarding?
I'm a senior considering pursuing work in music and/or education, and I've noticed that teaching as a profession is less popular as the years go by. Additionally, I've seen that music doesn't always get the same attention that other programs do, so I want to know how I can make a living in music while feeling fulfilled.
How viable is a music career ?
I'd love to follow my dreams, but I also want financial security. I feel I'd be miserable if I sacrificed my passion, but I've been often told that artistic careers aren't lucrative.
How do aspiring symphony musicians find gigs to freelance or auditions to take??
I am an aspiring music performance major and am wondering how to find gigs and auditions. Is it mostly word of mouth, or are there special places to look?
Piano Professor + Opera Singer?
Is it possible for me to be a piano professor with all the duties that come with that career (teaching, planning, office hours, performing, doing other side-gig type things, etc.) and also have a serious, yet part-time opera career? I know having a role in an opera requires you to be available for 3-6 weeks of rehearsals during the day, so how could I make that work while also teaching at a college? Is it even possible?
How to become a professional singer ?
Hi! I’m Christina (my stage name is Fancy Fox), a 16-year-old girl living in New York , and I’m dreaming of becoming a professional singer. I’m super motivated and ready to put in the work—but I need guidance from people who’ve been in the music world. I’d love advice on a clear, step-by-step path for someone my age, including: Daily and weekly routines to improve my singing, performance, and stage presence Competitions, auditions, or music programs that are great for teens Other skills I should learn, like songwriting, playing instruments, or working with sound engineers How to start building a presence in the music industry as a young artist Any tips, resources, or personal stories you can share would mean so much. I’m ready to start today and follow a detailed plan to reach my dream!
What motivates you to pursue both technology and music in your career?
Aspiring cybersecurity enthusiast and high school student passionate about technology and problem-solving. Alongside advancing my tech skills through online courses, I’m also a dedicated music producer and DJ, creating and performing to connect with audiences and bring energy to events. Experienced in supporting community projects and helping others with tech challenges. Eager to grow professionally in both customer support and creative fields. Always ready to learn, adapt, and contribute.
How are singers making a living?
What kind of practical advice can be given to a music student that wants career direction and to build experience?
How do I become successful in the music industry?
I want to pursue music it has always been my passion and my anxiety and depression has always held me back amongst other things and I want to develop my craft.
How do you get your name out there as a musician ?
I'm a bass player and i want to know how to get my name out and make it as least reliant on luck as possible .I am just starting music school in the fall at Berklee College of Music and I'm was wondering about this question so i can get a start on getting my name out there.
What is the stress load of being a multi-instrumentalist in college as a music and psychology major?
What is the stress load of playing multiple instruments in college. I'm graduating this year playing flute and trumpet and will be continuing both in college.
How do I know that I'm going into the right career path?
I'm a high school senior going into music. I'm majoring in piano, minoring in violin, getting a master's in conducting, and a DMA to become a music professor. In such an uncertain and ever-changing field, how can I be sure that this is the right thing?
How to network as a musician in Graduate school?
This fall, I will be attending graduate school for musical performance. Fortunately, I will be a TA while learning, but I want to know how to network as a classical performer in school. I'd also love to teach private lessons while in school/after school. #spring25
Would it be necessary to double major, or are there other options?
My current career plan is this: my primary income comes from private piano/voice lessons. Then I also want to be a freelance opera singer, and freelance repetiteur, while also doing solo recitals. I probably want to do two operas a year at most (and I most likely wouldn't do two every year), and then when I don't have an opera gig, try to get a gig as a repetiteur. Obviously, those gigs are by auditions, opera especially, so if I didn't have either or didn't choose to have either at that time, then I would like to tour as a soloist for piano/voice or both. In any given year, one could have more emphasis than the other (one year i have one opera and one repetituer, the next I have one repetiteur and tour recitals). I hope that makes sense. Now, with all of that information, is it necessary to double major or dual emphasis in piano performance and voice performance? I would like to have equal emphasis in both, since I basically just want to do both almost equally. Is there another option? Could I cater my college schedule to just include emphasis in both? How could I do that? Can I have dual emphasis? Please explain! Thank you!
How do I pay off student loans as a music major, emphasis on organ?
At the college I'm thinking of attending, I was awarded a music scholarship that requires me to major in music. I auditioned as a pianist and heard that organists make more than pianists. Any recommendations? I am also considering a different college where I would likely major in chemistry.
Music Producers, what are some tips on becoming a music producer?
Preferably about/ Networking, experience building, professional development, and, lastly, work-life balance.
What is some advice music majors would provide?
As a high school sophomore, I am working on a career project and have decided to become a band teacher. What advice would teachers who have had their job for a while give to someone just starting with their career? What advice would music students/teachers give to younger people who want to start in this area?
What are some challenges music majors face?
As a high school sophomore, I am working on a career project and have decided to become a band teacher. So, I was wondering, what are some challenges music majors/teachers face? How do you overcome them?
How do I know that I'm making the right choice for my future?
I am a freshman music performance major, and though I can never imagine myself doing anything else, I often wonder whether or not I am making the right career choice for my future.
As a music major, where should I go to college?
I plan to major in music. For my bachelor's degree, is it smarter to go to an in-state school to try to save some money, or is it worth it to try to get into the best conservatory I can? For context, if I go to an in-state school I would be considering the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University.
How do I get involved with a marching band or a drum corps when my high school doesn’t have one?
I am a trumpet player going into high school next fall. I have been playing for three years and I love it. I’ve heard and looked forward to marching and preforming, and I’ve seen other high schools march before and that excites me. However, my high school doesn’t have one and our entire band has maybe 20 people. How do I get involved and learn to march?
How could studying abroad enhance my education as a music major?
Where are some good places to study abroad for music? I am interested in performance and education. I also have an interest in early music and oratorio.
Opera Singer?
How exactly does being a freelance opera singer work? How do you get jobs? How many hours a day does an opera singer work during a performance season? Is being an opera singer possible as somewhat of a part-time or a "every once in a while" kind of job? I am also thinking about repetiteur work, private teaching, and solo performing, etc. if that helps answer how well these could work together...
How am I supposed to use a degree in music in order to make an impact on people without getting my major in music-education??
How am I supposed to use a degree in music in order to make an impact on people without getting my major in music-education? I plan to major in music in college and graduate in 2029.#Spring25
Is it possible to be a successful musician these days without using social media ?
Is it possible to be a successful musician these days without using social media?