What are the jobs in the music industry? 8 professions to know
Some say that music is 10% talent and 90% hard work. And, in fact, behind the musical field lies a multitude of professions that are practiced or taught. Teacher, engineer, producer... If we always think of the profession of musician-composer when we think of music, you should know that there are also many other activities that bring the music sector to life.
What are the main job families in the music industry? And how do you go about training for them? Newzik takes a look at a selection of 8 professions and their associated career paths.
What are the job families in the music industry?
Jobs related to music creation and composition
When we think of music, we mostly think of musicians and singer-songwriters. In short, those who play music. These professions are at the heart of the industry, whatever the musical genre.
But among the family of music creators, we also find several other professions: performers, producers, music teachers and conductors. All have some mastery of music theory and technique, and have learned to play a musical instrument.
Careers in sound engineering
In music, we call them "the professions of the shadows". But why? Quite simply becausethey don't take center stage. But even if they work behind the scenes, these professionals are necessary to ensure sound quality. Without sound engineers, there can be no successful recordings or concerts.
Whether on stage or in the recording studio, in the control room or in rehearsal, sound experts put their technical skills to good use in the service of music.
Sound engineers, stage managers, editors, mixers... All these technical professions are responsible for recording and synchronizing sound and images in audiovisual productions, to create a sound atmosphere.
💻 Are you familiar with computer-aided music ? It's a technique for creating, composing and mixing music using computer software, particularly used by studio managers.
Careers in artistic production and management
Artistic directors, producers, press attachés or managers: these professions are also part of the hidden face of music.
They may not be on stage with the musicians, but they are very important in supporting artists' careers and their development within the music industry.
A selection of 8 jobs to know in the music industry
1. Professional musician or singer
A professional musician or singer makes a living from his or her instrumental or vocal practice.
Versatile and intermittent, a musician's job often involves an intense career. A musician's daily routine includes:
album recording,
singing or playing an instrument on stage,
rehearsal in a band, orchestra or choir,
accompanying other artists (in the studio or on stage).
In terms of skills, a musician must be able to demonstrate creativity, master a good degree of technique, have a good ear for music and a sense of improvisation.
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2. Musical composer
A composer's job is a highly creative one. Its missions? To imagine and write original works: scores for orchestras, film music, songs, etc. A composer can :
create your own pieces of music,
respond to commissions (groups, advertising agencies, audiovisual productions, etc.),
**offer scores to other musicians and performers.
Generally speaking, a composer has had a fairly rigorous musical training, is familiar with the specifics of orchestration and has a good sense of style.
🎶 Just starting out in music composition ? Discover our tips for learning how to compose your own music!
3. Music teacher
Teaching is a key profession in the music industry. Often originally an amateur musician, a teacher trains future professional musicians. A teacher's aim is to pass on musical technique (solfeggio, improvisation and learning to play an instrument) to his or her pupils. A music teacher may work in a conservatory or give private lessons.
On a day-to-day basis, a music school teacher needs to demonstrate pedagogical skills as well as adapt to all types of learning levels and audiences. Of course, a teacher must master the fundamentals of music, both theoretical and practical.
💡 Good to know : today, the teaching profession can be exercised remotely! Teachers monitor and evaluate their students' work using tools such as digital scores.
4. Orchestra conductor
An essential position within a symphony orchestra, the conductor's main role is to coordinate the musicians who perform the scores of an orchestral ensemble.
Usually highly charismatic and blessed with impeccable musical technique, the conductor must also have a thorough knowledge of all the instruments in the repertoires he or she oversees.
The conductor has many responsibilities:
He guides an orchestra, choosing its tempo, rythm and interpretation of a work.
He ensures the harmony of all the musicians.
He communicates with the musicians and makes sure they play in sync.
He chooses the works to be performed and schedules stage performances.
He trains soloists and singers to prepare their performances.
He directs concerts and rehearsals.
5. Sound engineer
In music, sound engineers are often referred to as frequency wizards. Their objective? Work on audio quality through good mixes. Their missions can vary depending on the job title:
Management of sound retransmission during concerts,
Sound recording and editing,
Arrangement and mixing of recorded productions,
A highly technical job, both in the studio and live on stage, the sound engineer must master audio software and be both precise and creative.
6. Rehearsal studio manager
Present at band rehearsals and performances, the stage manager ensures the smooth running of a music creation and performance space.
A stage manager has different roles:
Prepare equipment for musicians (speakers, microphones, mixers, etc.),
adjust audio parameters,
support artists in their sessions.
This multi-skilled profession requires technical and logistical expertise. Rehearsal studio stage managers need to be organized, have good sound management skills and be able to adapt to different styles of musicians.
💬 Jam, Rif, soundcheck, backline... Find out the 10 technical terms you need to know to understand a live band..
7. Music producer
A true entrepreneur, a musician's producer is intimately linked to his or her career. He or she is responsible for monitoring and developing the artist's project. Like a film producer, a music producer manages and signs contracts for the musician or band. Their objective? To develop the career of one or more talented solo musicians or groups.
Its missions are varied:
Negotiating contracts with record companies,
musical tour management,
deployment of themusician's promotional image.
A producer ensures financial profitability and generally has a good professional network in several sectors (media, record companies, labels...).
8. Artistic director or music programmer
Halfway between an advisor and a manager, an artistic director guides the artist in his or her musical and visual choices. His or her role is highly strategic for the musician. Not necessarily a musician, the artistic director or programmer nevertheless has a highly developed knowledge of the music world and its industry.
An artistic director is responsible for supporting a musician or band in the creation of musical demos, as well as other projects such as concert tours.
The role of a concert or stage programmer is to define an artistic program for a venue(opera house, concert hall, etc.).
What training do you need to enter the music business?
Professional training for musicians, composers and conductors
According to the 2019 annual barometer of music careers music apprenticeship organizations fall into two categories : public conservatories (around 34%) and private schools (66%).
The CNSMDs (Conservatoires Nationaux Supérieurs de Musique et de Danse) are considered the royal road to professional music-making. Depending on your level, you can prepare for :
a DNOP (Diplôme National d'Orientation Professionnelle) is prepared and obtained at regional or departmental conservatories. This diploma is useful for obtaining the DNSPM (Diplôme national supérieur professionnel de musicien).
a DEM (Diplôme d'Études Musicales).
Conservatories also prepare musicians for the DE (diplôme d'État) in music teaching. At university, the DUMI (diplôme d'université de musicien intervenant) enables you to work with primary school pupils.
There are also other (less direct) routes to a career as a musician: a university degree in musicology or a professional degree in music and sound.
💡 Good to know: if you would like to continue your training as a musician and become a conductor ? You'll need to follow a solid course of study. A Diplôme d'études musicales (DEM), diplôme national d'orientation professionnelle (DNOP) at a conservatoire à rayonnement régional (CRR) or a conservatoire à rayonnement départemental (CRD) will be required.
How to become a music teacher
To become a middle school music teacher, it is often advisable to master the practice of one or more instruments and follow university studies in the field of music up to Master 1.
Next, you'll need to take the CAPES or CAFEP competitive examination in music education and choral singing. The former enables you to teach in public schools, while the latter enables you to train students in private schools.
To teach in a conservatory, you need to hold a certificate of aptitude. This certificate is awarded on the basis of tests, and is accessible to students who have completed a three-year diploma course at the CNSM in Lyon or Paris (or by validation of acquired experience).
Training to become a sound engineer, stage manager or producer
To become a sound engineer, there are a number of career paths (from Bac +2 to Bac +5) depending on the technical speciality envisaged:
A BTS in audio-visual professions, with an option in sound engineering (Bac +2).
A BTS followed by a year to obtain a DN MADE (diplôme national des métiers d'art et du design) in performing arts, or the licence professionnelle technique du son et de l'image (1 year after bac + 2).
Training to obtain a diploma from a specialized school or a master's degree from a university (Bac +5).
Studying to become a manager, artistic director or press officer
Are you passionate about music, but lack the skills to perform, create or compose it? There are specialized professions in the field of media and communication. These include music journalists and press officers.
University studies in communications, cultural management or specialized schools can open the door to this sector. Some universities, for example, offer masters degrees in music management.
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