Talent & skills are crucial, but they are not the only things that will help you make it big in the music industry. A proper plan with a timeline, excellent networking, and some tips from industry experts really up your game.
There are many jobs in the music industry – from musicians, songwriters, and composers, to sound designers, audio engineers, and music therapists. You only need professional training, industry exposure, and an awesome portfolio.
If you are reading this, it means you’ve already started digging into career opportunities in music. Read on to learn more about stepping into the world of music as a professional.
Why Pursue a Career in Music?
If you are wondering whether a music career would be the right choice, start by exploring the various career opportunities in music available in the industry –
- Crafting, recording, mixing, and fine-tuning a track requires multiple professionals.
- If you are a musician, you can master vocals or an instrument.
- If you are into composing, learn to use the basic industry tools and see if it works for you. T
- here are a bunch of positions for sound designers, DAW experts, audio engineers, and music producers.
Start your research today and choose a path that best suits your interests and skills.
Exploring Your Options in a Music Career
Let’s understand how you can explore lots of different opportunities before finalizing a path –
- Research and be sure of the path you are choosing before you enroll in a specialized degree course.
- Start looking at what the musicians and major record labels are doing.
- Understand the industry trends and analyze what people want.
- Ask yourself if your skills and the industry requirements are in sync –
Do you have musical talent?
Can you learn how to play multiple instruments?
Do you like experimenting with music-related software?
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your mentors for advice and skill assessments & take online/offline aptitude tests. The goal is to make an informed decision and have a successful career ahead.
What Are the Most Popular Careers in Music?
Want to know what are some career options in the music industry that you can go for? Here is a list of the most preferred jobs in the music industry. These roles are well-paid and known for the rich experience they provide.
1. Performers
Performer is a broad term that includes singers/vocalists, and musicians – anyone who performs for a live audience. You can learn instruments or be a proficient singer. There are a bunch of courses in Fine arts, performing arts, and music that will help you kickstart your career.
Try playback singing, touring as a stage performer, being in a band, and optimizing social media to create an audience. With the right opportunities, you can earn up to INR 9,00,000 – 20,00,000 a year.
2. Songwriters & Composers
As a songwriter or music composer, you can make around INR 10,00,000 – 15,00,000 a year on average. While the pay varies from one project to another, it’s considered a high-paying profession with multiple opportunities for career growth.
3. Music Producers
Music producers are one of the most important people in making and producing soundtracks. They help singers and musicians bring their art to life. These highly skilled professionals are experts in directing, overseeing, and coordinating the entire recording and production process.
Music production has well-paid jobs with earnings up to INR 10,00,000-18,00,000 and more.
You could –
- work with a production company
- collaborate with musicians
- Freelance
The industry has a plethora of learning opportunities just for you!
4. Sound Engineers
Sound Engineers are the experts behind mixing & mastering music, audio enhancement, reproducing sound, and different post-production processes.
They are technical professionals who deal with the machines and equipment needed in various stages of recording and producing a track.
As a sound engineer, you can earn around INR 8,00,000 to 13,00,000 and more depending on your skills and the projects you take on.
If you want to be the backbone of crafting the perfect soundtrack with a Sound Engineering degree, you can opt for a 3-4 year Bachelor’s degree after school or a 2-year Master’s degree after college.
4. Music Educators
Music educators work in
- Schools
- Universities
- Conservatories
- As coaches for professionals.
They are exceptionally well-versed in different genres of music and are highly educated in their niche. You will need a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, a master’s degree, and teaching certifications to become an educator.
The average salary for someone who is just starting their career is around INR 6,50,000 – 10, 00,000. However, it can vary depending on the city or institute you are associated with, the nature of your work, and your proficiency.
5. Music Therapists
A major in Psychology + A diploma/specialization in Music therapy or music psychology OR a degree in Music Therapy is the first step toward your dream career. Understanding music and the human psyche is crucial to becoming a music therapist.
Music therapists bring out the emotional connection music provides and channel its healing power. They develop sessions to help people work through stress, develop cognitive functions, and improve social functioning through the medium of music.
The average pay of a music therapist can range between INR 6,00,000 – and INR 11,50,000.
How to Choose the Right Career Path?
Even though career opportunities in the music industry are abundant, you need to consider a few things before you start your professional journey. Take some time to think about these really important questions –
Do you have the essential skills?
Jobs in the music industry are plenty, but at the same time competitive. Your career growth will be influenced by your expertise and how much you upskill. Make sure you have all the essential skills to excel in your job –
- Listening skills
- Instrument proficiency
- Knowledge of music theory
- Software skills
Do you have Passion and Interest?
Ask yourself if you can dedicate time and energy to learning music, improving your skills, and experimenting with new tracks. Your career will be fulfilling when you love & enjoy what you are doing.
Take an aptitude test if you are not very sure yet. If the idea of working with music and being in a studio excites you & makes you feel happy, that’s a good start!
Are you willing to explore the field?
You will need to explore a few niches in music before you find the right path for you.
If you are enthusiastic about trying new things and experimenting with your skills, you’re good!
How can you learn more and upskill?
Research how certifications, specialized training, and mentorship programs can help you get better opportunities.
How will a degree/diploma course help you in your musical journey?
Are there accredited courses for specializations and short-term training programs available near you?
This information will allow you to understand the scopes you will have and help you make an informed career choice.
Are you sure this is right for you?
When you feel like your research is taking you towards the field that suits your interests, make a list of pros and cons & finalize your choice.
It does not matter if your list is a little too long, or too short, this is for you to be sure that you’re making the right decision.
Which Companies Dominate the Music Industry?
The industry is vast with tens of job roles and career opportunities for musicians, music composers & producers, singers & songwriters, and technical experts. There are, however, some major record labels and streaming platforms in the market. These industry leaders have high revenues, are popular, and can provide you with the perfect opportunity to make it big amidst the competition.
Renowned Record Labels
These record labels dominate the industry and rule the musical scene in the country. They center around pop music, Bollywood & other language cinema scenes, and varied artists including beginners and experts.
Their contribution to the Indian music industry is significant, especially when it comes to preserving and promoting cultural music, reviving old tracks, and fusing the old & the new to create novel styles.
Here are some of the most popular record labels that have become synonymous with music in India –
- T-Series
- Sony Music Entertainment India
- Universal Music India
- Saregama India Limited
- Times Music
- Warner Music Group
Key Streaming Platforms
Streaming platforms have been a major player in the music industry in recent years. Especially with the easy access they provide to millions of songs, it’s become an audience’s favorite. These contribute to an increased number of listeners, enhanced visibility for the musician, and endless scope of growth.
There are popular Indian & Global streaming platforms that specifically cater to the needs of listeners by personalizing playlists, suggesting songs and artists, and letting listeners access podcasts and meditation music.
Here is a list of the most well-known platforms that dominate the music scene –
How to Develop a Strong Personal Brand?
Consistent growth is driven by your brand and its niche. The best way is to get on with it early in your career. We have listed some ways that will help you along the way.
Online presence
Use social media and your website to build an online presence that people will notice. You can upload snippets of your work, interact with your audience, and position yourself.
Understanding what’s new and being consistent is the key to more visibility online. Make sure the viewers can access the same content irrespective of the platform to reinforce your style and make your craft memorable.
Know your audience
Understand who you’re catering to. The right audience would resonate with your work and feel an emotional connection. Research well to cater to your audience better.
You can leverage the polls and AMA options on social media for quick surveys and increased engagement too.
Consistency
More consistency = more engagement. While it’s understandable that your craft takes time, putting up behind-the-scenes videos, backstage photos, WIP snippets, and pictures from the studio will ensure consistency and keep engaging with your audience.
Trend Study
Trends foster relevance for your personal brand. See what’s happening in the industry and what’s trending on social media. Then pick and choose the ones that align with what you create and stand for. It helps you find the right audience, increase your visibility, and grow your following.
Interact with listeners
Social media platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) make it convenient for creators to directly engage with their followers through interactive stories and by replying to comments. This allows them a peek at your life and values beyond your craft and adds to your credibility.
Promote your work
Use your online presence to promote your craft. If you are a performer, you can optimize social media to promote upcoming performances/shows. You can update your audience about new releases and answer their questions as well.
How to Monetize Your Music?
Being new to the music industry and navigating the dynamic scenes can seem daunting at times. However, there are plenty of ways you can make money through music –
Collaborate and create
Collaborate with other artists and music producers and work on independent projects. Teaming up is a great way to experiment with the craft and make some cool industry connections. Maintain a healthy professional relationship with the people you are networking with for better opportunities in the future.
Leverage streaming platforms
Publish your music on popular streaming platforms and watch the view count rise. Use YouTube shorts and Instagram reels to direct your audience to these platforms. Being on multiple streaming platforms will ensure increasing revenue and strengthen your long-term goals.
Take freelance gigs/projects
Keep an eye on any freelance opportunities that come your way. Reach out to your network and put up ads on your website. Freelance opportunities can be high-paid and increase your visibility and credibility in the industry.
Repurpose unused and experimental music
Creating, recording, and producing music takes time. But as an artist, you always have pieces and tracks that you can repurpose. Use these to keep up your consistency, enhance a new composition, or release them on YouTube and other streaming platforms as bonus content.
Revenue Streams for Musician?
There are multiple ways you can earn as a musician in 2024. With music and performance arts being diversified and available to listeners quickly, the revenue streams for artists and other professionals have become varied too. Here are 5 ways you can earn and make your music career lucrative –
Revenue from Online Platforms
These are the earnings from the music you’ve released on various streaming platforms and YouTube. The money from views and sponsored ads is paid to the owner of the music. Owning your music means you get paid, if you’re signed to a label, you’ll earn a royalty for your music.
Live Shows and Concerts
Even though digital platforms are more affordable and popular, physical shows and their vibe are something fans long for. This includes revenues earned from ticket sales and merch sales at concerts.
Merch
Merchandise includes garments, souvenirs, and other products that reinforce the musicians’ brand values & aesthetics. You can sell these on e-commerce sites, via your social media page & website, and at your live show venues.
Licensing Deals
As a musician, you can license your music for being used in TV shows, films, games, short films, and as background music in YouTube videos. With the right planning and dedication, it can be rather lucrative.
Brand Deals, Sponsorships, & Endorsements
Brands that align with your artistic philosophy, brand voice, and target audience can sponsor you, provide you with free gear, or sign paid contracts for product placements. If you have a large social media following, you can leverage the platforms for paid promotions as well.
Essential Skills and Education for Music Careers
To have a successful music career means to dedicate yourself to the field and constantly learn and upskill. Develop your hearing skills, have in-depth knowledge of music theory and fundamentals of music, learn different instruments, and master popular software. With these and regular practice, you can have a fun journey in the professional realm.
If you want to enroll in a professional course, you can check out the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Diploma programs & short-term specialized courses.
Bachelor’s Degree
These focus on a holistic understanding of the discipline, and take you through the basics of theoretical and practical skills, help master instruments & digital tools, and provide an opportunity to build an impressive portfolio. Here are a few UG courses (3-4 years) you can pursue –
- BA Vocal
- BA Instrumental
- BFA in Music
- B.A. in Performing Arts (Music)
- B.Sc. in Sound Design
- B.Sc. in Music and Audio Production
Master’s Degree
These are advanced courses that focus on in-depth research, advanced skill development, understanding the business of music, and getting insights into the industry. You can pursue different PG degrees (2 Years) depending on your interest, line of work, and qualifications –
- Master of Performing Arts (Music)
- MFA in Music
- M.A. in Music (Vocal)
- M.A. in Music (Instrumental)
- M.Sc. in Sound Design
- M.Sc. in Music Production
Diploma
Diploma courses focus on skill development. These are meant to develop your knowledge of music and your technical and digital skills & train you to navigate the industry. You can opt for an undergraduate or postgraduate diploma depending on your needs –
- Diploma in Music Production
- Diploma in Music (Vocal)
- Diploma in Music (Instrumental)
- Diploma in Sound Design
- Diploma in Western/Indian Music
Certificate Courses
Short-term courses are meant to develop specific skills/knowledge within a niche. These programs range from a few weeks to six months and provide access to standard industry tools. If you want to upskill and look for better opportunities, this is your call. Consider these courses for upskilling –
Certificate in Sound Design
Certificate in Music Production
Certificate in DJing
Certificate in Music Business
Certificate in Songwriting
Conclusion
The Music industry is dynamic and rapidly transforming. To break into it requires talent, skills, practice, and the correct route map. If you want to pursue a music career, there are plenty of options you can look into. You could become a performing artist, a playback singer, a music producer, a songwriter, and much more. All you need is to ensure you have the right skills, train well, and develop an impressive portfolio.
Tap into the various revenue streams, leverage social media and streaming platforms, reach out for brand deals, collaborate & create, and venture into merch sales.
Start a rewarding journey with a plethora of music industry jobs by enrolling in a professional course. Check out the array of degree, diploma, and certificate courses by AAFT for an expert-guided, industry-standard curriculum & a smooth transition into the industry.
You can read more about AAFT’s School of Music – Programs here.