While music jobs are undoubtedly competitive, they're by no means out of reach for those with the right qualifications and experience. Here are some of the music jobs you can do.

• A&R (artists and repertoire) manager - as a form of talent agent you'll be responsible for finding fresh talent, signing them up to record labels and overseeing the completion of recordings. You'll help new artists develop and grow and to do this you'll need a solid understanding of the music scene and strong business skills.

• Concert promoter - you'll need a love of live music and excellent communication skills. It's your job to spread the word about live music events and ensure that this results in strong ticket sales. You'll liaise with agents/artist managers, recording artists and club/concert venues to book shows, publicise events to media and set up advertising campaigns.

• Music magazine journalist - exceptional writing skills and an interest in all things music are a must. You'll report on music industry news, interview artists and musicians, and review albums and concerts - either for a specialist print or online publication or the music section of a general news outlet.

• Music producer - producers write, arrange, produce and record songs for artists or for their own personal projects. The hours can be long and you'll spend the majority of your time in a studio setting. You'll collaborate with recording artists, recording/sound engineers, session musicians and singers, as well as A&R managers and record company executives.

Portfolio careers are common in the music business. This means having several streams of income at the same time, often combining jobs with freelance work. For example, session musicians could also make money as music teachers, and with the right knowledge and experience DJs and recording engineers can move into music production. Concert promoters can move into marketing and PR roles. Read more about putting together a creative portfolio.

You could also become a:

• background singer

• blogger

• booking agent

• composer

• DJ

• event manager

• instrument technician

• live sound technician

• music PR

• music teacher

• music therapist

• musical director

• musician

• radio producer

• recording engineer

• singer

• songwriter

• tour manager.

Taken from: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/creative-arts-and-design/careers-in-music

Interested in studying Music at University?

Music degrees

With outstanding talent as a singer, songwriter, dancer or musician you may be able to enter the industry directly - whereas if you're interested in business, educational or technical jobs you'll likely need a degree.

However, in this competitive industry, no matter your end goal, studying for a music degree can be beneficial in more ways than one. Courses give you in-depth practical and theoretical knowledge and the chance to develop transferrable skills, make industry contacts and find industry work placements. Discover what you can do with a music degree.

A degree in music is usually referred to as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Music (BMus), as there's no clear distinction between the two. Check the details of individual courses carefully to ensure they match what you're looking for. Some universities run performance-focused degrees while others are more academic.

At undergraduate level you can also study more specific subjects such as:

• composition

• digital music

• live events production

• popular music performance

• media and communication (music industries)

• music business

• music journalism

• music management

• music production

• music technology

• musical theatre

• songwriting

• sound engineering

• sound technology

• stage management.

When it comes to choosing where to study, it's useful to check subject-specific rankings and league tables. You'll find that the best performers are a mix of traditional universities and specialist institutions, such as the Royal College of Music (RCM), and Guildhall School of Music and Drama. These provide different study environments and deciding which you prefer is another important thing to think about as you do your research.

You'll usually need good passes at GCSE and a set number of UCAS points. Many courses ask for an A-level in music, or alternatively Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) Grade 5 in Music Theory and Grade 8 in Performance. Depending on the course, you may also need to demonstrate performance skills. Entry requirements vary so always check with your selected university.

Meanwhile, there are a variety of postgraduate options to choose from, with taught and research-based options available. You can study for a Masters in:

• composition

• composition of music for film and television

• community music

• electronic and computer music

• history of art and history of music

• music

• music education

• music for the moving image

• music production

• music psychology

• music and sonic media

• musical theatre

• performance.

Taken from: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/creative-arts-and-design/careers-in-music accessed 2021

What an audition might involve

• Music performers normally play two or more contrasting pieces in a live audition held at the conservatoire. In some cases you can send a recording or video instead.

• Musicians may be asked to play or sing scales, read or sing at sight, take an aural test or have an interview.

• Composers are often asked to submit a portfolio or some other evidence of practical ability, or to have an interview.

• Dance and drama applicants may be asked to prepare monologues, a performance piece, participate in a dance class, sing, sight-read text or improvise.

• Drama production applicants may be given set tasks prior to the interview, where you will then discuss the tasks, your understanding of the course, and your career aspirations, amongst other things.

The apprenticeship route is a great alternative to university study. Working towards an apprenticeship enables you to gain industry qualifications while actually doing the job and earning a wage. To find out more about what they involve, see what is an apprenticeship?

Music apprenticeships are becoming more widespread but you'll still need to do your research to uncover opportunities. Record companies, talent agencies and PR agencies all offer apprenticeship schemes in the music business. You can work in international promotions, communications, music publishing, marketing and business administration. You can also work as a music assistant or digital media apprentice.

The BRITs Apprentice Scheme, created by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and funded by the BRIT Awards, gives ten people from England and Wales the unique opportunity to work at a top independent record label or music company. Apprentices receive specialist training in either business administration or digital marketing and will also get to work at the BRIT Awards. The scheme is open to those aged 18 or over and lasts for 14 months.

To search for music apprenticeships, see:

Diva Apprenticeships

GOV.UK - Find an apprenticeship

Taken from: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/creative-arts-and-design/careers-in-music