7 jobs for people who like music

Not all music jobs are in the music industry, and not all of them require you to play an instrument. In this quick feature, we show you how a music player or a music enthusiast could land a job involving music.

In this job unites literary skill and musical culture. A journalist cannot write a good critique unless he has practised music, has music talent or has at least some music knowledge. Becoming a music journalist/critic requires one to have a vast knowledge of the different forms of music from hip hop, blues, metal, even folk songs. Without these, a critic won't have much credibility. Perks of the job includes getting free passes to concerts, hearing the latest soundtracks, and having the chance to personally meet popular live acts.

Concert promoters make major live concerts HAPPEN. Part of their job inclues booking the venue, contacting press, running ads, printing posters and other marketing activities, ensuring the sound and tech requirements are met, and so forth.  The kind of shows these promoters make can happen either in a small  pub or in a large stadium.  Aside from these, concert promoters need to establish strong connections with music talents and business professionals. They also need to be knowledgeable of the financial aspects of putting on a concert.

The Diploma in Business (Music Industry) at International College of Music (ICOM) is well-designed programme that combines core business subjects with music industry emphasis. It covers subjects such as marketing, financial accounting, e-commerce, economics, project management, events management, and music publishing. Students who successfully complete the programme have the option to transfer to the University of Hertfordshire, UK for an additional year, and earn a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Music and Entertainment Industry Management.

If you love to share the gift of music, a career as a music teacher may be ideal. Music teachers are specially educated in their subject and credentialed as teachers. Usually, music teachers teach a variety of classes to students of all ages in their school. Some music teachers teach in classrooms while others offer private lessons in the community.

Recording engineers are professionals who specialise in the mechanics of recording, mixing, and reproducing sound. Unlike sound performers, recording engineers deal specifically with the technical and mechanical aspects of music and sound. There are different types of recording engineers such as live sound engineers, game and audio design engineers, mastering engineers, and monitor engineers to name a few.

ICOM offers the Certificate of Audio Production (CAP). Following a hands-on approach, the curriculum is designed to allow students to experience the different roles that they will assume as a successful industry professional. The course takes only 3 semesters but covers a range of topics from crtical listening, digial audio, music theory, mix techniques to computer application in business.

Creating music isn't just what music composers do. Some composers can conduct orchestras, some specialise in soundtracks for films and music vidoes, while others can create songs for commercials. Most music composers find jobs in the media industry. In Malaysia, most of these professionals find work in the game and mobile app development sector.

Being a natural talented musician is the first step to becoming a music composer. Furthermore, a degree in music can also be helpful in launching your career as a composer. ICOM offers the Bachelor of Music (Hons) in Professional Music (BMUS). The curriculum places equal emphasis in the study and experience on music performance, music arrangement, and music production.

If you have a genuine interest in people and have that desire to make them feel better then a career in music therapy may be ideal. Music therapy is an allied health profession in which music is used to help address physical, psychological, cognitive and social needs of patients. To become a music therapist, a background in music is essential. Aside from these, aspiring music therapists should take time to volunteer in nursing homes, hospitals for children with disabilities, and other types of social/volunteer work.

A music librarian is basically a librarian that specialises in Music. To become a music librarian, one must train as a librarian and have a broad musical background. Aside from doing typical library work (organising, cataloging, etc.), music librarians also help with the preservation of rare materials. These professionals can usually be found working in large libraries, in conservatories, and in radio and television station libraries.

This article is produced in partnership with International College of Music (ICOM)