Music/Music Education

Career and Major Information
Related Career Titles
Web Sites
Salary Information

 

Walters State Community College offers Associate of Arts degrees in Music and Music Education.  These degrees are designed to fulfill freshman and sophomore level course requirements of bachelor’s degrees; however, the curricula are not specific for any one college or university.  Students will need to consult a faculty advisor at WSCC or an advisor at the intended transfer institution for particular courses needed at individual schools.  The link for the WSCC department is: http://www.ws.edu/humanities/

 

Career and Major Information:

 

Musicians may sing, play musical instruments, compose, arrange or conduct groups in instrumental or vocal performances.  Musicians usually specialize in one particular kind of music; however, those who play more than one instrument have increased opportunities for employment.  Singers interpret music using their particular styles.  Music directors conduct, plan, and lead groups such as orchestras and choirs.  Composers create original music.  Arrangers adapt musical compositions to varying styles.  Most performances are at night and on weekends, and musicians spend many hours practicing.  Students may develop musical ability by taking private lessons and/or by obtaining formal training in a college or university music program.  Courses typically include music theory, interpretation, composition, conducting, and performance in a particular instrument or voice.  A master’s or doctoral degree is required to teach advanced courses in colleges and universities; a bachelor’s degree in music education is required to teach in public K-12 schools.  Students considering a career in the field of music should possess talent, creativity, poise, a good stage presence, and self-discipline.  Competition in these careers is keen, and growth in employment in these fields is predicted to be about average through 2010.

 

Related Career Titles: 

 

Musical instrument repairers and tuners

Actors

Producers

Directors

Announcers

Dancers

Choreographers

Church Music Director

Conductor

Composer/Arranger

Film Music Critic

Music Store Manager

Music Teacher

Music Therapist

Piano Tuner

Music Promoter

Music Publishing Specialist

Music Reporter

Studio Musician

Synthesizer Specialist

Recording Technician

 

Web Sites:

 

Tips, Tricks, and Secrets that will launch your Show Business Performance or Production http://www.cnvi.com/applause/

Music business management information http://www.grammy.com/gateway/gatewaylinks.html#Schools 

 

Recording technology http://www.fredonia.edu 

 

Music Journals & Magazines  http://www.music.indiana.edu/music_resources/journals.html 

 

Entertainment Careers.net http://www.entertainmentcareers.net/ 

 

Solo Performer...Music Careers http://www.soloperformer.com/careers 

 

Musicians (Occupational Outlook Handbook) http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos095.htm

 

Salary Information:

 

Median annual earnings of salaried musicians and singers were $36,290 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $18,660 and $59,970.

 

Median annual earnings of salaried music directors and composers were $31,310 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $23,820 and $46,350.  Earnings often depend on the number of hours and weeks worked, a performer’s professional reputation, and the setting. The most successful musicians earn performance or recording fees that far exceed the median earnings.

 

According to the American Federation of Musicians, weekly minimum salaries in major orchestras ranged from $734 to $1,925 during the 2002–03 performing season.

 

Earnings for college faculty vary according to rank and type of institution, geographic area, and field. According to a 2002-03 survey by the American Association of University Professors, salaries for full-time faculty averaged $64,455.

 

Median annual earnings of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers ranged from $39,810 to $44,340 in 2002.

 

Salary figures quoted are based on national figures.  Local or regional salaries may be lower.

 

 

Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-05 Edition, Musicians, Singers, and Related Workers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos095.htm