Once you’ve graduated with an online bachelor’s degree in music, two paths come to mind regarding career options: performing or teaching. They are the most popular two careers one may wish to pursue with a music degree, however, there are many to consider; even careers that don’t involve being in the public eye. Some graduates enjoy involvement in both career paths at the same time, in fact, it is sometimes necessary to combine several jobs to support your family and have a satisfying career in music.
To begin, we will start with the most obvious careers which are performers and teachers. The average musician’s salary lies within a wide range of $28,000 – $143,000 per year. You will perform your music for audiences and recordings. You will also perform at auditions to secure the job. This can include any type of music while playing your instrument of choice. Professional singers typically earn approximately $34.00 per hour, depending on frequency of performances. The musician’s or singer’s salary depends greatly on experience, popularity and length of performance season.
Teaching is an excellent way to share your love of music with others. The elementary level music teacher’s responsibility is to introduce basic concepts of music and encourage the appreciation of music. At this level, teachers may travel from school to school as “floating teachers,” typically earning a median salary of $54,890 annually.
The middle school teacher, at this level, begins teaching techniques and fundamentals of music and music theory such as chord structure, composition and music phrasing. Music teachers at this grade level earn approximately $58,760 per year.
The high school teacher’s salary is approximately $65,340 per year. They teach instrumental music and vocal music, in most schools. They are often considered choir directors or band leaders and are expected to be competent in several different types of instruments to teach their students. As with all teachers, music teachers are subject to licensure per their state’s requirements.
Music composers are important to the performers because they are responsible for writing and directing original music scores. They typically earn $54,400 – $99,210, depending on experience and demand.
A talent agent represents professional musicians, singers, actors or other performers. They look out for the best interest of their clients and promote their talents to potential employers. Salaries vary greatly but average $87,430 annually, depending on location, experience and client. With an online bachelor’s degree in music, you may increase your salary exponentially if you have a marketing or business management degree, as well.
The audio engineer is crucial in giving the artist the sound they are trying to achieve. They are responsible for every technical form of sound and the process of recording, mixing and presentation. An audio engineer’s salary ranges from between $22,510 to $118,530, again depending on artist and experience.
Your online bachelor’s degree in music coupled with a degree in journalism will give you the right to be a music critic. If you are a writer with a love of music, then you might want to consider this career making $60,250 annually. Most critics cover many genres of music and often write for online or print publications.
A career in music covers a wide range of choices, however, if you have a performance background and a higher educational degree, you will be at a substantial advantage over others when you enter the job market. Whichever career you choose, your online bachelor’s degree in music will help you reach your goal.
To see our choices for the top music degree programs in America, please follow this link!