This guide contains only a partial list of occupational titles and career fields that may be of interest to students considering a music major.  In addition to the skills and knowledge gained through your college course work in this major, you may also need to acquire career related work experience, additional work related skills and/or additional education.  Some of the occupations require an advanced degree to enter the field.

After you have identified possible occupations of interest to you, it is important to investigate the nature of work; education and training requirements; skills and special talents needed; types of employers; future trends and employment outlook related to each of these careers.  We have set up links to internet sites that provide detailed descriptions of these occupations.  You may also want to research these occupations by reading the books and literature available in the Philadelphia House Career Resource Library, by talking with individuals working in the career field, and by contacting related professional associations.

This guide also provides information about obtaining related work experience including links to possible internships. However for the best information on current, local internships contact Sally Cardenas, Director of Internships and Community-Based Learning at 562-464-4533 or email her at scardenas@whittier.edu.

Career Options

Note: (2) refers to second information link for occupational title

Typical Employers

Auditoriums, churches and religious institutions, colleges and universities, hospitals, instrument/record manufacturers, music conservatories, music libraries, musical groups, music stores, music publishing companies, public and private schools, radio and TV industry, symphonies, theatre and self-employment

Liberal Arts Related Occupations
(click here for additional options)

Marketable Skills 
associated with Music Major

• Good listening, clarifying, questioning and responding skills
• Analytical abilities: considering historical perspectives, recognizing cultural differences/similarities, thinking critically, comparing interpretations; perceiving patterns/structures
• Performing for large audiences; leading groups
• Demonstrating creativity and artistic expression
• Ability to accept constructive criticism

Getting Career Related Work Experience

To be competitive in today's job market and to improve your qualifications for graduate school, gaining career related work experience while you are a college student is very important. Career related work experience can include various forms of paid and volunteer experience (i.e. internships, some work study positions, summer or part-time jobs in your career field of interest, possibly fellowships, and some volunteer positions)

Music Related Internships

Sources of Career Information

Career Information Links on the Internet

• Music Information Links
• Links to professional associations

Graduate School Resources

Graduate School General Information

Music Graduate Programs links