Aha! So, you’ve caught the music bug? Well, if you’re planning to pursue a career in music, you might wonder, “how much can I make?” And let’s face it; it’s all about the money when all is said and done, right? What’s the point of pursuing a passion if your bank account balance can’t sustain your dreams?
All the same, a music career requires formal education. Thus, you might want to learn about Sunnyvale music schools offering exceptional learning experiences. In that case, Norcal Music & Arts Center comes highly recommended for its comprehensive curriculum and quality of instruction.
That being said, the music field is replete with lucrative opportunities you can pursue after graduating from a music school. To this end, here’s a rundown of the top five highest-paying jobs in the music industry:
1. Music Teacher
Our teachers don’t usually come to mind when we think of top-earning music stars. But some are paid handsomely for their services – especially those teaching in prestigious institutions. Even so, the average pay for music teachers is about $43,000 annually and could be as high as $80,000.
The path to teaching music typically requires the teacher to have at least a bachelor’s degree in music or a related field. Whether you plan to teach children, high-schoolers, or adults, you will need certification and additional music training. Plus, a basic education degree is usually a prerequisite for teaching in formal institutions.
2. Audio Engineer
If you’ve ever wondered who’s responsible for creating the perfect sound in movies and live recordings, you need to meet an audio engineer. They are the unsung heroes who can make or break a project.
Audio engineers usually receive an average yearly salary of $50,000 and can earn as much as $130,000. Their role involves setting up and controlling the sound, recording and editing audio, adding sound effects, managing a team of sound technicians – the list goes on.
To become an audio engineer, you need an associate degree – a bare minimum. It’s also advisable to kick off your career as a sound engineer by teaming up with established producers or recording studios before going solo.
3. Music Therapist
Music has healing powers and is often used to help people cope with trauma and emotional distress. Thus, we hold music therapists in high regard for their ability to alleviate psychological and physical pain without medication.
The median income for music therapists is about $60,000, and the higher end of their pay scale reaches $80,000. While this field isn’t for everyone, it’s a great option for those with a heart to help. A bachelor’s degree will suffice if you follow this path. You may also consider pursuing a master’s degree to widen the scope of your career.
4. Music Director
A music director’s role involves conducting performances. They do this by ensuring the members of an orchestra are in tune and playing according to the musical score. Depending on the production size, a music director can take home roughly $51,000 annually.
Your role may involve casting performers, helping the cast with their accents, or promoting your upcoming show. And to become a music director, you need hands-on experience as part of an orchestra or band. A Bachelor’s degree in Music is also a prerequisite. If you intend to pursue a career in formal learning institutions, you’ll also require a teaching degree.
5. Music Producer
Music producers are the brains behind some of our favorite songs. As a producer, you’ll be responsible for coming up with beats – and will be expected to manage every step from pre- to post-production. For your role, your median pay will be about $74,000 annually (not too bad, right?), although this may vary based on various factors.
As a producer, your job typically revolves around the studio – working with singers, creating soundtracks, fine-tuning the sound, and managing recording sessions. And to get your foot in the door, you need a degree in music or audio engineering. It also helps to complete internships at established production houses to gain experience.
Your musical skills should also be top-notch, as it’s the only way to differentiate yourself from the competition. But you also need to be knowledgeable in the technical aspects of producing music. And if your ultimate goal is to work with popular artists, you’ll need to build a successful portfolio first.
Whether you want to teach music or unleash your musical genius as a producer or director, you can make a bundle by following a career in the field. By acquiring the right qualifications (after enrolling in an online or traditional music school), you can take the first step towards a fulfilling music career. And one day, who knows, you could have your name in lights.
