9 jobs in the music industry

The music industry holds plenty of career opportunities both in and out of the limelight. If you have a passion for all things music, there’s a vast range of jobs in music to choose from that can offer a fun and fulfilling career. 

In this article, we take a look at some different careers in the music industry, exploring roles in production, teaching and even design. We look at the qualifications needed, potential avenues you might take, and general income levels for different roles. 

Whether you’re researching music career paths as a graduate or looking to pivot within the industry, here’s a selection of diverse jobs in music to give you some inspiration. 

9 different careers in music 

The music industry involves much more than just songwriting and recording. It encompasses events, marketing, production, management, audio technology, music distribution and more. Here are nine music industry careers that offer unique career pathways. 

1. Music director 

A music director leads and prepares music groups or ensembles for performances. They work with bands, choirs, orchestras and in radio and television. Their responsibilities are diverse, involving artistic decision-making, logistical planning and hands-on musical guidance.

Music directors are involved in

• Auditions and talent scouting: holding auditions and selecting musicians for roles or performances

• Rehearsal planning: organising and leading rehearsals, providing training and ensuring musicians are prepared
• Musical selection: choosing appropriate music for different events or productions
• Performance oversight: leading and supervising live performances
• Budget management: preparing budgets and managing resources effectively

Qualifications and skills required for a music director

• Education: a bachelor’s degree in music is often required, with a master’s or doctorate being preferable

• Musical expertise: excellent knowledge of music techniques, theory and performance
• Leadership and communication: strong leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively with musicians of different backgrounds
• Organisational skills: proficient in time management and multitasking
• Decision making: ability to make decisions under pressure, providing clear instructions and guidance

Average annual salary: $100,000 to $140,000 

2. Sound technician 

A sound technician, also known as an audio engineer or AV technician, carries out any number of audio-related tasks. They operate audio equipment to record, enhance, manipulate, reproduce and amplify sound. They work in settings such as venues, studios, churches, conferences and more.

Sound technicians are involved in

• Equipment set up: setting up sound equipment like microphones, speakers, amps and mixers for events and recording sessions

• Technical operation: operating mixing boards to balance and process sound; managing and mixing live sound; and recording, editing and mastering audio during recording sessions
• Troubleshooting: identifying and resolving sound issues quickly to avoid disruptions
• Collaboration: working with music directors on sound aesthetics and discussing plans with production teams

Qualifications and skills required for a sound technician

• Education: a high school certificate is the basic requirement, but many positions prefer or require secondary education, like an audio production certificate or a related bachelor’s degree
• Technical expertise: proficiency in operating mixing boards, sound systems and recording technology
• Software knowledge: familiarity with audio software such as Pro Tools and Ableton
• Problem solving skills: ability to troubleshoot sound issues 

Average annual salary: $70,000 to $100,000. Browse sound technician roles in Australia

3. Music teacher  

A music teacher is a professional who specialises in teaching music as part of the school curriculum. They instruct students in various aspects of music, including the theory and practice of general music, singing and playing musical instruments.

Music teachers are involved in

• Music instruction: teaching different styles of music

• Lesson planning: planning and implementing lesson plans
• Performance preparation: preparing students for concerts, exams and more

Qualifications and skills required for music teachers

• Educational requirement: a bachelor’s degree in music, a graduate diploma in teaching
• Experience: general teaching or tutoring experience is often required
• Communication: strong interpersonal and communication skills

Average annual salary: $95,000 to $105,000. Start browsing music teacher jobs. 

4. DJ  

DJing has become an increasingly popular career choice over the last 30 years, and a fun option as a side hustle. A DJs job is to select and play recorded music for a live audience, though some also make their own music or create recorded mixes for streaming platforms. Their role as a performer is to curate a musical experience that fits the vibe and expectations of their audience and the event. They play at nightclubs and bars, private events like weddings, and larger events like festivals. A self-taught DJ might go on to become a radio DJ, though the latter role usually requires formal training in media presenting.

DJs are involved in

• Music selection and mixing: a DJ’s primary responsibility is to select and mix songs to create a vibe and experience

• Equipment setup and maintenance: setting up and ensuring the proper functioning of audio equipment like turntables, mixers, headphones and speakers
• Crowd reading: understanding the mood and energy of the crowd to keep them engaged with the right selection of music
• Event coordination: collaborating with event organisers to align music with the event’s theme and goals
• Engagement: interacting with the audience, both in person and via social media, to build a connection and boost the event’s reach

Qualifications and skills required for a DJ

• Education: although formal education like a bachelor’s degree in music, broadcasting, or communications can be beneficial, it is generally not a requirement
• Experience: practical experience through on-the-job training at clubs, radio stations or private events 
• Technical skills: proficiency in using various DJ equipment and music software
• Music knowledge: an extensive understanding of different music genres and trends

Average annual salary: $60,000 to $85,000, though they are usually booked per gig and their price will be determined by experience and popularity. A DJ’s income is directly tied to their popularity. 

5. Accompanist  

An accompanist is a musician who provides musical support to soloists or ensembles. They play an important role in enhancing the musical experience by complementing the soloist’s work. In Western music, the piano is the most common type of accompaniment, though guitar is also a popular accompanist instrument.

Accompanists are involved in

• Musical support: accompanying vocalists, instrumentalists or ensembles 

• Rehearsing and preparing: participating in rehearsals, learning musical scores and collaborating on interpretative elements like tempo and dynamics changes
• Adaptation and improvisation: adapting or improvising music as required, particularly during live performances or sudden program changes
• Communication and collaboration: working closely with performers to ensure a synchronised performance

Qualifications and skills required for an accompanist

• Education: typically a Bachelor's degree in music, with specialisation in piano or keyboard instruments preferred

• Experience: prior experience as an accompanist is often essential
• Skills: sight-reading skills, familiarity with various musical genres and strong communication abilities

Average annual salary: $100,000 to $120,000. Browse jobs. 

6. Album cover designer  

An album cover designer is a professional graphic artist who creates artwork for music album covers. This role involves translating the themes and music of an album into a visual that reflects the artist’s style and the music’s mood. While not strictly a ‘music’ job, album designers do need knowledge of and passion for music, to be able to translate musical themes and genres into imagery. 

An album cover designer is involved in

• Concept development: working with artists or labels to establish a visual concept that aligns with their music
• Design execution: creating the layout, choosing typography and selecting or designing imagery 
• Collaboration and feedback: collaborating with artists, labels and other stakeholders to refine designs based on feedback
• Final production: preparing the design for print and ensuring that it meets all technical specifications for production

Qualifications and skills required for an album cover designer

• Education: many album cover designers have a degree in graphic design
• Technical skills: proficiency in design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator 
• Creativity and vision: ability to translate music and artistic vision into compelling visual concepts
• Communication skills: strong ability to communicate and present ideas to artists and record labels

Average annual salary: $120,000 to $140,000. Browse graphic designer jobs. 

7. Background singer  

A background singer provides supporting vocals to a lead artist during live performances or studio recordings. They harmonise with the main vocalist, help fill out the sound, and enhance the musical performance. A background singer might also work in a musical stage production, a seasonal concert, or on film or TV shoots. 

A background singer is involved in

• Vocal support: singing alongside the lead artist or other background vocalists to enhance the musical arrangement
• Harmonisation: ability to harmonise with different vocal parts and maintain balance within the music
• Studio and live performance: performing in various settings, from recording studios to live concerts
• Flexibility: adapting to different musical styles and the needs of each project or performance

Qualifications and skills required for background singers

• Vocal proficiency: strong singing abilities, including the capacity to blend and harmonise with others
• Musical knowledge: music theory and the ability to read sheet music
• Experience: practical experience in singing and performance, gained through participation in choirs, musical groups or similar
• Teamwork: being a team player is crucial as the role involves working closely with other singers and musicians

Average annual salary: background singers tend to be paid per job or by the hour rather than an annual salary.

8. Conductor  

A conductor leads orchestras, choirs and other musical ensembles, directing them through performances and rehearsals. They interpret musical scores and direct the performance, ensuring cohesiveness and musical expression. 

A conductor is involved in

• Leadership: directing during rehearsals and performances, including setting tempos and shaping the music's interpretation
• Preparation: studying musical scores in depth to develop a vision for the performance, which includes understanding the composer’s intentions and the musical context
• Collaboration: working with soloists, musicians and other staff like stage managers and music directors to coordinate performances and rehearsals
• Education and outreach: engaging with audiences through pre-concert talks or educational programs

Qualifications and skills required for a conductor

• Education: most conductors have advanced degrees in music, particularly in conducting. Degrees in music performance are also common.
• Musical expertise: knowledge of music theory, composition and a wide repertoire across different musical styles
• Experience: experience in performing music and conducting ensembles, often gained through roles like assistant conductor or through participation in music workshops
• Interpersonal skills: strong leadership, communication and organisational abilities for managing rehearsals and performances 

Average annual salary: $100,000 per year, or about $50 an hour. Start applying today. 

9. Music professor  

A music professor teaches various music-related courses at colleges, universities and conservatories. Their instruction can include areas such as voice, instruments, music theory, music history and performance, along with more specialised subjects depending on their expertise.

A music professor is involved in

• Teaching: delivering lectures and leading classes in a range of music disciplines
• Curriculum development: creating and updating course syllabi, preparing lesson plans and developing educational material
• Student assessment: grading student assignments and performances, providing feedback and overseeing their academic progress
• Research and scholarship: engaging in academic research, publishing scholarly articles and presenting at conferences

Qualifications and skills required for a music professor 

• Education: a degree in a music-related field, though a Master's degree may be required for some positions
• Teaching experience: proven experience in teaching at the collegiate level, with a strong background in music education
• Research skills: ability to conduct research and a track record of publications and presentations
• Musical expertise: profound knowledge of music including theory, history and performance

Average annual salary: $95,000 to $105,000. Start applying today.  

There are many music-related jobs that cater to a wide variety of interests and talent levels. While you don’t need traditional music training to enjoy a career in music, you do need to have a passion for it, alongside persistence and resilience to tackle the challenges of a highly competitive industry. Whether you’re composing, teaching or mixing beats, creativity and tenacity are at the heart of all fulfilling music careers. 

FAQs 

What is the best career with music?  

The best career in music depends on your individual skills, interests and natural abilities. Some roles include music production, where technical skills and creativity play a significant role. Another career is in music education, which combines passion for music with teaching. Each career path offers unique rewards and challenges, tailored to different professional goals.

Can music be a good career? 

Music can offer a very creatively fulfilling career. It offers lots of different opportunities like performing, composing, teaching and production. Success in the music industry requires talent, perseverance, and adaptability to new technologies. Technical skills are especially important in production, while resilience and confidence are essential on the performance side.

Can I have a career in music? 

Anyone can have a career in music. Whether your interests lie in performance, composition, education, administration or management. The music industry is broad enough to accommodate a wide range of skills and passions. Success depends on combining your abilities with industry knowledge, networking and ongoing professional development.

How do I start a career in music? 

Many music careers in Australia start with:

1. Education and training: consider formal education in music such as degrees or certificates in your area of interest
2. Networking: build connections with other music professionals and join relevant associations
3. Gaining experience: start small with local gigs, teaching music lessons or interning at music companies
4. Promotion: use social media and digital platforms to promote your work and reach a broader audience

Which job would best suit a performing musician?

A job that best suits a performing musician could be as a session musician, where they perform in different settings, such as musicals, orchestras and so on.

What are some careers in music besides performing on stage? 

Careers in music beyond performing on stage include:

• Music production: working behind the scenes recording and mixing tracks
• Music education: teaching music in schools, universities or through private lessons
• Music therapy: using music to support mental and physical health
• Music management: managing artists’ careers and handling business negotiations.

What resources can help aspiring music professionals launch their careers? 

For aspiring music professionals looking to launch their careers in music, Australian resources can include:

• APRA AMCOS for copyright and licensing, 
• the Australian Music Centre for networking and career resources, and 
• state-specific music councils offer workshops, training programs and funding opportunities.