Music Education – Instrumental

The Department of Music is housed in Nunnelley Music Hall. The primary goal of the department is to provide a wealth of meaningful experiences with and about music for all members of our campus community. Within the historic and distinctive tradition of liberal arts scholarship for which the College is nationally recognized, the department strives for excellence, whether in the classroom, studio or ensemble setting. The Department of Music offers a wide and varied selection of courses for music majors, minors and those electing to further their ability, knowledge, appreciation and understanding in the area of music. All students entering the music program as a major or minor must successfully audition in their performance area. Acceptance as a music major is conditional upon approval by the music faculty. In addition, a music theory diagnostic test must be completed. Before being accepted into the B.M.E. program, an interview must be completed with the music education faculty.

Contact the Department

Music Department
Georgetown College
400 East College Street
Georgetown, KY 40324

www.georgetowncollege.edu/mus/

Career Ideas for Music Education

AREA	EMPLOYERS	STRATEGIES
EDUCATION
Teaching Private Lessons	Daycare centers Elementary and secondary schools Private schools Recreation centers Colleges and universities Conservatories Studios Self-employed	Acquire teaching certificate for public school teaching. Gain experience working with children through volunteer or part-time work experiences. Graduate degree required to teach in higher education. Specialize in an area such as music, music theory, composition, music history, etc. Performance skill on one instrument or voice required. Develop business relationships with schools and/or music stores to increase client base.
PERFORMANCE
Instrumental Vocal	Armed Forces bands and orchestras Symphony orchestras Small ensembles Rock or jazz groups Dance bands Concert soloist Clubs and restaurants Church choirs Community choral groups Opera chorus or soloist Musical theaters Ballet productions Recording industry Radio, television, and motion picture industries	Develop musical talent and skill. Obtain formal training to acquire necessary skills, knowledge, and ability to interpret music. Ambition and showmanship are important. Join campus bands and choruses, church choirs, and other performing acts. Seek competitions, apprenticeship programs, and workshops to gain experience and recognition. Opportunities are very limited. Most performers have other careers. Auditions are generally required.
COMPOSING/ARRANGING
Composing Arranging	Self-employed Record companies Publishers Muzak Motion picture and television industries Production companies	Knowledge of composition, harmony, arranging, and theory are important. Learn how to use electronic instruments and synthesizers. Develop computer and desktop publishing expertise. Skill on one or more instruments and voice are necessary. Seek grants and awards through foundations. Very few musicians earn living through composing.
CONDUCTING
	Choirs Choral groups Symphonies Opera Armed Forces bands and orchestras	Develop superior musicianship and leadership. Acquire extensive experience in performing groups. Opportunities extremely limited. Gain acceptance into a conductor-training program or related apprenticeship.
MUSIC THERAPY
	Hospitals: general and psychiatric Special education facilities Mental health centers Nursing homes Correctional facilities Private practice Outpatient clinics	Take courses in psychology, social work, or education. Earn a master’s degree in music therapy and seek certification. Volunteer in a rehabilitation setting. Must demonstrate a genuine interest in helping people.
MUSIC LIBRARIES
	Colleges and universities Conservatories Public libraries Radio and television stations	Develop computer and research skills. Gain thorough knowledge of music and musicology. Earn master’s degree in library/information science.
RECORDING INDUSTRY
Publishing and Editing Producing Recording Engineering Manufacturing Talent Acquisition Promotion/Media Relations Publicity Administration Marketing and Sales Product Management	Production recording studios (most located in New York City, Los Angeles, and Nashville)	Complete an internship at a record company. Take business courses to work in management or administration. Journalism, public relations, and communication classes helpful for work in areas of promotion. Gain sales experience for marketing. Must interact well with people and develop persuasion tools. Knowledge of electronics, audio engineering, and recording knowledge required for production. Work or volunteer at a campus or local radio station. Join organizations involved with bringing events and entertainment to campus. Work at a retail record store to learn about the industry.
COMMUNICATIONS
Music and Program Direction On Air Performance Promotion Voice Overs Copyright/Clearance Administration Music License Administration Music Editing, Production, and Composing Sound Mixing Post Production Research	Radio and television stations Virtual reality sound environments e.g. Internet sites, software creators	Take classes in communications, broadcasting, or journalism. Work at on-campus radio station. Complete an internship at a television or radio station. Develop computer-related skills such as software development and programming.
MISCELLANEOUS
Sales Music Journalism Law	Music shops Record stores Instrument manufacturers Music-related publications Magazines and newspapers Entertainment law firms	Music shops Record stores Instrument manufacturers Music-related publications Magazines and newspapers Entertainment law firms

General Information

• Finding positions in the music industry requires a combination of talent, training, connections and some luck. Perseverance is required!
• Develop competencies in business management, computers, marketing, or other areas to broaden range of employment possibilities.
• Develop a variety of skills. Become “multitalented.”
• Confidence, personality, a positive attitude, and a love of music are important to success.
• Need basic tools of self-promotion.
• Some jobs may require you to join unions or guilds.
• Performers often travel frequently and must be flexible regarding their work schedules.
• Gain experience working for a music publisher or other businesses in the entertainment industry.
• Majoring in music provides students with a sense of aesthetics and an understanding of human expression valuable to many employers.

Helpful Links

• American Federation of Musicians
• Music Professions from Thinkquest
• Music Business Solutions
• Applause Careers in Music
• American Music Therapy Association
• Musicians, Singers, and Related Workers – Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Teacher-Postsecondary from the Occupational Outlook Handbook

Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
(2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer