Career in Music

Gone are the days when music was merely considered to be a hobby or a good way to pass time. With the growth of the entertainment industry, music has become a highly respectable and lucrative career option.  If you love to sing or play an instrument enough to think about making it your career, than what could be better than making that dream come true.

But deciding to embark on a music career is a tough choice. It is a field that requires a lot of talent and dedication. If you plan on going into the music field, you must know up front that it is going to be a struggle for a long time. Doing a lot of research before deciding to go into the music career is a must.

If you are serious in making a career in music then you should have a genuine love for music, a musical sense, versatility, creative ability, sincerity and also stage confidence. An inborn talent, willingness to work hard and regular devoted practice can guarantee a big success in this field.

The opportunities in this field are limitless. Besides becoming a performer- vocal or instrumental, one can be a composer/song writer, music director, Music Therapist, Artist manager and so on in the Music Industry.

Today the growing popularity of the music channels and musical events has made music a big business. Although fame and money in this field depends a lot on luck and getting a good break, but once you are established there is ample scope for making good money in this field. 

Qualifications

There is no specific qualification required to enter into this field. However, to take up a course in this subject the basic requirement is 10+2. Courses offered in this area are certificate courses, bachelor courses, diploma courses and postgraduate level courses. Course areas include music theory, music interpretation, history of music, composing, voice instruction etc.

Joining an institution and getting trained is one of the first steps towards making a career in music. A strong professional training will help you to make your space in this highly competitive industry.  At the same time one needs to have contacts with the right people to get a first break.

Skills

A good voice, inherent talent, dedication, determination and hard work, creativity and adaptability, ability to accept criticism in the right spirit, self-confidence, and ambition are some of the essential traits. 

Career Options

Talented and qualified persons can find numerous employment opportunities in this field with the advent of satellite television, music channels etc. Various employers in this area are:

• Television channels
• AIR and private FM channel stations
• Music channels 
• Government departments of culture and public relations
• Production houses
• Music troupes
• Music companies
• Hospitals as music therapist

A professional singer has the choice to perform in front of a live audience at concerts and live shows, birthday parties and religious functions etc. Those who prefer a one to one interaction can start their very own music school where they can teach / train other aspiring singers. This is a very lucrative career option as well. Still others with a good trained voice can sing at recordings and lend their voices as back up voices at song recordings etc. There are also many opportunities for self-employment in the form producing and directing independent programmes.