BY: LIAM PENDERGRASS
Non-Performance Careers for Music Lovers
Many individuals with a deep love for music and even their instrument want to pursue a career within the music industry with, or without performing. In part one of this series, Music Industry Jobs for Non-Musicians, I highlighted several careers, like tour manager, attorney, and publicist, that are in the industry but don’t require an understanding of music in the performance sense.
However, some instrumentalists and artists are in search of a career off the stage in which to continue their work in music. In this blog, I’m highlighting some of the most important career paths in the music industry that allow musicians to use their musical skills and knowledge that do not involve live on-stage performance. And, if you’re considering your next steps, an experienced Music Industry Consultant can help you assess your options.
10 Music Careers that Don’t Require You To Perform Live
Composer
Composers have the unique opportunity to create music that others will perform, whether it be for a live ensemble, studio orchestra, or any number of groups or scenarios across the music and entertainment industries. For the passionate musician seeking a non-performance route, a degree in composition with a strong understanding of music theory can open opportunities for music creation and collaboration without worrying about a curtain call.
Mixing Engineer
Musicians with an understanding of performance, instrumentation, and DAW use are strong candidates to become mixing engineers. Mixing engineers are responsible for blending recorded tracks through means of volume, equalization, and dynamic adjustments to create a final recording that aligns with the vision of the producer and artist. These engineers require an extensive understanding of their DAW, hardware, and VST plug-ins.
Music Copyist
Individuals with a strength in transcription and notation may work as music copyists. A copyist prepares a musical work into its final readable format for performers. They ensure that the ideas of the composer, arranger, and conductor are notated with the highest accuracy for each instrumentalist and vocalist’s parts.
Music Producer
The title of “music producer” is an ever-evolving idea, but their presence and necessity in the music industry are forever growing in presence and importance. Music producers use an understanding of musicianship and studio techniques to oversee recording projects. In the modern music industry, many producers use live and MIDI instrumentation to create tracks and oversee the arrangements of recordings. Music producers work in various settings, both independently and for established studios, record labels, and specific bands and artists.
Music Therapist
Music therapy is a fast-growing profession in the health field that combines musicianship with therapeutic training to solve a wide range of individualized rehabilitation and mental health goals. A high level of specified undergraduate training and official board certification are required to work in this discipline. Music therapists find employment in a wide range of settings (hospitals, nursing homes, private settings) and often have great creative freedom in their work.
Orchestrator/Arranger
Musicians who are multi-instrumentalists or have an interest in instrumentation but lack a passion for performing may find themselves interested in the (delete: – similar) roles of orchestrator or arranger. Orchestrators are tasked with taking a composed piece of music (usually a vocal/piano composition, combo or big-band piece), analyzing and interpreting it, and notating parts for the intended instruments to play. They often collaborate directly with the composer to translate a piece of music into an ensemble or orchestral work. Similarly, an arranger takes an original piece of music and restructures the piece for a specific setting. Arrangers might reorder or cut sections, add extra instrumentation lines and harmonies, or change the mood of a piece for use in a musical theater production, movie scene, commercial, or virtually anywhere that a previously composed work is being used.
Pit/Theater Music Director or Conductor
In the theater and opera world, a music director works with a live show’s creative team to oversee the selection and arranging of music for the production, assist in the casting of singers, and hire and direct pit musicians. Music Directors can have significant creative influence over a performance without performing themselves.
Session Musician
Musicians of all instrumental disciplines may find themselves working in a recording studio session during their career. Session musicians are highly-trained specialists and experienced studio musicians who are hired for professional recording sessions. Proficiency on an instrument, excellent music reading skills, in addition to a deep understanding of music theory and recording technology, are needed to find steady session work. Session musicians work in studios or from their home studio, building a network of clientele and overseeing all aspects of tracking their instruments. This career offers instrumental opportunities and a way to perform with or without the presence of a live audience.
Songwriter
Musicians who are passionate about creating original music may find great success in the industry as songwriters. A songwriter works individually or with a team to create lyrical or accompanied lyrical works for an artist. The songwriter might compose the melody, chords, and/or lyrics alone or in collaboration. A degree in songwriting and an understanding of the music industry and song trends can prepare a musician for a creative and rewarding career as a songwriter.
Studio Engineer
Studio engineers are the studio equivalent to non-performing members of the band. From placing microphones and routing cables to preparing and operating music hardware and software, these professionals need an extensive understanding of music technology and DAW use. With a strong knowledge of sound manipulation and studio techniques, studio engineers can serve a vital role on countless recordings without performing a note. No recording project (or live recorded performance) can occur without the sound engineer.
Kickstart Your Music Career without a Performance Focus
Starting down your career path in the music industry begins with applying to and getting accepted into a top music school of your choice. We understand how time-consuming it is to research music schools and make the right selections and decisions. That’s why, for 15 years, we’ve helped hundreds of parents and students navigate college and graduate music school admissions. With our knowledge of universities, conservatories, their faculty, and music programs, we can recommend the right schools and improve students’ probability of acceptance and success.
Music Industry Consultants to Guide Your Music Career
Learn more about what we do as music industry consultants, and reach out to us to talk about what you’re looking for in a music school. We’ll help you find the best path to kick off your music industry career.
Liam Pendergrass
Liam Pendergrass is a professional multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and educator from central North Carolina. He currently performs as a touring solo artist, band leader for blues/funk trio “Liam & The Nerdy Blues”, and lead guitarist for indie rock band “Swim in the Wild.” Liam is a Catawba College alumni and former adjunct that has performed and recorded with many noteworthy musicians during his career. Aside from performance, Liam specializes in private guitar, bass, and music theory instruction and works as a writer and researcher for Inside Music Schools.