How To Find Jobs In Music
Rita Henry
Have you always dreamed about working with music, but weren't
sure where to look for jobs in music and the music industry?
The good news is that there are a lot more jobs in music than
most people think. Performing positions include working with a
studio band, playing with an orchestra and playing with a band
at weddings, dances and local clubs. Outside performing, there
are many other jobs in music that help support musicians from
education through selling their music. The bad news is that
those jobs in music are a little harder to find than most jobs.
If you're hoping to score yourself one of those jobs in music
here are some hints and tips to help you along.
1. Yes, you'll find some jobs in music in the newspaper ads.
Look under Professional in the Sunday job listings for the best
luck, but ads for companies hiring in the music business are few
and far between. You'll have far better luck if you subscribe to
some of the industry's professional papers and magazines. If
you're looking for a job teaching music, for instance,
regularly check the job listings in papers aimed at teachers
and education professionals.
2. Internet job search sites are a good place to find jobs in
music...
...but skip the big name sites. http://Monster.com and HotJobs!
tend to attract hordes of applicants - which the music companies
have already. One difference is music teaching and music therapy
jobs. If you're looking for jobs in music therapy or education,
the big boards are likely to have far more job leads for you
than they will for performers. The same holds true for those
seeking jobs in accounting, management or advertising within
the music industry. Even then, though, you'll have better luck
at job sites aimed directly at performers and the music
industry like http://www.performingjobs.com and
http://www.findagig.com.
3. Do some research and approach the companies where you'd like
to work directly.
It takes a lot of nerve, but then, that's what this business is
all about, isn't it? If you're serious about finding jobs in
music production, performance or promotion, you need to show
the hiring agents you have what it takes. If you can't promote
yourself, why would they think you can promote someone else?
Get out there and do your research to find record labels,
production companies and indie companies that you'd like to
work with, and then get your resume out into the hands of the
people who make the hiring decisions.
4. For teaching and education jobs, approach school departments
directly.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in music
education are going to be one of the fastest growing segments
of the music industry through 2014. If your ambition is to
teach music, organize a school band or head up a school
orchestra, the direct approach is the best. Research school
departments to find out which are (or may be) hiring, and find
out the names of the people who make the decisions on hiring
music professionals for the schools. Try to make personal
contact before sending your resume so that when your resume
arrives on the desk, they'll already be looking for it.
5. Networking is the one strategy that always works.
Especially in jobs in music promotion and production, where
your value lies in how well you can network to get the word out
about the bands that you're promoting. Join local professional
associations, hook up with agents and performers and get to
know the movers and shakers in your local music scene. That's
the best way to get your foot in the door.
6. Take advantage of school resources.
If you're in school, take advantage of school resources to get
placements as an intern with a radio station, production
company or other media company. On the job experience is
invaluable in music jobs.
7. Be persistent.
The music industry is volatile and ever changing. The company
that isn't hiring today could be looking for five new
publicists tomorrow. Keep on top of job openings in the music
industry by checking back on directory and job listings often.
About The Author: Rita Henry is a contributing editor for Jobs
In Music, the leading job and resource site for the Music
Industry. Interested in receiving only the hottest Music job
listings weekly for free? To learn more visit
http://www.jobs-in-music.com
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