Faculty of Music : Guide to courses

16. Careers for Music graduates

Table of Contents

 16. Careers for Music graduates

Employment possibilities for music graduates vary between specialisations but are currently good.

Openings exist in both professional and semi-professional orchestras. Symphony orchestras and opera or ballet orchestras seek competent players and opportunities arise for casual players in choral accompaniment and amateur theatrical productions.

The world of the solo performer is a fickle one and suited only to those with a formidable command of technique, great physical stamina and an appropriate mental constitution. Some opportunities for professional piano accompanists exist.

Qualified music teachers are in demand in both government and private schools to teach general class music and to organise and teach in instrumental music programs.

Appropriately qualified private music teachers have little trouble building a practice, especially those using new technology such as the computer to assist in theory, training and creative music-making.

Composers and music researchers generally have limited opportunities but some find employment at tertiary institutions. Most supplement their income by teaching or acting as critics or journalists for the media.

Music therapy is a relatively new field in which graduates have gained secure employment in working with the mentally and physically handicapped and the aged in hospitals and other institutions.

Graduates contemplating a career in music will find it useful to study the changing scene. In times when funding cuts are beginning to affect many people, it is notable that sales of recordings, music, musical instruments and high quality sound reproduction equipment are booming.

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