This section aims to help students explore the breadth of careers that are out there in the music and performing arts industries as well as understanding the transferable skills you develop through studying in these areas.
Music
As a music graduate, there are so many career paths to go into. These can include:
Music Career Options
- Session musician
- Composition and arranging
- Instrumental/vocal teaching
- Community project work
- Creative project work
- Collaborative projects with other media/art forms
Other career options related specifically to music include for example:
- Teacher (Primary/Secondary/1-1/small group teaching/ensembles)
- Performing and recording artist, Opera singer
- Radio producer, Record producer, Management representation and promotion
- Theatre stage manager, Musical director, Conductor
- Film/TV composer, Songwriter
- Sound engineer, Mastering engineer, Electronic music producer, DJ
- Music therapist
- Music librarian, Researcher, Music Publisher, Programme researcher, Copyright administration in composition and recordings
- Production, retailing and distribution of music instruments, Production, distribution and retailing of sound recordings
- Event, festival and concert management, Arts administration and management
- Schools and colleges liaison
- Community arts worker, Entrepreneur
Transferable Skills
The skill set that you gain from studying music at HE level is always going to be varied and versatile, ideal for any industry. Here are just some of the transferable skills music graduates will have:
| Organisation | Self-management |
| Critical thinking | Listening |
| Memorising | Communication |
| Problem solving | Creativity |
| Working collaboratively | Teamwork |
| Versatility | Negotiation |
| Performance | Leadership |
| Business skills | Written skills |
| Public speaking | Engaging with different audiences |
| IT skills | Ability to work under pressure |
Performing Arts
Performing Arts careers aren’t just about being an actor or a performer. There are so many opportunities in the industry that don’t involve being on a stage or in front of a camera!
Actors have many skills including plenty that are transferable to other jobs too. These include communication, reflection, time management, technical ability, self-awareness, discipline, interpretation & analysis, networking, physical fitness, resilience and team work to name a few.
Your degree would directly relate to:
- Acting
- Presenting
- Choreography
- Drama Therapy
- Studio Runner
- Directing
- Stage Management
- Producing
It may also be useful for:
- Community Arts Work
- Teaching
- Media Researcher
- Music Production
- TV Floor Management
- Theatre Management
- Talent Agent
Choosing the right course for you
The industry is incredibly competitive and the training programmes are too, so it is important that you choose the right course for you.
A performing arts course at a traditional university may be of more interest to you if you are thinking about the wider careers and opportunities in the industry as well as research or further study.
Drama school or conservatoire study may suit you better if you prefer to learn practically or want to experience industry life before you leave your course –they often also have specialist and current professionals delivering on their courses.
Spotlight and Equity
Spotlight is the UK Performing arts industry’s biggest platform for finding auditions and work as well as finding an agent. This is where auditions and jobs are listed. Each performer joins as a member and creates a profile that will be seen by casting directors.
Equity is the performers trade union. They support performers with things like pay disputes, unfair casting processes and other issues. Like Spotlight, you have to join as a member but will be able to access plenty of benefits.
All good performing arts courses are accredited and approved by both Spotlight and Equity. This means that they are guaranteed to train you to a standard ready for the industry.
Music & Performing Arts Resources
- Careers in the Music Industry presentation - learn all about the different music careers available. This PDF presentation includes an activity for students at the end.
- Careers in the Performing Arts presentation - learn all about the courses and careers in Performing Arts. This PDF presentation includes an activity for students at the end.
- Prospects - a graduate careers website which provides advice on what you can do with your degree, including a list of skills you'll gain through your degree.
- Get Into Theatre - a fantastic resource for students offering an insight into all the career opportunities in the theatre industry.
- Career Pilot - careers information and tools for 11-19 year olds, all in one place
