15 months after graduating
of our music graduates are in work or further study
of our music graduates said their degree was a formal requirement or gave them an advantage*
Studying music at the University of Plymouth will open a
wide range of career choices. You could
look at channelling your creativity by pursuing a career in performing, composition
(song writing and/or sound design for film or gaming) or working as a music
producer or professional DJ. If creating
music doesn’t appeal to you so much, you could consider other roles within the
music industry such as artist management, A&R (responsible for talent
scouting and overseeing the artistic development of recording artists), promotion & booking, managing a music
venue, producing music festivals or working as a music journalist. Additional media related roles include radio presenting, marketing
and arts administration.
Another popular
avenue are the varied roles within music education. If you specialise in a musical instrument,
you could be a private tutor working across different schools and colleges or
teach music at secondary school level (with a PGCE). Education offers not just
the chance to inspire young people to appreciate music, but also community
driven initiatives, touring companies and charities can provide the setting to
share your passion. Music therapy is also a route to consider if you want to harness
the therapeutic power of music and use it to help support those with
disabilities or mental health issues. Music
therapists work within a variety of settings including schools, mental
healthcare providers and charities. If
you are keen to work with young people and vulnerable adults, there are also
opportunities within youth and community work which specifically use music to
unlock their creativity and build their confidence and self-esteem.
Portfolio careers
are a common occurrence for those within the creative sectors, particularly
music and can provide many opportunities to develop professionally amongst
varied settings, to get a feel for what works for you best. Contract work
combined with freelancing is a good way forward, such as teaching/ youth work
combined with freelance performing. Depending on the environment you think you
would like to work in, you could be self-employed. Whatever you choose, your
music degree provides you with the unique skills to create an exciting and
varied career path.
Researching your career options
With such a wide range
of careers open to you as a Music graduate,
it is important to make sure you explore and research your options thoroughly
so that you can make informed decisions about your future.
Take a look at
the Prospects, TargetJobs and the professional associations websites
for inspiration:
Employment Opportunities
Below is a snapshot of what some of University of
Plymouth graduates told us they were doing 15 months after
graduation. For some graduates, these jobs serve as ‘stepping
stones’ to professional posts by providing relevant workplace
experience.
- Freelance Musician
- Music Technician
- Intern - Learning And Participation
Employers
- Haberdashers Askes School for Girls
- Trinity Laban Conservatoire
*
Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18. Graduates were
surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for 12
UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working,
studying or looking for work.