Many people have successful and satisfying careers in the music industry that don’t involve playing in front of live audiences or working as recording artists. Here are some examples of other sustainable careers involving music.
1. Band Management
Professional musicians have to constantly consider their next move, and a creative manager can help transform a popular artist into an iconic legend. Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video wouldn’t have been such an epic production if his manager, John Branca, hadn’t figured out a way to secure $1 million — about twenty times the expense of contemporary music videos at the time.
2. Media Law
Working on the legal side of the music industry involves so much more than going after people who’ve illegally downloaded music — an Entertainment Lawyer is often the person who will connect artists with other musicians and potential sponsors. Why pay for the next tour when somebody can convince an energy drink to foot the bill?
3. Sound Engineering
Perhaps the unsung heroes of the music industry, sound engineers are the people who record and mix songs. While some other career paths won’t necessarily require an ear for music, sound engineers must capture the vision of a song and present it so other people feel it too. It’s hard to overstate how important the people behind mixing boards really are. It’s no secret that a good engineer can make a terrible singer sound amazing, and unfortunately, the reverse can also be true. When it comes down to it, the sound engineer makes or breaks a recording.
These are just a few career options musicians might enjoy. To find other opportunities, check the liner notes of your favorite albums and take note of all the people credited — the majority of them are not the recording artists. Attending live performances and chatting with the staff will not only provide more insight but could even result in life-changing networking.