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Music Composition Careers

Related Skills

  • Creativity
  • Composing and Arranging
  • Good listener
  • Collaborative skills
  • Initiative
  • Ability to self-promote
  • Ability to make critical observations

Being Successful in the Field

  • Finding positions in the music industry requires a combination of talent, training, connections and some luck. Perseverance is required!
  • Some jobs may require you to join unions or guilds.

Related Fields

  • Music Education
  • Music Publishing
  • Audio Music Production and Audio Engineering
  • Sound Design and Acoustics
  • Recording

Employers

  • Self-employed
  • Colleges and universities
  • Video game companies
  • Music publishers
  • Motion picture and television industries
  • Production companies

Strategies

  • Acquire knowledge needed for successful entrance into a graduate program in music composition and theory.
  • Expand knowledge of composition, harmony, arranging, and theory.
  • Learn how to use DAWs and digital music programs.
  • Develop computer and desktop publishing expertise.
  • Expand knowledge of music and production software.
  • Advance skill on one or more instruments/voice and conducting.
  • Seek grants and awards through foundations.

Career Industry Liaison

Name Office Email Phone
Kristy DeWall  223 Bone Student Center  ksdewal@ilstu.edu  (309) 438-2200