Careers with Music

Whatever area of music you choose, there is no standard training programme and no fixed career path. You may have to acquire qualifications to demonstrate that you have the necessary expertise; but they will not automatically bring you work. Indeed, experience and 'being known' are sometimes better guarantees of employment. But once established, you can expect to work hard, with the satisfaction of doing something worthwhile and rewarding for a living.

Careers with Music PDF

Image of the Careers with Music PDF The ISM offers a range of free advice for those interested in a career in music. Our most comprehensive overview is a booklet entitled Careers with Music. This can only be viewed or downloaded online (PDF).

It provides a brief summary of possible career paths within the profession as well as useful advice on the various options and training available. It ends with a useful index of contacts.

Information Sheets, Seminars and CPD

We also provide a range of information sheets that explore certain aspects of a career within the profession. These can all be viewed online:

03/2	'The First 2 Years - Establishing an Orchestral Career'
03/3	'The First 10 Years - Establishing a Solo Career'
03/4	A Career in Music Therapy
03/5	A Career in Private Teaching
03/6	A Career in School Music Teaching
03/7	Part-Time Teaching: Accepting the Job - Free for members, non-members can purchase online.
03/8	Part-Time Teaching: Contract Advice - Free for members, non-members can purchase online.
03/9	Professional Development Courses

The ISM also runs several seminars each year, many of which would be of interest to someone thinking about a career as a professional musician. Details of current seminars can be found here. Alternatively, join our email mailing list to be kept up-to-date.

Instrumental and vocal teachers may be interested in the Music Teaching in Professional Practice (Mtpp) Initiative, which Reading University has been running since 1994 in partnership with the ISM. This postgraduate programme enables private and other instrumental and vocal teachers to study by distance-learning for a recognised qualification while continuing to work in their studios. For details, contact: Mtpp, University of Reading, School of Education, Faculty of Education & Community Studies, Bulmershe Court, Earley, Reading RG6 1HY, tel: 0118 931 8843, E. mtpp@reading.ac.uk, W. www.education.rdg.ac.uk/mtpp.

We also hold a database of upcoming non-ISM CPD opportunities. Containing details of conferences, courses, seminars, awards, scholarships and contests, this is a useful resource for both students and professionals. Click here to visit the CPD page.

Join the ISM

If you would like more detailed advice, then ISM membership may be for you! We offer free careers advice to Student and Full members.

Image of a French Horn When you embark on your musical career, ISM Full membership is the best way to equip yourself with legal and professional backing, technical advice and essential insurance schemes, as well as a valuable network of contacts and opportunities for professional development. As a Student member you would also find the monthly ISM Music Journal a useful way to tune in to the music profession.

For more details about ISM membership click here, or request a membership pack.

Links:
Home
Music Journal
Request a membership pack
Members' Area