Many musicians fall into the incorrect assumption that the only way to make money in music is to be a famous performing artist. There are many other lucrative careers which can be pursued in the music industry. These should not be taken for granted.

1. Music Production
   Music producers are responsible for coordinating all elements in a recording session. They listen to the musicians and point out any mistakes that need correcting. Music producers also work with the recording engineers and often are in charge of mixing the final product after the recording session is finished. They occasionally have to rearrange parts of songs to make the recording smoother. Since music producers are involved in a large amount of specialized tasks, most attend some form of online music production schools.. This school trains in recording technology, music performance, music theory, and mixing and editing.
2. Recording Engineering
   Recording engineers use technology, generally digital technology, to record, mix, and edit performances and studio sessions. These engineers also set microphones to their proper location and recording levels. Most recording engineers obtain bachelor’s degrees. These can be a Bachelor’s of Science in Audio Production or a Bachelor of Music in Music Engineering Technology. Though this training is extremely beneficial, not all recording engineers have formal training.
3. Studio Musician
   Studio musicians are performers who record with famous soloists or for film soundtracks. They are not generally well known, but have the opportunity to perform a vast amount of music and get paid for it. Studio musicians must be able to sight read parts with an extremely high level of accuracy. Most studio musicians choose to live in Los Angeles since this is where most recordings are made. Many have degrees in music performance, though some do not.
4. Songwriter
   Songwriters are often hired by music publishers, though some work independently and publish their own songs. Songwriters write both the lyrics and the music to a song. If a song is recorded, the songwriter will receive royalties for the sale of the recordings. Songwriters are often artists as well and sometimes perform the music they write. Songwriters must possess a basic knowledge of music theory In order to compose the music required for songs and language skills for the lyrics.
5. Music Teacher
   The possibilities for music educators are numerous. Music teachers can specialize in an instrument and/or an age level. Some music teachers teach beginning piano only while others focus on private lessons for those preparing for music in college. Music teachers can teach in the elementary school classroom or direct a middle or high school band, orchestra, or choir. Some larger high schools also offer music theory classes. Music teacher can teach music appreciation, theory, aural skills, jazz, lessons on an individual instrument, music education techniques, and numerous other music subjects if they choose to teach at the university level.
6. Composition
   When many people hear of a composer, they think of somebody who writes orchestral symphonies, string quartets, movie soundtracks, or something similar. We rarely think of the composer who writes for advertisements, but that composer gets paid as well. Demand for advertisement composers tends to be higher than that for other types of composers. Composers must attend college and get at least a bachelor’s degree in composition, though many choose to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree.
7. Instrument Technician
   Instrument technicians are responsible for repairing, designing, and building musical instruments. These technicians gain basic understanding of music and acoustics with an undergraduate degree in music. Some also pursue study in engineering. After college, instrument technicians must undergo further extensive training from their employers.
8. Music Therapy
   Music therapists work with patents using music to promote wellness and healing. This is able to help patients both physically and emotionally. Music therapy is often used in rehabilitation clinics and elderly communities. It does require a degree in music therapy from an accredited university by the American Music Therapy Association as well as an internship and state certification.
9. Music Critic
   Music critics write about performance, new works, conferences, or other aspects of music. They are published in scholarly journals, newspapers, the Internet, and various other s sources. To be a music critic, one must be an expert in the field. This often involved performance experience, experience as an educator, or journalism experience with an interest in music.
10. Music Librarian
    Music librarians are responsible for organizing and maintaining music collections for public libraries, universities, or other music associations. This often includes scores, periodicals, biographies, and other written resources on music, CDs, records, cassettes, digital music files, and other forms of media. Music librarians often have college training in either music or library science. If the training is in library science, they generally have to have a solid understanding of music.

About The Writer: Taylor Forcier is from Massachusetts. She lives with her husband, John, and two kids Ashley and Brianna. She is a writer for several online schools web sites and enjoys running and cycling in her spare time.

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