Finding a job
Music
The music industry offers an eclectic range of job areas. You could work within performance, production, the technical and engineering side, promotion and marketing or management. Then there are music-related jobs outside of the industry within health, community work or teaching. Music is a sector where freelance work is prevalent within certain areas and many people will work in more than one role at any one time, for example combining private teaching with performance work.
On this page you will find information about employers to consider, resources to help kickstart your job search, information about freelancing and top tips to secure a role in this exciting industry.
Employers who recruit in these areas
- Schools, colleges, universities (teaching)
- Television and radio companies will employ technicians, engineers and performers
- Commercial and corporate production companies can offer ad hoc work for performers
- Music producers and studios for performance, production and technical work
- Theatres and art companies will employ musicians, music directors and music-related positions within the community
- Music venues and clubs will employ performers, DJs and producers
Freelancing
The majority of musicians and performers will work on a freelance basis and pick-up work through networking, word of mouth and ultimately their reputation. For more information about working freelance, check out the following resources:
Where to find opportunities
Tips for finding a job
- If you are aiming to audition for performance roles with companies or productions you need to know that your level of skill and creative output is at a professional level. A music tutor or industry professional can assist you with this so try to make some contacts in order to gain opinion and feedback.
- Use industry specific sites as music-related jobs will rarely be advertised on general job sites. Larger organisations will only advertise positions or work on their own websites.
- Speculative approaches are critical within this industry in order to network, gain contacts and access the hidden jobs market. Make sure any speculative approach is highly tailored to the employer and ask for any kind of experience or advice, as well as potential paid work opportunities.
- Self-employment as a freelancer is a big option in this area of work and is something to consider. Many people in the industry will combine different types of jobs such as performance and private tutoring or working as a sound engineer and DJ.
- Utilise social media fully, whether accessing the hidden jobs market through following employers on X and LinkedIn or networking and promoting your output.
