Careers in Music
Music
is one of the most profound human achievements. It is a universal sound which
can create emotions and express feelings. Music also soothes the mind. There is
rarely anybody who is not touched by music in some way at some time in their
lives.
Talent, genuine interest, sincerity and willingness to work hard can guarantee a
big success in the field of music. Having an inborn talent to sing is a
wonderful gift. But making a career out of this talent, demands regular devoted
practice. Joining an institution and getting trained is one of the first steps
towards making a career in Music but the main emphasis should be real dedication
and commitment.
A person considering a career in music should have a genuine love for music, a
musical sense, which means a sense of time and rhythm, besides versatility,
creative ability and also stage confidence. At the same time one needs to have
publicity- contacts with the right people, money for training and for making
demo cassettes for commercialization.
Just as there is a wide variety of forms in music like classical, folk, jazz,
pop, fusion etc there are also a variety of opportunities in this field. Besides
becoming a performer (vocal or instrumental) or a teacher, one can be a
composer/song writer, music publisher, music journalist, Disc Jockeys/ Video
Jockeys, Music Therapist, Artist manager/PR and so on in the Music Industry.
Today the advent of satellite television, the growing popularity of the music
channels and corporate sponsorship of musical events, has all made music big
business. Although fame and money in this field depends a lot on luck and
getting a good break, but once you are established there is ample scope for
making good money in this field.
Eligibility & Course areas
Educational: There is no specific
qualification required to enter into this field. However, to take up a course in
this subject the basic requirement is 10+2. Courses offered in this area are
certificate courses, bachelor courses, diploma courses and post graduate level
courses. Duration of various courses: Certificate course is of one year,
Bachelor courses is of three years, Diploma and Post Graduate level courses is
of two years.
Training in this field is imparted by many schools and
institutions. Most prominent among them is Kalakshetra in Chennai and The
Bharatiya Kala Kendra in Delhi.
Course areas include music theory, music interpretation,
history of music, composing, voice instruction etc.
Personal attributes: Among the attributes,
one that top the list is a good voice. Other attributes include inherent talent,
dedication, determination and hard work, creativity and adaptability, team work,
accept criticism in the right spirit, self confidence, ambition etc.
Job Prospects
Talented and qualified persons can find numerous employment
opportunities in this field with the advent of satellite television, music
channels etc. Various employers in this area are:
- Television channels like Doordarshan
- AIR and private FM channel stations
- Music channels
- Government departments of culture and public relations
- Production houses
- Music troupes
- Music research organisations as a musicologist
- Music companies
- Educational Institutions, Kala kendras etc.
- Hospitals as music therapist
- Newspapers and magazines as music critic or correspondents
- There are also many opportunities for self-employment in the form of
holding private classes at home or opening a music school or producing and
directing independent programmes.
Career Options
Today with music getting into the league of big business,
there are a list of careers one can choose from in the Music Industry. Besides
becoming a performer (vocal or instrumental) or a teacher, one can be a
composer/song writer, music publisher, music journalist, Disc Jockeys/ Video
Jockeys, Music Therapist, Artist manager/PR and so on in the Music Industry.
Music composers / Songwriters: Those with a
flair in writing and an inborn talent in music can take up the career as a music
composer. A composer creates and writes music, may combine it with lyrics to
give a new song. Musicians in this field create music or lyrics alone or create
both together. Composers are required to write music creatively based on their
knowledge of sound, understanding of various musical styles and taste of the
audience to which it has to be presented. A song writer or lyricist must
understand the theme, mood and audience, the music into which one is putting
words. There are a separate category known as Jingle writers who specialize in
writing music for radio and television commercials.
Composers/ song writers can create music for film,
television / radio jingles, folk songs and for albums. Musicians who are
interested in this area are often required to know about the business aspect of
song writing such as copyrights, networking, publishing, contracts, performing
rights etc.
Music composers often work with advertising firms,
production houses, recording companies, music publishing firms, film,
television, radio etc. Jingle writers can get in through contacts in ad firms
and production houses, contacts with directors / producers help to get in film/
television companies.
Singers / Performers: Performing artists
may work alone or in a group with or without musical instrument. One could be a
classical or pop artiste or an instrumental musician. Performance careers differ
widely and depend a great deal upon the instrument played and the performance
medium. A high standard of musical and technical skill is required and expected
from performers in all areas.
They can undertake challenging performance in concert halls,
small or large ensembles, in studios as recording artists, and live shows in
lounge settings, pubs, night clubs, etc. They can also work for film industry as
playback singers.
Producers: Producers brings together the
various elements of recording and works to present them as an artistic whole.
They book the studio, hire musicians and engineers, oversee the the production
of the recorded music and control the recording budget. They have the final say
on the development of their material. To be a successful producer technical
knowledge and tact is a potent combination. Sometimes ex artists/ sound
engineers enter this field.
Artist / Music Management: This is
considered as one of the emerging options. Artist management is the planning,
organising and negotiating of an artists career. They work in the business area
of music and deals with the tough, unpleasant stuff behind the scenes. The work
involves meeting with radio and television producers and getting air time for
their artist, negotiating with recording companies and programme sponsors etc.
Perseverance and knowledge of music and media industries are vital. Experience
and training in Music as well as a business background helps to be successful in
the field.
They can work for a particular artist or band as well as in
a artist management firm, performing organisation, Touring music group etc.
Music Journalist: They review performances
and recordings, conduct interviews with performers for various publications and
write music reviews. They give news and updates on new releases and performers.
Some may work as music critic also. This is one of the option available in music
field for freelancing. They can also work for newspapers, magazines and
websites.
To take up this career one must have keen interest and
knowledge in music, flair for writing and good command of language.
Music Educator / Teacher: Teachers can open
music schools and also conduct private classes. Music teaching is often in
demand at schools, colleges, universities and institutional set-ups. Their main
job is to instil an interest and enthusiasm for music among the students.
Main attributes required for them is classical music
qualification, initiative and patience. They must have a thorough knowledge of
music to impart training to their students.
Music Therapist: Music therapist are a unique breed of
musician-counsellors, with specialised training in the use of rhythm and melody
to improve psychological and emotional well being. Emotional stability and
insight are essential for competent therapists. They must have the ability to
explore, interpret and develop the creative use of sound.
Music therapists provide therapeutic programs to people of
all age group with psychiatric disorders, mental retardation and developmental
disabilities, speech and hearing impairments, physical disabilities, and
neurological impairments. A career in music therapy offers challenge,
opportunity, and distinctive rewards to those interested in working with people
of all ages with various disabilities. Music therapists are employed in
psychiatric hospitals, community mental health agencies, rehabilitation centers,
nursing homes, residences for the mentally disabled etc. They can also do
private practice.
Musicologist: With good knowledge of music, an aptitude for
research and excellent communication skills, one can work as musicologist in
research institutes.
Video Jockeys (VJs) & Disc Jockeys (DJs):
With the advent of various music channel video jockeying is becoming an exciting
career option for the music mad generation. Their job include introducing a
music video, conducting interviews with artists and music personalities.
No specific educational background is required for VJs/DJs
except some personal attributes. However, background in mass communication,
visual communication or the performing arts comes in handy.
Main attributes required to work in this visual medium are
excellent presentation skills, clear voice, presence of mind, in depth knowledge
about various styles of music, musicians and albums, communication skills,
confidence, ability to take split-second decisions, good body language and dress
sense.
Music Librarian: Colleges and public libraries offer
opportunities for trained music specialists with knowledge of library and
research techniques. Some opportunities for music librarians also exist in
radio, television, and motion pictures. In addition to any music qualification
they need to have bachelors degree in library and information science.
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Forests form part of the vital natural resources of a country. From time
immemorial forest resources have been a source of human sustenance. They are
home to the most amazing herbs, medicinal compounds, natural cosmetics etc.
Forestry and Wild Life go together since forests serve as home for wildlife.
The
Indian Air Force (IAF) the youngest of the three defence services, was
commissioned on October 8, 1932, with four single-propeller engine Wapiti
aircrafts, six pilot officers, two airmen and 19 Hawai Sepoys. The first
Indian Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Subroto Mukherjee one of the founding
members of the Air Force took over on 1st April 1954. Today, the IAF is the
fourth largest Airforce in the world with its forty-five squadron strength
and some of the most sophisticated fighter air crafts like Mirage 2000, MIG
29, MIG 27, Jaguar, MIG 25, MIG 23 and MIG 21. The transport wing has the
huge IL 76 (Gajraj), AN 32 and other smaller aircrafts.
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of Florence Nightingale is indeed one of the noblest professions in the world.
It is the art of caring for sick people with the science of health care. It is a
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of scientific principles for the investigation of crime. Using the very latest
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scene into evidence admissible in a court of law. It is the use or application
of science in courts or legal proceedings. This is a challenging and interesting
field for those who have are inquisitive and loves adventure.
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in Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering is
one of the most challenging fields of engineering with a wide scope for growth.
This field deals with the development of new technology in the field of
aviation, space exploration and defence systems. It specialises in the
designing, construction, development, testing, operation and maintenance of both
commercial and military aircraft, spacecrafts and their components as well as
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Advertising
is the means of informing as well as influencing the general public to buy
products or services through visual or oral messages. A product or service is
advertised to create an awareness in the minds of potential buyers. Some of the
commonly used media for advertising are T.V., radio, websites, newspapers,
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From
the coming academic year (2010-11), the Class X board exams will become optional
in all CBSE schools. The board will make a formal announcement to this effect
probably by Friday, once the blueprint of the new system to replace the board
exams is frozen. CBSE sources said board chairman Vineet Joshi will, on
Thursday, hold the last presentation and consultation session in Madhya Pradesh
on the changes being brought about before the draft is finalized and made
public. Making Class X boards optional was a prominent part of HRD minister
Kipal Sibal’s 100-day agenda. The sources said CBSE has prepared the format of
an aptitude exam which schools can use to test Class X students on their level
of understanding in each subject. The emphasis, however, will be on continuous
and comprehensive evaluation (CCE) through the year.
