Music : Introduction

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.
CArrer in music

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.

Music : 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.