The KU School of Music offers a BA, BM, and BFA in several academic disciplines, including brass and percussion, jazz, music theory and composition, musicology, organ, piano, strings, theatre and voice, voice, woodwinds, and music business.
School of Music website
Sample Career Paths in Performance
Performance: Involves conducting, playing an instrument, and/or singing.
Business: Includes managing artists, negotiating contracts, and arranging events/performances for musicians.
Education: Could involve private instruction and/or teaching music in a school setting.
Possible Employers in Performance
- Amusement Parks
- Armed Forces Bands and Orchestras
- Ballet Productions
- Church Choirs
- Clubs and Restaurants
- Community Choral Groups
- Cruise Lines
- Dancebands
- Musical Theaters
- Opera Companies
- Orchestras
- Radio, Television, and Motion Picture Industries
- Recording Industries
- Rock or Jazz Groups
- Self-Employed/Small Business Owner
- Small Ensembles
- Public/Private Schools
Possible Job Titles in Performance
- Arts Administrator/Manager
- Band Director
- Choir Director
- Composer/Arranger
- Concert Soloist
- Conductor
- Cruise Director
- Disc Jockey/Announcer
- Film Music Editor
- Instrument Service Specialist
- Music Promoter
- Music Software Programmer
- Music Store Manager
- Musician
- Organist
- Private Music Teacher
- Public Relations Specialist
- Publicist/Promoter
- Recording Sound Engineer/Mixer
- Recreation Director
- Sales Representative
- School Music Teacher
- Section Leader/Section Member
- Studio Musician
- Tour Manager/Coordinator
- Voice Coach
Strategies for Finding Employment in Performance
- Identify the area of music performance that interests you most and pursue courses and experiences that allow you to explore these interests further
- Develop skills and knowledge in composition, harmony, arranging, and theory as well as computer and desktop publishing experience
- Become familiar with the required professional qualifications (i.e., Advanced degrees, licensure and/or certifications) for occupations you are considering
- Gain direct experience within the areas that interest you most through internships, part-time jobs, student organization involvement, or volunteering
- Set up email alerts through KU Career Connections and join the Internship Listserv to receive automated weekly emails (see sample) with industry specific internship information.
- Join professional associations related to music performance and, if possible, attend local and/or regional music conferences and workshops to make connections with professionals in your field
- Earn a minor or take additional coursework outside your major when relevant to your career goals.
- Maintain a strong GPA if you are considering pursuing graduate or professional school.
- Consider getting involved with a student organization at KU related to your area of interest, such as: KU Band, Composers Guild at The University of Kansas, Genuine Imitation A Cappella Group, Music Mentors, KU Percussion Club, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, School of Music Ambassador's Club, or Telharmonium
The quick link for this page is: KUCareerHawk.com/Performance