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It’s an exciting time to be considering a career in the music industry – with more varied roles, opportunities and technologies to get involved with than ever before.
So, if you’re wondering which music career path is right for you, it’s worth knowing your options – and trust us, there are more than you might expect!
Why music is a growing career path
Music sits at the centre of a lot of industries – with streaming, social media, film, TV and games all relying on it in different ways. This has created an influx of opportunities across music performance, production and business, as well as roles that haven’t existed until now.
How the modern music industry works
From labels to streaming
Record labels still play an important role in artist funding, music promotion and distribution. At the same time, digital platforms have made it possible for emerging artists to release music entirely independently. The rise of streaming has meant that artists now have to take a more active role in areas like marketing, management, budgeting, PR and more.
The portfolio career model
Many working in the music industry work across multiple roles, sometimes all at once. An artist might release their own music, produce for others, teach music and take on freelance work all at the same time. Each of these contributes to building experience, income and reputation.
Core music career paths
Music production and audio careers
If you’re interested in how tracks come together and like getting into the mechanics of sound, a career in production could be for you. It tends to suit people who are hands-on and enjoy working behind the scenes.
Roles include:
- Music Producer: manages the overall sound and direction of a track
- Mixing/Mastering Engineer: balances everything and prepares it for release
- Recording Engineer: handles the technical side of capturing performances
- Assistant Engineer: supports sessions and builds experience in the studio
- Live Sound Engineer: runs sound for gigs, tours and events
Music business and management careers
If you’re more interested in the business side of music, a career in music management could suit you. It’s great for people who like thinking a bit more strategically and working across different parts of projects.
Roles include:
- Artist Manager: supports an artist’s direction and day-to-day decisions
- Digital Campaign Manager: focuses on online growth and platform strategy
- A&R (Artists and Repertoire)/Talent Scout: finds and develops new talent
- Music Publicist/PR Manager: handles press, media and visibility
- Music Publisher: manages rights and licensing
- Festival Coordinator: oversees all elements of music festival planning and logistics
Performing artist careers
If you enjoy performing and putting your work out there, this is the most direct route into the industry.
Roles include:
- Solo Artist or Band Member: writes, records and performs original music
- Session Musician: plays on recordings or live shows for other artists
- Backing Vocalist or Instrumentalist: supports lead performers live or in the studio
- DJ: selects and plays tracks to an audience to create musical experiences be it at a venue or on the radio.
Film, TV and game composition careers
If you’re interested in how music works alongside visuals, you might consider a career that focuses on music for the screen. It works for people who enjoy working on large projects with a wide range of teams.
Roles include:
- Film/TV/Game Composer: writes original music and scores, tailoring the emotional atmosphere to visuals or gameplay
- Music Supervisor: sources and legally clears existing songs for use in soundtracks
- Audio Programmer/Implementer: uses code to integrate music and sound into games so it responds to player actions
- Foley Artist: creates and records custom sounds that match actions seen on screen such as footsteps, creaking doors etc
- Lyricist/Librettist: work on creating original songs for film/TV with lyrics that advance the plot – mainly for musicals
How to start a career in music
There isn’t one set path through the music industry. Some people focus on a single area, while others move between roles as their skills and interests develop. What matters most is building experience, staying consistent and being open to different opportunities as they come up.
At LCCM, our courses are designed around how the industry works in practice. Students collaborate across performance, production and business, gaining experience that reflects the different routes a career in music can take.
FAQs
Is a music career worth it in the UK?
Yes. The UK has a strong music scene across live performance, music production, sound engineering and music business, with job opportunities in both creative and commercial roles. Many people build sustainable careers by combining different types of work rather than relying on a single job.
What are the best music industry careers?
The best music careers depend on your skills and interests. Some common roles include music production careers such as producers and sound engineers, music business careers in marketing and management, and music performance careers as artists or session musicians. There are also growing opportunities in areas like music marketing, sync licensing and audio for film, TV and games.
Can you work in music without a degree?
Yes, it’s possible to work in the music industry without a music degree. Many people build careers through experience, networking and developing their skills independently. However, studying a music degree can provide structured learning, access to equipment and industry connections, which can make it easier to enter music industry jobs in the UK.
What skills are needed for music careers?
Music careers require a mix of creative and practical skills. Depending on the role, this can include music production skills, performance ability, sound engineering, communication and organisation. For music business roles, skills in marketing, strategy and understanding audiences are also important.
