All publishers
of printed music require professional editors because even skilled composers
and arrangers are rarely knowledgeable about the details of editing scores
before the music is printed. To qualify for a job as a Music Editor, the individual
should take a complete music education in Theory, History, Literature, and
Performance practices. Finding employment in this aspect will be difficult
at first. For many musicians, music editing is a fallback position and is
one component of a combination career. Editors-in-Chief of major houses are
sometimes among high salary earners in the corporation and may also have stock
options and benefits.
Individuals
employed as Record Producers function at a level and in a manner reflecting
their particular competence. Some master the control room; others know how
to raise money, then hire experts to arrange music, mix the sound, and supervise
post production. Still others are master musicians who make it because they
are creative and capture art on tape. Most producers don't have a "career",
they just have jobs. More than half of Record Producers are freelance. An
individual wishing to have a career in record production usually must first
become recognized in an allied field such as songwriting, arranging, sound
mixing, or musical direction. In addition, a Record Producer usually possesses
leadership ability and a temperament that mixes well with artists, technicians,
and executives. The producer elicits cooperation from co-workers, must remain
stable when times are stressful, and must stay within a budget. In short,
the record producers must be some kind of miracle person; possessing music,
technological and business sense, exceptional ears, and stability to remain
rational. Those coming close to meeting these demands find themselves in great
demand.
Music teachers
in Kindergarten through 6th grade have different responsibilities than those
working in Junior and Senior High schools. Elementary school teachers provide
music listening and preparation, singing, movement to music, and improvised
performance on instruments for every child. Teachers in the Junior and Senior
high schools usually teach "General music" (music theory, music appreciation,
music reading) and choral or instrumental director. High school music teachers
are accustomed to 60-hour workweeks but many thrive in this environment. School
music teachers are required to have a college degree in music. In almost all
states they are also required to have a teaching certificate. In addition,
those who hire music teachers, usually school principals, look for other credentials
such as a good reputation, high grades in college, outgoing personality, and
someone who can do a good job for minimal pay. Most principals hire a low-cost
teacher over one with experience because of payroll limitations. Decreasing
employment opportunities for individuals seeking a career as a music educator
will probably continue because of pressure on school budgets.
A radio
station Music Director is responsible for listening to weekly releases from
record companies, talking with record promoters, discovering listener preferences
in music, and cataloging the station's CDs, cartridges, cassettes, and tapes
for airplay. The Music Director also makes the decision about the station's
playlist. To qualify for a job as a radio station Music Director, the career
aspirant should be knowledgeable about recorded music, recording artists,
demographic research methods, and must be computer literate. Individuals who
accept these jobs should also have the ability to handle pressure from record
promoters and still be objective.