The Versatility of a Music Degree

Graduating from a music degree doesn't just prepare you for one specific career - it gives you an array of tools to pursue a variety of different paths.

From performance to business and beyond, your degree equips you with multiple skills that can take you in myriad directions.

What Jobs Are Available for Music Graduates?

When graduating from a music degree, many students often wonder what kind of job opportunities and career paths might lie ahead.

The answer largely depends on the course you choose. However, the skills and experiences gained during your time at ICMP can open up doors to a variety of career paths that go beyond the obvious.

From performance to business and composition, an ICMP degree equips graduates with more than just specialised knowledge - it provides a flexible skill set that can be applied across many different industries and sectors."

Career Paths in Music Business and Beyond

For students who study programmes like our Music Business and Entrepreneurship or Live Events and Festival Management degrees, it's clear that their career trajectory will likely lean towards the business side of the music industry.

Whether you aspire to work in management, marketing, or event coordination, ICMP's curriculum prepares you with the tools to succeed in these fields. However, what many students don't realise is how versatile their degree can be.

The true beauty of studying music at a higher education level at an institution like ICMP is the exposure to different aspects of the industry. Even if you start in one specific area, you may discover a newfound passion for something entirely different. Students studying performance, for example, may find themselves becoming interested in music composition, production, or even the industry's business side. ICMP's tutors and wider musical community aims to nurtures this curiousity, encouraging students to explore various facets of the music world. Excitingly, this means that graduates often find themselves pursuing careers somewhat removed from their original plan.

Transferrable Skills for Multiple Careers

One of the key benefits of studying music at ICMP is the wide range of transferrable skills that students develop, no matter what course they pursue. Whether you're studying a BMus in Popular Music Performance track or diving into Music Business and Entrepreneurship, the critical thinking, creativity, and technical proficiency you build are valuable across a variety of industries.

For example, graduates can work as session musicians, live performers, songwriters, or even session songwriters - creatives who contribute to the writing of music but remain out of the public eye.

Additionally, many students end up in publishing, education, or other behind-the-scenes roles in the music industry. The unique combination of musical knowledge, creativity, and technical skills enables ICMP graduates to thrive in any number of roles.

As you work through your degree, it's important to remember your skill set will make you an attractive candidate for employers in multiple sectors, not just the ones directly related to your programme."

Embrace Flexibility and Future Opportunities

While the core of ICMP's programmes is rooted in music, the beauty of your education lies in its flexibility. During your time at ICMP, you'll not only develop specialised skills, but also a deeper understanding of the broader music landscape. This wide knowledge base can lead to a range of career opportunities, many of which you may not have initially considered.

In fact, many graduates don't fully realise the variety of skills they've developed during their studies until they start looking for jobs. The creative problem-solving, time management, and collaborative abilities that come with working in music are incredibly attractive to employers.

As you approach your final year, it's important for all students to take time to reflect on all the skills they've gained - whether it's songwriting, live performance, or even project management.

A period of self-reflection can help you realise just how versatile your degree really is, and open your eyes to career opportunities you may not have previously considered."

In Conclusion 

While a music degree will equip you for a variety of roles within the music industry, it will also provide you with the skills to pivot and pursue opportunities in a wide range of fields.

So, whether you end up as a performer, composer, business professional, or something entirely different, your music education will be the foundation for a flexible and dynamic career in the music industry and beyond.