rhythmically through time. It also moves through space creating a shape called melody. Just as each culture organises rhythm in distinctive ways, each group of people emphasises certain melodic shapes.
By listening to samples of the whole earth’s music we can instantly travel over the vast distances of our great world. We can cross oceans to visit tribal villages hidden from the visitors. We can secretly enter the ritual grounds where people celebrate their old festivals and ceremonies.
We can hear workers singing in the fields . . . , shepherds singing in the distant mountains and sailor’s chanteys roaring above seas we have never seen. The music of the whole earth is a vital part of the history of our world.
Wherever people settle, they leave behind music that says, “This is how we think, this is what we love, this is what we believe in, and this is how we express who we are.”
Your interest and skill in music can be used as a hobby for your own enjoyment or in work that will become your professional career.
I never dreamt of being a musician, tutor and music critic. For some reason I wanted to be a meteorologist. I just loved the sound of the title.
Through my musical experience and passion for the past 21 years, I have sung, played with different bands and churches, directed musical productions, produced music projects for artistes, worked with school choirs and developed music programmes for nursery schools, adjudicated or judged on music competitions.
Many professions and businesses you may not have thought about are open to a person who develops a solid background in music.
The music career is not only about the stage and recording albums. There are other areas that one can function in and so this week I take you through some music career options that you can consider.
Record Producer
Employment opportunities – record companies, private business.
Personal qualifications – work well under pressure, persistent and meticulous worker, diplomatic
Skills and educational requirements – knowledge of music, ability to read score, knowledge of recording equipment.
Stage Manager
Employment opportunities – Opera houses, theatres, companies for musical productions .
Personal qualifications – ability to work under pressure, to work with others and ability to organise.
Skills and educational requirements – knowledge of music, knowledge of technical aspects in theatre and performance.
Artist and Concert Manager
Employment opportunities – private business, artists and bands.
Personal qualifications – administrative ability, ability with figures and dates, ability to work with people.
Skills and educational requirements – background in music, knowledge of business practices.
Music librarian
Employment opportunities – college, public library, band, radio, television stations.
Personal qualifications – enjoy books and records, knowledge of music literature, ability to keep accurate records.
Skills and requirements – degree in library science, degree in music.
Teacher
Employment opportunities – public or private school,college,
Personal qualifications – studio/musical talent, enjoy working with people /basic musicianship
Skills and educational requirements – college or graduate degree.
Church musician
Employment opportunities – performer or choir, director in the church or synagogue
Personal qualifications – musical talent, ability to work with others.
Skills and educational requirements – basic musicianship, familiarity with liturgies, knowledge of sacred repertoire.
Professional performer
Employment opportunities – concert soloist, orchestra, band, radio, television
Personal qualifications – musical talent, physical stamina, motivation to continue to study and improve, pleasing stage personality.
Skills and educational requirements – excellent basic musicianship, superior performance skills, knowledge of repertoire.
Music journalist or critic
Employment opportunities – freelance, staff of magazine or newspaper
Personal qualifications – aptitudes for writing, ability to work under pressure
Skills and educational requirements – knowledge of music. Training in journalism and musical performance.
Tuner and Technician
Employment opportunities – private business, manufacturing
Personal qualifications – mechanical ability, interest in music, musical instruments.
Skills and educational requirements – work experience in tuning repairing and manufacturing.
Music Therapist
Employment opportunities – hospitals, clinics, corrective institutions
Personal qualifications – musical talent, understanding of handicapped people, desire to help people.
Skills and educational requirements – degree in music with training in therapy, facility at piano or guitar, Knowledge of physiology and psychology.
Conductor
Employment opportunities – Orchestra, band, college or high school teacher
Personal qualifications – unusual musical talent, ability to direct people, dynamic and attractive personality.
Skills and educational requirements – excellent basic musical training, training in conducting, knowledge of music literature.
Composer
Employment opportunities – writing for publication, college teacher, popular music, television, films, advertising.
Personal qualifications – unusual musical talent, creative ability, unusual motivation.
Skills and educational requirements – study with composers, knowledge of capabilities of instruments, knowledge of music theory and musical styles.
For the love of music.
l Richard Kohola is a music critic and development expert and can be contacted on the following number 0772 382 871 or email [email protected]

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