Course Description
Music graduates face new challenges in today's professional landscape, including fewer traditional jobs. Students will build relevant skills and tools that emphasize versatility and flexibility to better prepare them for career success in this evolving landscape.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Upon completion of the course, graduate students will have a
professional portfolio prepared for the type of job that
represents their specialty. The portfolio will include a cover
letter, c.v., teaching philosophy statement, video and audio
recordings, and a published homepage of a website. In addition,
each graduate student will experience a mock interview for a
position in his respective specialty.
Graduate students will be required to use an additional
textbook
entitled, "Beyond Talent: Creating a Successful Career in Music"
by Angela Myles-Beeching, to assist in the preparation of their
professional portfolios.
Athena Title
Music in the Real World
Undergraduate Prerequisite
Permission of major
Graduate Prerequisite
Permission of major
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will be able to: •identify the broad spectrum of music career paths •write a curriculum vitae/resume, and cover letter •understand the audition and interview experience for traditional performance jobs, and collegiate and public school teaching positions •conceptualize marketing strategies for a multifaceted career, including branding, social media management, networking, website content •develop a business plan for a private studio •have a basic understanding of tax preparation specific to freelancing musicians •identify proper strategies for optimum professionalism, etiquette, stage presence (i.e., “how to get called back again and again”)
Topical Outline
• entrepreneurial concepts • creating an online presence • functional technology • marketing strategies • identify traditional and untraditional music career paths • prepare for performance auditions, public school positions, higher education positions • freelance strategies • professional etiquette • interview skills • establishing and operating a private studio • taxes for musicians
Syllabus