Stages, records, and touring are no longer the only things that make up the music industry. These days, itโs a whole ecosystem that includes marketing, education, analytics, technology, and, of course, creativity. Being on stage is no longer the only way to pursue a career in music; in fact, the number of occupations behind the scenes is increasing more quickly than we can keep up with emerging trends.
Why now is a great time to enter the industry
According to Goldman Sachs, the global music industry revenue is expected to double in 2035 and hit nearly $200 billion (compared to $105 billion in 2024). Streaming services are the main driver: over 600 million users worldwide listen to music via subscription. And thatโs just the tip of the iceberg. The growing volume of content requires new specialists: from sound engineers to rights and licensing specialists, from podcast designers to AI composition experts.ย
A career in music has ceased to be something โcelebrityโ and has become more accessible to ordinary people. And thatโs why the chances of breaking into the industry are now higher than ever.
New professions in the music world
In the past, it seemed that in music, you could only be an artist or a producer. Today, the range of job openings is surprisingly diverse.
Professions people donโt always think about
The music industry is far more complex than it seems at first glance. Beyond the obvious roles of artists and producers, thereโs a whole host of professions that are rarely considered, but without them, the ecosystem simply wouldnโt function.
- Music analytics specialists study listener behavior on Spotify or YouTube, predict hits, and help artists adapt their marketing.
- Licensing managers are lawyers and negotiators who help music travel between films, TV series, and advertising.
- Creators for TikTok and Reels shape music trends by creating viral clips and collaborations.
- AI music specialists train algorithms and work on a hybrid of technology and creativity.
- Music transcription involves converting audio into notation and adapting complex compositions for different instruments.ย
Music transcription by the way seems complex, but itโs essential for music publishers, educational projects, and even IT companies creating interactive learning apps. Itโs no coincidence that Jooble features music transcription jobs โ a good example of how professionals are finding work in unexpected industry segments. The music industry is currently expanding in all directions: education, film, digital services, and each of these segments requires specialists. Jooble, as an international job aggregator, helps capture this breadth: the platform operates in 66 countries, publishes approximately 300,000 new listings daily, and aggregates them from over 140K sources. The site is visited by approximately 90 million people monthly, and among the nearly 9 million active vacancies, you can find positions many never even knew existed โ including in music.
How to build a career: unobvious steps
Music has always been associated with risk โ both creatively and professionally. But today, as the industry has become more technologically advanced and international, itโs possible to plan your path more rationally.
- Learn to multitask
Modern professionals arenโt limited to a single function. Producers often combine marketing skills, and musicians can be both bloggers and teachers. The more flexibility you have, the higher your chances of finding competitive work.
- Look beyond geography
A strong advantage of the industry is that music knows no boundaries. You can find a job opening in London, work remotely from Kyiv, and still be hired in Tokyo. Itโs precisely these cross-national opportunities that make platforms like Jooble particularly useful โ they aggregate offers from 140,000 sources, allowing you to search for work without any local restrictions.
- Create strong portfolio
Instead of a traditional resume, a โlive portfolioโ โ including recordings, demos, and projects โ is best suited for the music industry. Even if itโs not commercial work, but, say, participation in student productions or online competitions. All this confirms practice and demonstrates genuine engagement.
Itโs worth remembering, however, that a traditional resume remains an important element. Many employers, especially international companies or educational projects, require a standard format. Joobleโs Resume Builder can help: itโs a free yet powerful tool that lets you create as many resumes as you need. Its design is adapted for ATS systems (the same ones that automatically sort applications), its structure is approved by recruiters, and its built-in AI helps highlight strengths and talents. This combination of a โlive portfolioโ and a well-written resume significantly increases your chances of passing the first filter and being noticed by an employer.
Where to find inspiration and real clients
Itโs important to understand: a music career isnโt only built in โbigโ companies. Numerous opportunities open up at the intersection of education, startups, and even gaming.
- Educational platforms are looking for specialists who can adapt popular songs for curricula.
- Indie games and VR projects are using unique soundtracks and inviting young composers.
- Media and podcasts require sound designers and music editors.
Music has long ceased to be a โstandalone productโ โ itโs increasingly being integrated into other forms of content. And this is precisely what creates opportunities for those just entering the industry.
Realities and challenges
Of course, the industry isnโt without its challenges. With the growth of streaming, musiciansโ income from traditional sales is declining. And competition for listenersโ attention is intensifying: over 60,000 new tracks are uploaded daily to Spotify alone.
But at the same time, these challenges are creating demand for new professions. For example, experts are needed who can promote music in niche communities or help artists manage rights in the NFT era.
A music career is becoming more flexible, but it also requires greater commitment.
How to avoid getting lost in the flood of opportunities
The hardest part isnโt choosing a career, but navigating thousands of opportunities. Thatโs why job aggregators like Jooble are playing an increasingly important role. They allow you not only to find a job but also to map the industry: from major labels to small educational startups.
The platform helps up to a million users daily find their career. And while the dream of โworking in musicโ once seemed abstract, today itโs becoming a practical task.
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Music is constantly evolving. Its digitalization, globalization, and merging with other industries are opening up dozens of new career paths. Whether itโs analytics, transcription, working with AI, or production, everyone has a chance to find their niche.
And most importantly, the music industry today isnโt just for stars. It awaits those who can adapt, learn, and tap into the new rhythms of the times.
#This is a Contributor Post. Opinions expressed here are opinions of the Contributor. Illustrate Magazine does not endorse or review brands mentioned; does not and cannot investigate relationships with brands, products, and people mentioned and is up to the Contributor to disclose. Contributors, amongst other accounts and articles may be professional fee-based.#