When looking for jobs, you may see sections on an application that ask you to list what skills you have learned throughout your college or career path.
These skills are usually divided into two groups: technical and interpersonal, also known as hard skills and soft skills. In a creative field like Musical Arts, you have the opportunity to develop helpful technical abilities as well as traits that create a healthy work environment.
When applying for jobs, don’t forget to include the skills youhave developed throughout your time in college and while studying music.
Technical Skills
The Musical Arts: General Music program offers many opportunities for students to grow. By taking advantage of your course options, you can gain valuable technical knowledge that will help you in future careers. Some examples of these technical skills include:
- Technology Training: Many artists are required to operate their own tech systems; others simply enjoy having the knowledge in case it comes in handy. In the Musical Arts: General Music program, students can take Basic Audio Engineering, Professional Tools, and Music Technology.
- Scoring and Arranging: Artists who want to make original music or rework an existing piece need practice in scoring and arranging. This skill is especially useful for music directors, freelance artists, or songwriters.
- Conducting: Musical Arts students learn conducting within multiple courses; if interested, they can continue with Basic Conducting and private lessons. Conducting is a specialized skill required for group performances, and it can lead to job opportunities and leadership roles.
- Foundational Music: A career in the Musical Arts is dependent on a solid foundation in music and music theory. By taking classes to strengthen skills in a specific instrument or aspect of music, you can be a quality candidate for roles in that area of expertise.
- Solo and Group Performance: Performance is a big part of working in the music industry. Even if you don’t plan on performing regularly, many jobs include teaching and preparing others for performances. Being comfortable with both solo and group performances is a must for musicians, especially for those who want to take on leadership or teaching roles.
Interpersonal Skills
Working with others, or as part of a team, is important in the Musical Arts field. You may work with a group of musicians, rehearsing for an upcoming performance. You may be on an art council, deciding on a program for the next year.
Or you may even work directly with clients, taking feedback or discussing client needs. Having strong interpersonal skills is key to succeeding in any career, but it is especially helpful in music. Some interpersonal skills developed in the Musical Arts program include:
- Collaborative Work: Musical Arts majors are often required to rehearse and perform in groups. Peaceful collaboration is a vital skill for any career; employers appreciate when teams operate smoothly.
- Dedication and Commitment: Practicing, performing, and succeeding in an instrument requires dedication and commitment. Employers value creative artists because of these well-proven traits.
- Self-Reflection and Feedback: Most musicians are familiar with receiving feedback and reviewing how their work could improve without taking it personally. This is a highly applicable skill to the workforce, as constructive feedback is needed at times.
- Adaptability and Problem Solving: Musicians often are required to find creative solutions to problems in their performances. Not every performance goes smoothly; being able to problem-solve and adapt is a valuable trait in any career.
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of skills developed in the Musical Arts: General Music major. Take some time to think of unique technical and interpersonal skills and list them in your résumé or portfolio. Having a strong skill set can set you apart in the workforce.
Sources:
What is a musical score? Definition & more | Epidemic Sound
Music Arrangement Explained: From Song Idea to Sound