There is a famous joke about Carnegie Hall, a major landmark in New York City that features concerts by the world’s best classical musician:
 
A tourist approached a woman on the streets of New York and asked “Excuse me, how do I get to Carnegie Hall?” The woman replied, “Practice!”
 
That woman was right … a career as a professional musician is a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of work! Successful musicians spend years developing their skill in order to become professionals. But few people realize just how many careers there are in the music industry, many of which allow people to combine their love of music with other valuable skill sets.


Accompanist as a piano player, play along with other musicians for rehearsals, performances, classes, and workshops

Advertising Executive		 select the music that will be used to promote a product or service
Arranger adapt someone else’s music for a new ensemble
Booking Agent manage an artist or band’s tour schedule
Composer write music for films, shows, or concert halls
Conductor lead an orchestra, choir, or band in rehearsals and performances
Jingle Writer write short, catchy songs for advertising agencies
Manager supervise the business aspects of a musician’s career, including booking, touring, and publicity
Music Director teach and supervise the music in a theatrical production
Music Publisher release and manage the distribution of sheet music
Music Therapist use music to help clients improve their physical, emotional, and mental health
Orchestrator help a composer to arrange his or her music for a film or theater orchestra

Performing Artist		 sing or play music, alone or with an ensemble
Producer supervise the "big picture" of a musical project to ensure its success
Recording Engingeer use software to record, mix, and master tracks by other musicians
Session Musician play the backing tracks for other artists’ albums, often in a wide variety of genres
Songwriter write songs that can be recorded and performed by you or by other artists
Studio Director or Manager supervise the business of running a recording studio where artists can make their albums
Teacher make music with young children through college students, conduct ensembles, and put on performances
Transcriber listen to a musician’s performance and write down the music so that others can play the song the way they did – especially useful in genres like jazz where much of the music is not (yet) written down