Music is one of the most profound human achievements. It is a universal sound which can create emotions and express feelings. Music also soothes the mind. There is rarely anybody who is not touched by music in some way at some time in their lives.

Talent, genuine interest, sincerity and willingness to work hard can guarantee a big success in the field of music. Having an inborn talent to sing is a wonderful gift. But making a career out of this talent, demands regular devoted practice. Joining an institution and getting trained is one of the first steps towards making a career in Music but the main emphasis should be real dedication and commitment.

A person considering a career in music should have a genuine love for music, a musical sense, which means a sense of time and rhythm, besides versatility, creative ability and also stage confidence. At the same time one needs to have publicity- contacts with the right people, money for training and for making demo cassettes for commercialization.

Just as there is a wide variety of forms in music like classical, folk, jazz, pop, fusion etc there are also a variety of opportunities in this field. Besides becoming a performer (vocal or instrumental) or a teacher, one can be a composer/song writer, music publisher, music journalist, Disc Jockeys/ Video Jockeys, Music Therapist, Artist manager/PR and so on in the Music Industry. Today the advent of satellite television, the growing popularity of the music channels and corporate sponsorship of musical events, has all made music big business. Although fame and money in this field depends a lot on luck and getting a good break, but once you are established there is ample scope for making good money in this field.

Eligibility & Course areas

Educational: There is no specific qualification required to enter into this field. However, to take up a course in this subject the basic requirement is 10+2. Courses offered in this area are certificate courses, bachelor courses, diploma courses and post graduate level courses. Duration of various courses: Certificate course is of one year, Bachelor courses is of three years, Diploma and Post Graduate level courses is of two years.

Training in this field is imparted by many schools and institutions. Most prominent among them is Kalakshetra in Chennai and The Bharatiya Kala Kendra in Delhi.

Course areas include music theory, music interpretation, history of music, composing, voice instruction etc. Personal attributes: Among the attributes, one that top the list is a good voice. Other attributes include inherent talent, dedication, determination and hard work, creativity and adaptability, team work, accept criticism in the right spirit, self confidence, ambition etc.

Career Options & Job Prospects : Today with music getting into the league of big business, there are a list of careers one can choose from in the Music Industry.

Talented and qualified persons can find numerous employment opportunities in this field with the advent of satellite television, music channels etc. Various employers in this area are:

• Television channels like Doordarshan
• AIR and private FM channel stations
• Music channels
• Government departments of culture and public relations
• Production houses
• Music troupes
• Music research organisations as a musicologist
• Music companies
• Educational Institutions, Kala kendras etc.
• Hospitals as music therapist
• Newspapers and magazines as music critic or correspondents

There are also many opportunities for self employment in the form of holding private classes at home or opening a music school or producing and directing independent programmes.