What can music students do besides perform or teach? A lot more than you think.
One of the biggest questions students (and parents) ask is: “If I love music, what careers are actually available to me?”
Recently, at the TMEA convention, the Ensemble Block team had a chance to sit down with Kelly Bell, Executive Director of The Midwest Clinic, where she offered us a powerful reminder that music careers extend far beyond the traditional paths.
To watch the full conversation, watch it NOW on our Ensemble Block YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfwXRyh1chM
Music Careers Are Bigger Than We’re Taught
During the conversation, Kelly shared that many students enter school thinking their options are limited to performance or teaching:
“A lot of students enter school, maybe they say, ‘I like playing my instrument, I might want to teach,’ but they’re not really aware of all the potential opportunities that are out there.”
But this lack of awareness isn’t a failure of ambition—rather, it’s a visibility problem. Music education often highlights what’s most familiar, not what’s most expansive.
Only a Fraction of Music Jobs Are Performance-Based
Kelly referenced a statistic that she learned at the TMEA convention that may sound surprising to some:
“Teaching and performance… accounts for like 15% of jobs in music.”
That means the majority of music-related careers live outside the spotlight—and many of them still deeply involve creativity, leadership, and musicianship.
Real Careers in Music (That Aren’t Performing on Stage or Teaching Students in a Class)
Here are just a few career paths connected to music that students may not immediately consider:
- Arts Administration & Leadership – Executive directors, program managers, Drum Corps Tour Directors, and coordinators who run festivals like the TMEA convention, nonprofits, and educational organizations.
- Event & Conference Production – Roles like those behind The Midwest Clinic, coordinating large-scale music events and educator communities.
- Music Technology & Engineering – From notation software to recording, streaming, and emerging tech like 3D printing in instrument design, or providing access to world-class teachers like Ensemble Block.
- Publishing & Content Development – Editors, engravers, curriculum designers, and producers supporting music education.
- Marketing & Community Engagement – Telling the story of music programs, ensembles, and institutions via social media, email marketing, and traditional print media.
As Kelly noted, technology and innovation are rapidly reshaping what these roles look like—and creating new ones along the way.
A Career Path Doesn’t Have to Be Linear
One of the most inspirational themes from the conversation was Kelly’s own journey; She shared that she didn’t grow up aiming to become an executive director—but by following opportunities and staying connected to music, she found her place.
That message matters: you don’t need a perfectly mapped plan at age 18 to build a meaningful career in music.
Why This Matters for Students, Parents, and Educators
Understanding the full ecosystem of music careers helps:
- Students stay motivated and confident in their studies
- Parents see long-term value in music education
- Educators guide students with a broader, more realistic perspective
Music isn’t just a subject—it’s a skill set that opens doors.
🎥 Watch the full interview with Kelly Bell to hear her insights in her own words and learn more about how music careers evolve beyond the stage.