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Music Adviser Job Description

A music adviser is a person who is able to give counsel about music within a particular discipline. For example, in education, the adviser will guide students through their years studying music. For an event, the adviser will select the appropriate music. No matter the discipline, the music adviser should have adequate exposure to various genres of music, past and present.

  1. Types

    • There are two main types of music advisers. The first is the educational music adviser dealing with college-level students. These music advisers help students as they progress in their discipline over the course of four or more years. The music adviser here acts more as a counselor and assists the student with registering for classes, and outlines what a student should expect as far as being a professional musician and artist.

      The second type of music adviser acts in more of a consultant's role. For example, a music adviser for a wedding would suggest music appropriate for the couple. If the couple likes 80s rock, then the music adviser would research music that would be right for the reception.

    Function

    • An educational music adviser should have instrumental and/or vocal experience. Although a music adviser is not required to teach music, the job title suggests that if the candidate has enough experience to perform music he be able to mentor others. The candidate should have an ability to be creative, outgoing and familiar with local artistic events and venues, especially those involving music. It would be beneficial if the adviser has had counseling or previous advisory experience.

    Considerations

    • An educational music adviser should have, at minimum, an undergraduate degree in music. The candidate ideally would have a master's degree or Ph.D. in music. If a candidate does not have a degree in music, he must show appropriate experience to compensate. An adviser in the business arena, for example, may work with those in music and provide advice based on experience in the industry. For advisers in a consultant's role, experience in music relative to the venue or area of consultancy is needed.

    Professional Organizations

    • Though it is not necessary to be part of a professional music association such as BMI or SESAC, it is recommended that a music adviser be familiar with what organizations exist and whom they serve.

    Benefits

    • Within an educational setting, a music adviser has access to all the resources of the music department in that institution. If the music adviser is an artist, this could be beneficial in having space for rehearsals and meetings.

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