Obtain a degree in a music instrument, music theory, voice, musical performance or another music related field. Well-known music schools include Julliard, Berklee College of Music, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, the Curtis Institute of Music, among others. Getting an advanced degree and living in an area with different musical ensembles may improve your prospects of getting a good job.
Get a lot of experience conducting the type of ensembles you want to direct. Music conductors may direct, choirs, glee clubs, orchestras, concert or military bands or jazz ensembles. Learning about the craft from a seasoned conductor can also be a valuable experience which may improve job prospects. Degreefinders.com says The Bureau of Labor statistics reports that the need for music conductors will increase by 8 percent as the population increases and the desire to hear for different types of music grows.
Entering competitions for young conductors of classical music can be another means of improving your conducting skills. Such competitions include the Donatella Flick Competition, the conducting competition held by the International Music Institute of Leipzig, and the Gustav Mahler International Conducting Competition.