Training to become a musical recording engineer involves studying technology, the music industry and the formal elements of music. The primary task of a recording engineer is mixing sounds for various types of media. Another important task is supervising a recording artist and making the performer sound his best. Becoming a successful recording engineer requires a wide knowledge of various musical styles and much formal musical training. A recording engineer must also keep up with the current trends in recording technology because, like most technology, recording equipment becomes obsolete very fast.
A music manager manages the business affairs of an artist or multiple artists. Because the music industry is very competitive, musicians and bands require management. The tasks of a music manager include promoting the musicians, booking concerts and venues, handling finances for the band and keeping the morale of the band high. Becoming a music manager requires studying the recording arts industry and, preferably, earning a degree in music business. Many colleges offer programs, such as bachelor's and master's degrees in Music Industry Management or Music Business.
Working as a composer or arranger includes arranging scores for publication, composing for media such as film and television, or composing art music. Many composers working today are employed by a music publishing company, such as Hal Leonard Corp., or work in the media industry. It's not uncommon for a successful composer to also be a conductor of his own music and that of others. Some composers of the past and present have made their living as conductors, including Leonard Bernstein, Gustav Mahler and John Williams.
Becoming a successful singer usually isn't as simple as auditioning for "American Idol." Many professional singers have had extensive musical training at a leading conservatory or music college. There are several types of professional singers. Singer-songwriters generally sing their own songs and must market themselves to become successful. Some professional singers work at venues such as nightclubs, casinos or cruise ships. Commercial singers lend their voices to media, singing for commercials or touring as background vocalists. Many singers also have extensive background in dance, especially those who work in theater or tour with bands.
Becoming an instrumental soloist can lead to a variety of careers. The most talented often become solo artists who lead jazz combos or classical chamber groups. Many musicians who specialize in performing on a particular musical instrument often work as recording session musicians. Recording session musicians not only record with many types of musical artists, they are also often employed by film studios and television studios, and record for movie soundtracks and TV shows.