Career Prospects

In the Department of Music we take your future seriously. It is our responsibility to equip students with the skills they need to be a success in the workplace. Employability is not an afterthought, but a central theme of our teaching, embedded in the curriculum.

The study of music at Liverpool opens up many career opportunities. As well as jobs in music (from public performance and production, to sales, distribution, teaching, community arts and a lot more besides), employers in many sectors are increasingly seeking arts graduates for their transferable skills. As a music student you achieve a creative flair and imagination, confidence in expressing yourself, an openness to new ideas, a capacity for hard work, an ability to analyse data; you learn the value of working with others towards a shared finished product, and a whole range of flexible professional skills.  

We have well-established links with a number of partners that are relevant to future career opportunities: National Museums Liverpool, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, local clubs and venues, local musicians from a wide variety of musical and cultural traditions, local independent cinema FACT, and local schools.

We work closely with the university’s award-winning Careers & Employability Service to offer a 30-credit, year-long module (SOTA300) which incorporates placement with a local company, group or institution related to your subject, providing practical/vocational experience.

Music Management MA

The Music Management MA is an exciting and unique programme for anyone interested in progressing their career in the classical music industry or entering or developing a career in arts management. Read more.

Music Works

Music Works is a series of careers and employability workshops offered by the department of Music that have run throughout the academic year since 2017. Highly esteemed professionals, many alumni, offer students advice and insights into all aspects of working in the music industry.

Recent speakers include Mike Cave (multi-platinum mix engineer, Lewis Capaldi, CamelPhat, The Zutons, Elvis Costello and more), Katie Tarrant (sound designer and composer, GameIndustry.biz Top 100 Rising Star in the industry). Other highlights include representatives from UK Music, Musicians Union, PRS, RLPO and from professionals in Music Therapy, Digital Marketing and Education.

Recent employers include:

• Aldeburgh Music
• BBC Cardiff
• The Globe Theatre
• Liverpool Biennial Festival of Contemporary Arts
• Manchester Orchestra
• Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
• Royal Bank of Scotland
• Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
• Sentric Music
• Wirral Academy of Performing Arts