JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A&R Reps (Artist & Repertoire Representatives) are responsible for finding, signing, and developing new talent as well as guided their careers.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
Salary varies from company to company and dependent on years of experience. The range is between $35,000 and $300,000 USD.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
There are various music industry-related degrees at a handful of universities. Otherwise, almost any business or marketing degree would be helpful. A degree is not a necessity, but could be required by a company to be considered. Otherwise, you may be able to work your way up in a company by working in the mail room or as an intern.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
A broad knowledge of the music industry and music catalogs, great communication skills, a good taste of music selection to find the chart toppers, competitive nature, the ability to make the talent feel comfortable, music industry experience and passion.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The branch of engineering dealing with the application of acoustics, the science of sound and vibration, in technology. Acoustical engineers are typically concerned with the manipulation and control of sound. Acoustical Analysis Engineers, also known as Sound Analysis Engineers, are experts on various forms of audio equipment and on using the equipment to manage produced sound effectively for a particular environment.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
Salary varies from company to company and dependent on years of experience. The range is between $37,000 and $74,000 USD.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
A bachelor’s degree in Sound Engineering or a related major is generally the highest educational requirement for Acoustic Engineers. Technical schools can offer additional certificates or associate degrees. Courses in this field usually cover physics, engineering acoustics, electronics and the practical application of sound engineering and technology.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Employers seek Engineers who are skillful with audio equipment, have acute hearing, and can troubleshoot when equipment doesn’t work properly. Various tool knowledge is also necessary to be in Acoustic Engineering.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Advertising account executives work within advertising or service agencies, acting as a liaison between the clients and the agency. They are responsible for linking the client and other agency staff to coordinate their advertising campaigns.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
Salary varies from company to company and dependent on years of experience. The range is between $31,000 and $100,500 USD.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
A bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications or a related major is generally the minimum educational requirement.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Knowledge in marketing, promotions, creative design, and public relations are essential to succeed in this career.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes to prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
Salary varies from company to company, dependent on years of experience and artists’ career level. The range is between $35,000 and $60,000 USD.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
A bachelor’s degree in Music Management or related field is recommended. There are certifications, associate degrees, and masters programs that can increase your chances for success.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Sending out demos to labels, radio stations, local print media, and online publications, booking gigs and inviting labels and the media to the shows, networking-networking-networking, help book studio time and practice sessions, explore funding opportunities and have strong negotiation skills.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Act as a liaison between a record company and one or more of their signed artists.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
Salary varies from company to company, dependent on years of experience and artists’ career level. The range is between $29,000 and $60,000+ USD.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Smaller or independent labels may not require anything other than a high school diploma. However, those with a degree may hold a higher earning potention over those without one. Some degrees that may enhance your chances for success are music merchandising, music business, public relations, marketing, communications, or related fields.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
A successful Artist Relations and Development Representative must be a people person. This individual will be able to handle multiple personality types and enjoy it. They must also have working knowledge of the music and record industry, attend a lot of concerts, and focus on the development of the artists. Previous experience may also include artist management.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Booking Agents provide a valuable service to artists, bands, performers, and musicians by booking gigs and finding venues.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
Salary varies from company to company, dependent on years of experience and artists’ career level. The range is between $20,000 and $1,000,000+ USD.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
There are no requirements to work as a Booking Agent. There are seminars, workshops, and courses available in booking entertainment. Courses in entertainment business may be useful as well as industry experience.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
A good booking agent may spend over 7 hours on the phone selling their acts. The ability to sell is a must. Agents must also be able to handle high stress, calls from their clients, venues negotiating for better deals, managers asking for better rates, and in the end the group might cancel. If you do not possess the ability, this career is not for you.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A business manager in the entertainment industry builds and maintains contact bases for clients, as well as assuring that the contacts keep the clients “top of mind”.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
The average salary of a business manager is $70,000. This varies on what field you are managing and the geographic location.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Entertainment managers need to be well versed in the art field or fields that they choose to represent in addition to having a significant background in business and marketing. It is important to study advertising, marketing, market research, making deals, acquiring rights, branding, psychology, public relations, accounting, economics, finance, business administration, statistics, business law and contracts.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Communication and reasoning skills are required. This individual must be able to assess the clients’ abilities including talent to physical condition. Managers should be able to properly advise clients on financial issues as well. Whether they handle the client’s finances personally or recommend accountants, they must keep the client’s best interests in mind.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Must operate lighting equipment under the supervision of a lighting director in television, or a gaffer or director of photography in film, high-budget television drama and commercials. He or she is required to keep the lighting equipment clean and maintained in good working condition. Many Lighting Technicians work for production companies, but others freelance once they have established an industry reputation. The lighting team’s work is crucial to any performance. Lighting creates the right atmosphere to evoke an audience’s response and demands high-level technical and creative skills.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
$25.46 to $31.48 hourly minimum
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Although a degree is not necessary for this role, degree subjects such as electrical engineering or physics may be useful for the technical side. The following specialist degree/HND courses may also improve your chances: Lighting Design, Lighting Technology, Sound and live event technology, theatre arts, lighting and sound operation.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Ability to interpret others creativity, and excellent communication skills.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Dialogue Editor assesses original production sound tracks for the clearest reading of dialogue and corrects imperfections such as ‘clicks’, ‘pops’ or ‘lip smacks’, disguising that which cannot be removed or replaced. Assesses which dialogue and effects lines must be replaced, arranges the ADR (Automatic Dialogue Replacement) sessions, may direct the artistes if the Director is not available, and fits the resulting sound tracks to ensure perfect sync with the picture.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
$60,000-$90,000
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
A four-year degree may be required for some positions. Most digital video/sound editing programs lead to an associate or a bachelor’s degree in videography.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
ADR/Dialogue Editors must have an excellent knowledge of acoustics, sound recording and audio post production processes (analogue and digital).
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Entertainment lawyers negotiate, draft and approve contracts for their clients. They also assist their clients in managing other legal issues that may pop up over the course of their music careers, from the mundane, like purchasing real estate, to the more complex, like facing a criminal case.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
Entertainment lawyers are paid by the hour, usually in the range of several hundred dollars per hour. The rate an entertainment lawyer can bill depends on their experience and whether they are self employed or work for a firm that has predetermined rates. Some attorneys may also get a percentage of any settlements they win for a client or any deal they negotiate. Recommended Education & Training: Like all lawyers, entertainment lawyers have to go to law school and pass the Bar (in the US) before they can practice. During school, entertainment lawyers specialize in entertainment law and usually specialize further in a sub-field in entertainment law, like music.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
This field requires the individual have a four-year degree and three years at an American Bar Association (ABA) approved institution. Those aspiring to work in the music industry should make sure they take courses geared toward the entertainment and music industries. These might include contracts, tax law, business law, and intellectual property and copyright law.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Analytical ability, Attention to detail, Logical reasoning, persuasiveness, Sound Judgment, Writing ability, and ability to maintain good relationships.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Create natural background sounds to be synchronized with recorded dialogue for a television production. A Foley Artist is the individual who specializes in creating these ordinary sound effects, such as footsteps, the swishing noise of a person slamming a door, clothes rustling, glasses clinking, and so forth. The Foley Artist recreates these human sounds to match the action on the recorded television project.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
$1,575 to $2,025 weekly minimum
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
High school diploma required; formal training in sound technology helpful, but not required.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Encompassing knowledge and sensibility about sound; creativity; detail oriented; good hand eye coordination; imaginative; keen ear for sounds and how to create them; sense of timing.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Mixing front of house sound, including audio playback and stage monitoring. Provide direction and assistance to the tech team in set up and tear down, utilizing an input sheet for mincing and input placement.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
The average salary is $60,000. Average Front of House engineer salaries can vary greatly due to company, location, industry, experience and benefits.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
A formal degree is not a requirement to pursue this career path, but a hands-on education in the use and maintenance of analog and digital consoles, speakers, amplifiers, effects hardware and software, microphones, and audio measurement systems is imperative. A familiarity with musical instruments is helpful. Training as an assistant under an engineer is a great way to understand the basics and start developing your skills. Education in the principles of electricity, the physics of sound and mathematics are also beneficial to a career as an FOH engineer.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
You must be an effective and confident leader who knows every inch of your gear and can delegate responsibility. You must have an amazing ear for music as well as a firm grasp of the technology used to control and manipulate sound.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
Instrument Sales Representatives can be paid in a number of ways, either through salary, commission, or a combination of both. . All things considered, earnings can range from $23,000 to $75,000 plus per year, and if paid on commission, their opportunities to earn are virtually endless.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Most companies require Sales Reps to have high school diplomas, while others prefer their Reps to have college degrees. Also, some type of instrument training is useful in order to more fully understand the products the Rep is selling.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Persuasion, Active Listening, Speaking, and Social Perceptiveness.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Sales Representative focuses on securing new business through skilled prospecting and follow-up, networking, and cold calling while serving an existing account base. This position is responsible for the sales and margin performance
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
Marketing positions can be paid in a number of ways, either through salary, commission, or a combination of both.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
High School degree required. Associates or Bachelors degree preferred.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Consultative Selling Skills, organizational skills, ability to manage multiple projects, oral/written communication skills, Ability to work extended hours as needed, Ability to negotiate conflicts.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for, conformity with, or liability under licenses or permits. Works under general supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
$68,672 – $151,055
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
A licensing career requires a bachelor’s degree in area of specialty and 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Familiarity with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks and wears many hats. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Lighting in film, television, and theater is a subtle art, generally not meant to be noticed. Lighting technicians use lights to create different effects and moods from scene to scene.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
Earnings of lighting technicians depend on the location of the work and the experience of the worker. Unionized beginning lighting technicians earn about $200 per day. Chief technicians earn about $250 a day. These rates apply to the major theatrical centers in New York and Los Angeles. Experienced union workers typically earn more than nonunion workers.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
While in high school, prospective lighting technicians should take courses in electronics and shop. Vocational training is also helpful, as is learning how to use the lighting equipment for school plays. Courses in motion picture, television, and theater production are offered at many colleges and universities. In this field, experience is the best teacher. Lighting technicians learn most of what they need to know through on-the-job training.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Lighting technicians must also know how to set up lights so that they are out of the camera’s range and do not interfere with the scenery. Must work well under different weather conditions that may affect lighting.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The job of a recording engineer is not only to record audio, but to edit and mix it in such a way as to make the audio sound the best it possibly can. During a recording session, he/she must listen to audio from both a musical and a technical perspective, looking for ways to adjust the equipment, recording levels and even the performance of the artist in such a way that the recorded product sounds perfect.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
The average salary for mastering engineer jobs is $60,000. Average mastering engineer salaries can vary greatly due to company, location, industry, experience and benefits.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Whether you get a degree in audio engineering or not, the most important thing is to get experience. One way is to enroll in a college or university that offers a specialized degree program in recording arts or audio engineering. Most of these programs require a year of full-time classes resulting in an associate’s degree.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
A Mastering Engineer requires a unique set of skills to be a successful recording engineer. You need to be part musician and part computer geek. You need to have a trained ear for the subtleties of sound, a mastery of tons of complex analog and digital equipment and the ability to use technology to achieve specific creative results. A recording engineer needs a strong work ethic and an incredible attention to detail.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Merchandisers are “image consultants for the retail world.” Retailers use merchandising to promote specific products and services and increase sales. Merchandisers also deliver educational materials to the store for training new employees or teaching sales tactics to existing workers. They also conduct inventory reports –counting the merchandise at a particular location – and replace old or defective stock.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
The average hourly pay for a merchandiser is around $9.50 per hour. Like in most jobs, pay will vary by skill level and location.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
A high school diploma or GED is sufficient education for a merchandiser position. It’s an entry-level position and doesn’t require much experience to get started. Most employers will offer short-term, on-site training so you can learn how to use their equipment and meet all the job requirements.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
A Merchandiser career requires a blend of fashion sense and business expertise. Style alone won’t lead to a successful career in this field. Staying ahead of the fashion curve is a feat involving both art and science. Strategy and marketing know-how are an integral part of this career choice.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To operate the sound board and other electrical equipment during the recording of music.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
$27,000 to $150,000+
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
College or technical school background in Sound engineering or Recording technology is necessary; apprenticeship in studio in lieu of schooling. Experience in studio is necessary.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Good musical “ear”; electronic and mechanical inclination; appreciation of music; stamina; ability to work under a great deal of pressure.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Moving Light Operator controls all the ‘intelligent’, or automated, lights chosen by the Director of Photography. Moving lights are computer-controlled from a console or desk. Moving Light Operators must choose the appropriate desk for the job, and program it to create the lighting effects required. Moving lights go on and off with different levels of complexity and patterning. They may change position, and even project images.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
The average salary of this position is $45,000. The pay can vary.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
A good grounding in electrical engineering is necessary, ideally with the relevant City and Guilds qualifications. Moving Light Operators usually gain experience as Lighting Technicians with a manufacturer or lighting hire company before moving into this specialist role. They often work in the theatre before starting in television, film or commercials. Most Moving Light Operators work freelance and are self-employed.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
A good understanding of different computers is essential, although Moving Lights Operators need not be qualified computer programmers. Creativity is needed in order to be able to visualize the required lighting effects from plans. Computer aided drawing skills are useful.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Music Manager has the most interaction with the artist and is generally the most important person in the artist’s musical life. They are involved in planning, coordinating and organizing the career of the artist. They are involved in counseling and advising the artist on all matters related to their musical careers.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
The annual salary for a music manager greatly varies depending on the size of the band or popularity of the musician.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
There are no specific qualifications for music managers. However, it is helpful to have a background in business and have knowledge of the music industry. Managers must also have strong communication and negotiating skills as well. When choosing a manager, some musicians prefer to hire a parent or some other relative.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Protect your client and have knowledge of the music industry. Planning, coordinating, and organizing.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Music Marketing is a field in which musical knowledge can be as important as training in the techniques of marketing or publicity. The main job of a music promoter, usually simply called a promoter, is to publicize a concert. Promoters are the people in charge of “putting on” the show. They work with agents, or in some cases, directly with the bands, and with clubs and concert venues to arrange for a show to take place. Promoters then are in charge of making sure the word gets out about that show. They also take care of arranging the incidentals, like hotels and backline for the band.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
The average salary for music marketing jobs is $60,000. Music marketing salaries can vary greatly due to company, location, industry, experience and benefits.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
There are no education requirements to be a promoter.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Many promoters have a day job that supports their promotion job. If you want to become a promoter, you need a clear understanding of the money involved, and you need to make deals with bands and venues very carefully.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Record Producer works with the band, sessions’ musicians and the studio engineer to “produce” the sound the recordings. Often the producer’s job is to provide an extra set of ears, to produce a certain sound or to provide experience. They may be involved with arranging parts of the track or even writing it. In smaller studios the role of engineer and producers may be combined, and the band may produce or co-produce the recordings with the engineer.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
Most producers will be paid a flat fee/advance for their work.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Most producers begin in music editing or engineering and then move into the production side of the business. Since the production side incorporates business, marketing and finance, music producers will have a background in both the technical side and knowledge of music along with a good business sense.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Since music producers are looking to promote both an artist and their music to stardom, they must possess good judgment and a good ear and eye for talent. Natural stars have charisma along with talent therefore a producer should be able to see something special in those they record and promote. Technical knowledge is very important along with tact and good communication skills. Producers will have to deal with music agents who can be very conniving and pushy. Therefore, they must be strong in their decision making and beliefs. Music producers should have the ability to work under pressure and have an extensive understanding of music and new trends.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A personal manager is an artist’s personal representative. The job of the personal manager consists of anything that will help enhance or further an artist’s career. These responsibilities range from comprehensive, long-range career planning and complex contract negotiation to suggesting a lyric change or commenting on a new recording.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
Compensation for personal managers ranges typically ranges from 10-25% of gross earnings on deals the manager was instrumental in attaining.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
A Manager is a career field that is amenable to promotion from the bottom up; many people get their start working as interns or volunteers, eventually moving up to more powerful positions and higher caliber clientele. Internships are a large help, as are assistant posts at the entry level.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
A personal manager would be juggler. The personal manager is a planner, adviser, organizer, strategist, overseer, psychologist, manipulator, coordinator, detailer, traveling companion and friend.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A Promoter organizes entertainment events. These could be concerts, nightclub parties or sporting events in any type of venue.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
The average salary for promoter jobs is $41,000. Average promoter salaries can vary greatly due to company, location, industry, experience and benefits. This salary varies on how successful the promoter is.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
There isn’t a formal education requirement to work as a music promoter. To succeed, you will need a really good knowledge of music and what people like to hear. You’ll also need excellent business skills, and the ability to negotiate with venues, bands, and other parties. Promotional skills are also a necessity.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Successful promoters are creative, and they recognize the needs and desires of the people they are trying to serve. Promoters must be knowledgeable about the types of entertainment they are promoting. Music promoters, for example, must know the kinds of music that are currently successful, and must be able to predict what types of music will be popular in the near future.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The main responsibility of a publicist is to get positive press coverage for his client. To do this, the publicist needs to create and maintain good relationships with journalists by sending them original, insightful, timely story ideas that involve the client in some way.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
Their median salary is $51,960 per year, with a range of $30,520 to $96,630. This salary varies based on geographic location and clients.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Strong written and oral communication skills are essential to becoming a publicist, so a lot of future publicists major in communications, journalism and public relations in college. That said, there’s no specific college degree that guarantees success as a publicist. Good publicists are generally well read with a broad liberal arts education. Advanced degrees are not necessary.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
A publicist should be a natural “people person”. She/he needs to be outgoing, funny and not afraid of rejection. The best publicists establish genuine relationships with the editors and reporters who cover their client.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Publishing copy-editors and proofreaders ensure that texts due for publication are well written, grammatically correct and accessible. They work on a range of publications, including books, journals, newspapers and IT-based resources.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
A publisher’s average salary varies based on what type of publisher they are, as well as how much experience they have in the field. Location also influences one’s salary potential.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Many larger companies prefer a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field, like Communications, English Literature or Journalism; however, a combination of relevant work experience and education can be considered equivalent.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Strong communication skills are essential for a career in Book Publishing. The individual must also be able to work well with deadlines. Computer literacy is also a necessity. A Book Publisher must be a quick, analytical reader and have a knack for spotting marketable books.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The job of a recording engineer is not only to record audio, but to edit and mix it in such a way as to make the audio sound the best it possibly can. During a recording session, he must listen to audio from both a musical and a technical perspective, looking for ways to adjust the equipment, recording levels and even the performance of the artist in such a way that the recorded product sounds perfect.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
$27,000 to $150,000+
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
College or technical school background in Sound Engineering or Recording Technology is recommended; apprenticeship in studio in lieu of schooling. Experience in Studio is necessary.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Good musical “ear”; electronic and mechanical inclination; appreciation of music; stamina; ability to work under a great deal of pressure.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Retail Music Sales usually work in stores for generating sales and bringing in revenue for the establishment.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
On average, retail sales associates make $9.50 an hour. If you score a job with a good commission program and have a knack for sales, you can make upwards of $19 an hour; most car salespeople are in this range. On average, retail sales associates make $9.50 an hour. Be aware that some entry-level jobs will start you out as low as minimum wage, which is just $7.25 an hour.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Most entry-level retail sales associate jobs don’t require you to have a degree, but most places will require that you have at least a high school diploma. If you’re interested in someday becoming a manager, a college degree may be required.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
You’ve got to have a lot of patience to make it as a retail sales associate because unfortunately, you will run into your fair share of difficult customers. The most successful sales associates are polite, friendly and have a very outgoing personality. If you’re not a naturally happy person who likes to work with others, then retail sales is not for you.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Work with all the sound elements (dialogue, automated dialogue replacement, Foley, sound effects, atmospheres, and music), and mix them together to create the final soundtrack for a film or television production. They are primarily responsible for ensuring that film sound is correct both technically and stylistically.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
Typical Earnings: $32,450–$67,010.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Technical school, community college, or college training in broadcast technology, electronics, or computer networking provides the best preparation.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Ability to manipulate and work sound for the moving image. Must have the ability to work with strict deadlines; and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Sound Designer interprets the requirements of a production in terms of sound collection. They will work closely with the Production Mixer, Sound Supervisor, the Editor, and the Director to create original sound elements to production requirements, using synthesizers and combinations of sounds.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
Coming in at an entry-level position cans usually start with a salary of $50,000. Once you get over three years of experience you can make $66,000 a year. A sound designer or engineer will make, on the average $74,000 a year, once they have reached six years or more on the job.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
While there are no specific educational requirements for this career, aspiring sound designers can develop the necessary skills and experience at art schools, film schools and universities.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Good communication skills are needed, along with imagination and creative flair to produce original sound elements and effects. The ability to accept direction and work well with others is also important.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A Sound Editor creates the soundtrack by cutting and synchronizing to the picture, sound elements, such as production wild tracks, dialogue tracks, library material and Foley in analog or digital form and presents these to the re-recording mixer for final sound balance.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
The average salary for sound effects editor jobs is $51,000. Average sound effects editor salaries can vary greatly due to company, location, industry, experience and benefits.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Although a related postsecondary degree, certificate or diploma is an asset when seeking employment as a sound effects editor, there are no formal education requirements.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Must be computer literate and have a good working knowledge of sound recording, playback, editing and mixing equipment, also experience in the various soundtrack delivery systems. Excellent hearing and a good sense of timing are required, as are attention to detail and good communication skills.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Special events coordinators add value and assist tin the process of putting together an event that is attended by the public or for a select group of guests. Special events coordinators organize all aspects of an event, and in some cases act as a liaison between the client and vendors. The often perform the tasks of negotiate pricing, pre-selecting options to present to the client and maintaining budgets for the event.
Salary Expectations: The average salary for special events coordinator jobs is $39,000. Average special events coordinator salaries can vary greatly due to company, location, industry, experience and benefits.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Becoming an event coordinator requires at least a Bachelor’s degree in most cases, though the specific subject of the degree can vary greatly and there’s generally plenty of freedom in that aspect – degrees in subjects like marketing, management, public relations and finances are most commonly accepted, and in some cases having a degree related to the company’s subject of work is also beneficial to getting the job.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Must be able to anticipate project needs, discern work priorities, and meet deadlines with little supervision, and be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Theatre stage managers are the essential link between all of the different branches of a theatre company. Their role is to manage rehearsals, actors, directors, designers, props and costume fittings, as well as managing the performances on stage and liaising with the box office and front of house staff. They are responsible for the smooth running of theatre productions.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
The average salary for stage manager jobs is $58,000. Average stage manager salaries can vary greatly due to company, location, industry, experience and benefits.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
There is no absolute degree requirement for a stage manager position, but as in many fields, post-secondary education can only help one’s chances in the job market. A baccalaureate degree in theater performance or theater management would well prepare a graduate for a career as a stage manager.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
A working knowledge of sets, costumes and lighting is advantageous to effectively act as a liaison between the myriad crews in backstage production. It’s particularly important to study direction, since part of a stage manager’s job can be to rehearse and prepare understudies.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A studio manager is in charge of managing all aspects of running a portrait studio, from picture taking to managing and developing staff to meeting and exceeding sales goals.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
On average, a studio manager may be hourly or may be salaried depending on the company. The average salary is $30,000 a year as of August 2010. But salary depends on geographical location and sales goal accomplishments. Typically, health insurance, paid vacation time and a 401K plan are also offered as benefits.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
A high school diploma or GED is required for this position, along with one to three years of retail experience in a supervisory role.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
A studio manager is also expected to be able to drive sales and have good management skills, basic computer knowledge and flexibility to work nights and weekends.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A systems designer works under the direction of a project manager or systems architect and is central to the process of designing, developing and implementing the clearly defined requirements of a new information system. The role involves planning and designing information systems that integrate hardware, software and communication technologies. There are a range of opportunities in sectors as diverse as finance, retail, communications and government.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
Median salaries for systems designers with less than a year of experience ranged from $40,603 to $60,523 as of May 2010. Those with one to four years of experience earned between $43,720 and $64,567, while those with five to nine years of experience earned between $52,616 and $76,187. Systems designers with more than 20 years of experience earned as much as $100,402.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Most systems designers have at least a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, management information systems or a related subject. Many pursue advanced degrees in the subject as well.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Excellent math skills, detail oriented, and patience is a must.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes to prospective employers. A Talent buyer May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
The average salary for a Talent Buyer is $59,000. Average Talent Buyer salaries can vary greatly due to company, location, industry, experience, and benefits.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Strategic, Ability to form good relationships, and organization is required.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The tour manager needs to do all the necessary background work before even booking the shows. The tour manager needs to know where the tour is going (whether it is international, nationwide, coastal, etc.), how the band is getting there (driving, flying, etc.), where the band is staying, what other staff is needed, and all of the costs involved in making it happen.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
The average salary for tour manager jobs is $53,000. Average tour manager salaries can vary greatly due to company, location, industry, experience and benefits.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Experience is most important in this position.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
There are many skills necessary in order to be a successful band tour manager, but perhaps the most important is patience. No matter how much time and preparation go into planning the perfect tour, it is almost guaranteed that something will go wrong. The most important thing is to handle things with a cool head, and always have a back-up plan. It is also important for a band tour manager to have good social skills. Since you are going to be dealing closely with promoters and venues, you will need to be able to keep those contacts.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A Trade Marketing Representative evaluates assigned territory constantly to ensure all business opportunities are being maximized and all trade marketing information and reports are up to date and accurately and provided in a timely fashion.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
The average salary for trade marketing rep jobs is $142,000. Average trade marketing rep salaries can vary greatly due to company, location, industry, experience and benefits.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
This position requires a Business Degree in Marketing and/or 3-5 years of experience in Marketing.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Superior written and verbal communication skills and a solid understanding of retail merchandising.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Video Camera Operator is responsible for physically operating the camera and maintaining composition throughout a given scene or shot. In narrative filmmaking, the camera operator will collaborate with the director, director of photography, actors and crew to make technical and creative decisions. In this setting, a camera operator is part of a camera crew consisting of the director of photography and one or more camera assistants.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
In general, union wages are higher than nonunion wages for motion picture camera operators and assistants. The median annual earnings for camera operators who work full time is $37,610. Some experienced camera operators can earn up to $76,100 per year. Benefits for union members include overtime pay, paid vacations, and retirement plans.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Ability and experience are more important than a degree in this field. Camera operators must have a thorough knowledge of photography, cameras, lenses, and lighting. Training in film and television production is available through vocational school or college courses or through an apprenticeship. Film schools also provide classes on the artistic side of making motion pictures.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Knowledge of and the ability to select appropriate photographic lenses, and other equipment (dollies, camera cranes, etc.) to portray dramatic scenes. The principles of dramatic story telling and film editing fundamentals are important skills as well. The camera operator is required to communicate clearly and concisely on film sets where time and budget constraints are ever present.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Directors are the main creative force in the making of films, television shows, and plays. They are responsible for making a wide range of artistic decisions. Together with the producer, the director hires the actors and staff. It is the director who works with the staff from day to day. Thus, the director must be familiar with all of the technical skills involved in producing a film, television show, or play. Directors usually work in only one art form, although some are more versatile.
SALARY EXPECTATIONS
Earnings vary widely with each production and each director’s contract. Income also depends on the industry as well as the experience and popularity of the individual director. The median income for a director is an estimated $52,840 per year.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION AND TRAINING
There are no formal educational requirements for directors. However, directors must be familiar with all the different aspects of their art form. Many of the technical skills involved are now being taught in college courses. There are many film schools in the United States that offer classroom training and directing opportunities for aspiring directors. Theatrical directors usually have a great deal of acting experience. Filmmakers and television directors, however, usually arrive at directing by learning the technical aspects of the work. To get a job in the programming department of a television station, candidates may need a college degree.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
Great Interpretation of the script. You will also need Excellent planning/coordinating skills. You will also need good coaching skills to direct the actors.
