Music is one of the most powerful forms of self expression and it is an integral part of our lives. No, matter what the situation is, music has the power to uplift our spirits, calm our mind and emotionally connect us.
If you are passionate about music and looking to make a career out of it, then you can pursue various undergraduate (UG), diploma or certificate programs in this field.
There is a myth that says – Musicians are born with natural ability to play music. However recent study has proven that musical talent is a matter of aptitude and not instinct.
Career as a Musician
A musician is a professional artist who specializes in vocal, instrumental, composition, production, or performance arts.
To be a successful musician, aspirants have to master the art of music production, which involves creative aspects and technical skills like recording, editing, mixing, and mastering a track.
Musicians work across industries such as film, television, radio, advertising, live concerts, and independent music platforms.
Not sure what to do after 12th? Learn about the most in-demand courses and career opportunities in 2025–26.
Job Profile after Music Courses
| Jobs | Roles |
| Musician/Performer | Can work as a vocalist or instrumentalist performing in concerts, bands, orchestras |
| Composer/Song Writer | Creating original music and lyrics for films, albums, advertisements, or independent projects. |
| Music Producer | Recording sessions, arranging tracks, and managing the creative direction of music production |
| Sound Engineer | Responsible for recording, mixing, mastering, and sound quality in studios & live performances. |
| Lyricist | Writing meaningful and engaging lyrics for songs |
| Music Teacher | Teaching music in schools, colleges, private academies |
| Conductor | Leading choirs, orchestras, or bands in rehearsals and live performances |
Skills Required
A musical artist has to develop a blend of artistic, technical, and professional skills:
- Technical and Creative skills
- Core music skills
- Performance and Communication
- Attention to detail
- A strong sense of the aesthetics of the sound
Music Courses after 12th
Candidates interested in music, can pursue a wide range of courses. Most of the music courses are available as a specialization in arts degree program.
Candidates can pursue master’s programs in music, and enroll in certification/training courses in a particular musical instrument(s).
Here is the list of top music courses after 12th:
Undergraduate Courses (UG)
- B.A. in Music (Vocal/Instrumental/Classical/Hindustani/Carnatic)
- B.A. (Hons) in Music
- BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in Music
- B.P.A. (Bachelor of Performing Arts) – Music
- B.Mus (Bachelor of Music)
- B.Sc. in Sound Engineering & Music Production
Learn About – Arts & Humanities Courses after 12th
Postgraduate Courses (PG)
- M.A. in Music (Vocal/Instrumental/Applied Music)
- M.Mus (Master of Music)
- MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in Music
- M.P.A. (Master of Performing Arts) – Music
- M.Sc. in Sound Engineering & Audio Technology
Also Check – Career in Visual Arts
Diploma & Certificate Courses
- Diploma in Music Production & Sound Engineering
- Diploma in Indian Classical Music
- Diploma in Western Music
- Certificate Course in Music Performance
- Certificate in Playback Singing
- Certificate in Music Therapy
Eligibility Criteria for Music Courses after 12th
Candidates can check the eligibility criteria for various UG & PG courses in Music:
For Undergraduate Courses
To pursue undergraduate programs, candidates should have passed class 12th or equivalent with atleast 50% marks (varies with university) from a recognized board.
For Postgraduate Courses
For PG programmes, candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject.
For Diploma and Certificate Courses
Candidates must have passed class 12th or equivalent examination in any stream from a recognised board with a minimum of 50% marks.
Top Colleges and Universities
Top colleges/institutes offering courses in music are listed below:
- KM Music Conservatory, Chennai
- Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music (SAM), Chennai
- Shankar Mahadevan Academy
- Bhatkhande Music Institute, Lucknow
- Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh
- Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata
- Delhi School of Music, New Delhi
- Faculty of Music and Fine Arts, University of Delhi
- Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Prayagraj
- University of Madras – Department of Indian Music, Chennai
- Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Pune & New Delhi
- Sangeet Natak Akademi
- Kurukshetra University – Department of Music and Dance, Haryana
- University of Calcutta – Department of Music, Kolkata
- University of Mysore – Department of Performing Arts, Karnataka
- Banaras Hindu University (Faculty of Performing Arts), Varanasi
- Annamalai University (Department of Music), Tamil Nadu
- Aligarh Muslim University – Department of Fine Arts, Uttar Pradesh
Career Scope and Job Opportunities
Music is a part of entertainment industry and offers diverse opportunities to the candidates depending on person’s skill, interest and specialisation.
The entertainment industry in India and around is growing significantly due to the rise of digital platforms like social media, YouTube, Spotify, Apple music etc.
The opportunities for fresher’s exist not only in performance but also in composition, production, teaching, and research.
Today, a young music graduates can explore opportunities in Independent music, reality shows, and OTT platforms.
For seasoned professionals the demand are always high with the big entertainment companies, musical projects and startups across the globe.
Top Recruiters
Here are the list of top recruiters that hire music professionals:
- Film & Entertainment Industry (Bollywood & Regional Film Industries)
- Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar (OTT platforms)
- Yash Raj Films, Dharma Productions
- Music Labels & Production Houses
- T-Series
- Sony Music India
- Saregama India
- Universal Music Group
- Zee Music Company
- Tips Industries
- TV & Reality Shows
- Indian Idol
- Sa Re Ga Ma Pa
- The Voice of India
- MTV India
- BookMyShow Live
Salary of a Musician in India
The salary of a professional working in the music industry depends on factors such as the type of work, performance platform, popularity and the level of experience.
The earnings of individuals vary with their role—whether they are performers, composers, teachers, or sound engineers.
A beginner in the music field may start their career with an income of ₹3 LPA – ₹5 LPA through teaching, local performances, or studio work.
In established roles such as music directors, producers, or lead performers, professionals can expect salaries in the range of ₹6 LPA – ₹15 LPA or more, depending on demand and reputation.
Apart from fixed salaries, musicians often earn through live shows, royalties, brand endorsements, and collaborations, which can significantly increase their income.
The remuneration for musicians outside India is also attractive, and professionals with international exposure and experience can expect highly rewarding packages.
Below are the salary structure of musician, under various job profiles:
| Job Profile | Average Salary |
| Composer/Music Producer | ₹6-12 LPA |
| Sound Engineer | ₹3-6 LPA |
| Music Teacher / Professor | ₹5-9 LPA |
| Playback Singer | ₹9-12 LPA or Project Basis |
| Orchestra / Band Performer | ₹5-10 LPA |
Books & Study Materials
Candidates can refer the below mentioned books for pursuing a career in music:
1001 Songs by Robert Dimery
Acharya Tanarang Ki Bandishen by Acharya V.G. Ringe
Geet Manjiri by Vinaychandra Moudgalya
Music in North India: Experiencing Music, Expressing Culture (Global Music Series) by George E. Ruckert
The Dawn of Indian Music in the West (Paperback) by Peter Lavezzoli
The Raga Guide: A Survey Of 74 Hindustani Ragas (Paperback) by Savarnalata Rao
Music and Musical Thought in Early India (Hardcover) by Lewis Eugene Rowell
FAQ’s
If you have any other query about Career as a Musician, feel free to ask your queries below.