music career research project

Music Industry Library Pathways Into Music Research

Pathways into music guide 01: mapping music careers, by chris cooke | last updated: february 2020.

Pathways Into Music is a major multi-year research project from CMU that is mapping music careers and exploring the respective role of music education and the music industry in supporting future music talent.

CMU is sharing the findings of this research through a series of guides.

This first guide provides an introduction to the Pathways Into Music project and describes in more detail the career pathway taken by a frontline artist – from hobbyist to headliner in ten steps.

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Music Careers Research Paper and Poster Project

This set of worksheets will guide your students through the research process on music careers. The end product will be a research paper and poster project.

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This set of worksheets will guide your students through the research process on music careers. The end product will be a research paper and poster project. The poster project provides an authentic assessment opportunity by which students will act as a hiring manager and create a job advertisement poster for the career they researched. Includes a ready to print rubric as well as an editable PowerPoint rubric.

Included in this set:

Career suggestion list

Music careers exploration worksheet

Source suggestion list (with editable PowerPoint)

Music careers guided research questions worksheet

Worksheet to gather sources

Outline (2 options – one general and one guided)

Rough Draft

Final Draft

Sources used page

Bibliography page

Help Wanted Poster prompt with brainstorming activity

Help Wanted Poster prompt on half sheet without brainstorming activity

Rubric with option for Help Wanted Poster checklist (editable PowerPoint and ready to print options)

***Please note that fonts are not included in the editable PowerPoints but directions on how to download them for personal use are

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Trade Schools Home > Articles > Careers in Music

22 Great Careers in Music (Including Cool Jobs for Non-Musicians)

By Publisher | Last Updated June 27, 2024

Careers in music are as varied as the numerous musical genres the industry now supports. Even if you're not a performer, many career options are available in this exciting and evolving sector. Plus, although the music business has changed a lot in recent years, new developments are leading to an upswing in opportunities.

Music is a fast-paced, competitive business. So, it's important to know your talents, abilities, and interests and to adapt to new trends and technologies. That way, you can start and sustain a successful career.

This article provides a diverse list of jobs in the music industry. You'll discover a wide range of career possibilities. Plus, you'll get tips on launching your career and making money as a performer at a time when listeners have so much free access to music.

• 22 great jobs for musicians and music enthusiasts
• How to get started in the music industry as a performer
• How to launch a career in the business side of the music industry
• How to make money as a musician in the digital era

22 Great Jobs for Musicians and Music Enthusiasts

But not all music-related jobs require musical talent. Many jobs in the music industry involve doing essential tasks behind the scenes. So even if you're not a performer, you can get into the music industry by aligning your skills and interests with other types of music careers.

The following list features good jobs for musicians as well as appealing jobs for people who may not have musical abilities but still want to work in this dynamic industry.

1. Entertainment Lawyer

What is one of the first things a performer should do if he or she is offered a recording contract? Talk to a lawyer. Entertainment lawyers help manage the legal aspects of performing careers. In music-business law, an attorney's duties can include:

• Writing performance contracts
• Dealing with copyright issues
• Ensuring that publishing and licensing agreements are satisfactory
• Overseeing intellectual property concerns

2. Music Producer

Would you like to be the creative visionary who oversees the production of a song or album? As a producer in the sound recording industry, you could coordinate many aspects of a musical recording to create a polished final piece. You may also get to choose the other people who work on a project, such as the sound engineers or background musicians.

Producers don't have to be musicians themselves, but they do need to know a lot about technology and music. And they need a good sense of what sells. In addition, working with performers requires outstanding diplomacy. That's because artists often see their songs as part of themselves and can be reluctant to make changes to their material.

New technology has changed this career. As just one example, it's no longer necessary to do production work in a professional studio. The term "bedroom producer" refers to producers who work in other places (not necessarily their bedrooms, but often in their own homes) with their own equipment.

Those developments make this career more accessible than ever. It's also more specialized: Some musical projects involve several producers, with a few focusing on the vocal elements of a recording and others on the instrumental parts. As a result, a single song might have as many as 12 producers. And some music producers don't work with musicians or singers at all. Instead, they create their own music using special software.

All told, it's an exciting time to be a music producer. How much you earn will likely depend on the demand for your services and the success of the projects you work on.

3. Artists' and Performers' Manager

Performers want to focus on their music. At the onset of their careers, they may have to juggle the business aspects themselves. But when they become more successful, most musicians are happy to hand off those administrative and management duties to a qualified professional.

Managers make business decisions and coordinate the logistics of performances and recordings. But that's a pretty simple explanation for what can be a wide range of tasks, including scheduling, negotiating contracts, and even settling disputes between band members.

You become someone's manager by learning as much as possible about how the music industry works and how to manage a business. Many aspiring managers start learning the ropes by getting internships at a record label. Once you have a solid base of understanding, you can approach performers that you feel have potential. Keeping an eye on your local music scene will help you identify opportunities.

Managers typically earn a percentage of what a new or emerging band or musical artist makes (minus expenses). That percentage is often lower for managers of established or better-known performers.

4. Artists' and Performers' Agent

Agents book performers' live appearances at events such as concerts or festivals. They also arrange things like commercials or sponsorships. Agents usually earn a percentage of what a concert or other appearance brings in. But because they aren't usually involved in recording projects, they don't get a share of music sales.

You don't need a degree to be a music agent, but completing a business, marketing, or event planning program is a good idea. As with other music-business careers, knowing the intricacies of today's music industry can help you make connections.

Do you want to share your love of music by playing amazing remixes and crowd favorites at parties, nightclubs, and special events? DJing is a creative career with plenty of potential for growth. In fact, some DJs have become celebrities in their own right.

You need strong tech skills to be a DJ today. But a lot of this career also comes to down practicing consistently, building a reputation, and loving music. To get started, you can find free open-source mixing software on the Web. And some schools offer programs that are specifically focused on DJing or music production. When you feel ready to share your talents, start making connections with people who can help you find gigs and get your name out there.

6. Video Game Composer or Sound Designer

Do you love both music and video games? If so, you know how music can shape players' gaming experiences. As the gaming industry continues to grow, new opportunities are becoming available in video game development, including jobs for composers who create the music that sets the mood.

As a video game composer, you get to be creative. Since the action in a game depends on a player's choices, the musical composition must be adaptable and easily broken down into distinct pieces.

Many composers also do sound-design work for games. About 80 percent of game audio professionals have at least a bachelor's degree, according to GameSoundCon .

7. Public Relations (PR) Specialist

As a music fan, you may have noticed that some very talented musicians haven't gained as much success as you think they deserve. (And you can probably name some who are far more successful than they should be!) What makes the difference? The answer often lies in the effectiveness of their public relations.

PR specialists in the music industry help position their clients for success. They come up with promotional tactics and think of ideas for "branding" musical acts. A typical day's work could include writing press releases, managing social media accounts, and thinking of other creative ways to get performers' names to stick in the minds of the public.

Many music PR pros have completed a public relations or business program. But real-world experience is also essential. So if you're a fan of a local band and feel it deserves more of the public's attention, offer to help the musicians get noticed. Even if you start out on a volunteer basis, you'll gain valuable experience. (And if they end up hitting the big time, you could be part of something huge.)

8. Singer or Musician

Do you dream of performing for a living? If so, you're not alone. Singing and working as a musician are among the most popular careers in music. But you may have a lot of competition. Formal training and a willingness to work hard (sometimes without pay) can help you rise to the top.

As a singer, you can be a solo performer or the frontperson of a band. You can also specialize in a particular area of vocal performance, such as:

• Opera or musical theater
• Background singing
• Session singing (i.e., working "for hire"—usually without being publicly credited—on projects such as commercials or TV shows)

Similarly, jobs for musicians can involve performing as part of a large orchestra, as a member of a band, or as a solo performer. Some specialities include:

• Cruise ship musician
• Accompanist (i.e., playing alongside other musicians or for dancers and singers)
• Session musician
• Classical musician

When it comes to how much money musicians and singers get paid, the "average" earnings aren't very meaningful because the range is so huge. Consider this: One of the top-earning individual singers in 2023 was Taylor Swift, whose music made an astonishing $461 million . But on the other end of the spectrum, buskers make just $50 to $100 a day, according to Berklee College of Music.

Because there are many variables and uncertainties, it can be difficult to predict how well a performance career will pay. So, it's often a good idea to have a "back-up plan" or another job while you're breaking into the industry.

9. Music Publisher

Once a song is written, someone must make it available and ensure that those who composed it receive fair compensation when it gets used commercially or performed by other artists. That's the job of music publishers. They help find performers for a song, make sure the song's licensing is in place, and deal with contracts and royalties.

Music publishers need to know the ins and outs of the music industry, including copyright laws, how royalties work, and distribution practices. They also need to be good at networking since personal relationships are important in this career.

That's a lot to deal with, especially given the ever-changing nature of today's music scene. It isn't surprising that many people in this career have earned business degrees or completed a program specifically focused on the music business and/or music production. One advantage of such programs is that, in addition to teaching aspiring publishers the basics of the industry, they also often provide opportunities to make important connections.

10. Film composer

Film composers write original scores for movies or TV shows. For smaller productions, they are often also responsible for recording the scores.

It's important to remember that film composers write music for specific scripts. This is different from many other kinds of musical composition in which the composer or songwriter writes the music first, then finds someone to perform it. In other words, you need to adjust to the demands of the film's producers and directors, and you need a good relationship with them. That's one reason why some famous and long-standing composer-director relationships exist, such as the one between Danny Elfman and Tim Burton.

A few schools offer film-scoring majors, but taking a broader film or music production program can also provide a good start. Just keep in mind that film composers rarely begin their careers by scoring major motion pictures. Be ready to work your way up, starting with projects like commercials or student films.

11. Sound Engineering Technician

Help create the best audio experiences possible, at concerts, on recordings, and for TV and movie soundtracks. If you enjoy technology and hands-on work, a career in sound engineering is well worth pursuing.

Of course, this music-industry career is heavily influenced by technological advances. So post-secondary training is a good way to learn the tools of the trade.

12. Songwriter

Do you ever find yourself singing or humming the same song over and over? Songwriters are responsible for those catchy lyrics and melodies. Some performers write their own songs, but many others perform tunes that were written by professional songwriters.

Of course, it takes more than musical and lyrical talents to succeed in this career. Selling your songs to performers can be complicated (and competitive), so music-business classes are beneficial. In addition, many songwriters submit their songs through demo tapes, so having the technical tools and knowledge to record solid demos can help you stand out.

Songwriters often work with music publishers or agents to get their music in front of performers. Some songwriters only write lyrics, while others focus on the musical aspects. Others write both music and lyrics. It all depends on their talents and writing interests.

The financial proceeds from a song are often split between the various parties involved in recording or performing it. But how much you earn (and how you get paid) depends a lot on where your songs are played or how they're sold.

According to the Nashville Songwriters Association International , songwriters also earn money each time a song is sold on CD or purchased and downloaded digitally. (But that money must be split among all of the song's writers and shared with the song's publisher.) In addition, if a song is played on AM or FM radio (but not on satellite radio) or performed by someone else publicly, the songwriter is paid each time. (Interestingly, the performer is not paid if a song is played on AM or FM radio.)

"Sync revenues" are paid if a song is used in a commercial, video game, movie, or TV show. These earnings are split equally between the performer and the songwriter.

Taking all of these factors into account, it's clear that the amount of money a songwriter makes from a song depends a lot on what happens after it's recorded. A hit song that is used in a commercial or movie can make a songwriter millions of dollars. But those situations are relatively rare. Even a fairly successful song might not make its writer very much money.

However, some lobbyists are working to increase the revenues that songwriters earn, so keep a close eye on developments in this field.

13. Conductor or Music Director

Would you like to guide the performances of other musicians or singers? Conductors (also called music directors) are the leaders of musical groups like orchestras and choirs. By directing shows and giving constructive feedback during rehearsals, they help inspire musicians and singers to give their best performances. They are also responsible for things like auditioning performers and selecting the music to be performed.

Conductors typically need a master's degree to work with a symphony. A bachelor's degree is often required for directing a choir. In order to relate to the performers that they direct, good conductors should know how to play at least one instrument.

14. Music Supervisor

A good soundtrack can make or break a TV show, movie, video game, or commercial. It's the job of a music supervisor to make sure that the music enhances the action on screen. As a music supervisor, you select the music that will accompany a scene. That means you need a good ear and an encyclopedic knowledge of music.

But there's more to this career than being able to pick out tunes. You often must negotiate the licensing rights for music, which can be a complex process. And it helps to have training in film or video game development.

15. Concert Promoter

Visualize the best concert you've ever attended. It was probably made possible by a clever promoter. People with this occupation organize live concerts, festivals, and other performances. They book venues, decide on pricing, and take care of many other logistics to get singers and musicians onstage.

Due to the popularity of free online streaming services, performers rely on concerts for a greater share of their income than they did in the past. That can be good news for concert promoters.

However, large concert-promoting organizations like Live Nation have made this a competitive career. But for a successful tour, the rewards can be high. The success of a concert impacts how much the promoter makes. And it's important to take the high cost of putting on a concert into account. After all, promoters sometimes have to invest their own money up front.

How can you get started? An event planning background is helpful. And if you notice any gaps in your local live music scene, you could organize a show that attracts an underserved audience. Of course, as with many other careers in the music business, you may have to start out by working for low wages (or even for free), but you'll have the perk of seeing a good show that you helped put together.

16. Music Therapist

As a music lover, you've probably experienced its healing powers many times. Music can help people learn how to express themselves, improve their cognitive function, and enable them to become better at dealing with stress.

Music therapy can be an especially effective form of counseling for people who have trouble with speech. But anyone can benefit from music therapy; clients don't need any musical abilities. However, you should be a skilled musician to work as a music therapist.

In addition to having a love for music, you become a music therapist by obtaining a bachelor's degree in music therapy from a program that is approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA). Most programs include an internship. After completing a music therapy program, you must pass a certification exam.

17. Music Teacher

Share your passion for music with others by teaching students how to sing or play an instrument. Music teachers can work in schools or give private lessons.

In general, to teach in a school, you must be a licensed teacher who has completed a teaching program . But the exact requirements vary by state and the type of school (i.e., public vs. private), so be sure to research the regulations for your area.

If you don't want to be a full-time instructor in the school system, teaching private lessons is one of the best day jobs for musicians who need to supplement their performance income. One big perk is that private music teachers have flexibility in setting their hours, so this is a good job to fit around performances. And music teachers make decent money when doing private lessons since they often charge by the hour.

Private teachers can work in music studios or music stores that offer lessons. Or they can find their own students and work out of their homes or private studios.

Of course, you need to be patient and have excellent communication skills for any kind of teaching. And it goes without saying that you should be a very competent musician with a good grasp of music theory and technique.

18. Music Journalist

It's true that anyone can post a review of a concert or album online, and this is definitely a competitive field. But having a subject-matter niche and developing a distinct voice can help you get noticed, which may lead to good-paying opportunities with popular music publications or websites. And the good news is that it's easier than ever to share your work. For example, you could start a blog dedicated to your favorite musical genre.

19. Instrument Repairer and Tuner

Performers need to have perfectly tuned instruments that are in good condition to do their best work. So, they frequently turn to specialists when an instrument is broken or sounds "off." Musical instrument repairers and tuners often specialize in one type of instrument (for example, string, wood, reed, or percussion instruments).

You need a good ear and extensive musical knowledge to succeed in this kind of career. But a background in skilled trades can also help you prepare for the more detailed and mechanical parts of keeping an instrument in good condition. Many people start learning this trade through hands-on apprenticeships. It can take years of on-the-job experience to fully master the craft.

20. A&R Representative

A&R stands for artists and repertoire. An A&R rep usually works for a record label and helps the label find new artists. Once a new artist is signed, the A&R person helps oversee the artist's development.

The work of A&R reps increasingly relies on the analytics of digital streaming platforms. In other words, they watch for trends on platforms such as Spotify to identify unsigned artists who are becoming popular.

Some A&R people get their start by doing unpaid work as "scouts" looking for talented performers. Others complete internships (which may or may not be paid). Many record labels prefer to hire people with a college degree. But that degree can be in anything that is at least somewhat relevant to the industry, such as music production, marketing, or the arts and humanities.

21. Concert Security Guard

Keeping performers and their fans safe at concerts is an important responsibility. After all, some concerts can get pretty wild. Security guards must break up fights, keep an eye out for trouble, make sure nobody sneaks in without a ticket, and ensure that unwanted weapons aren't present. All of those tasks require paying close attention. However, many security guards enjoy the exciting vibe of live shows and the chance to hear some of the music. And some experienced guards eventually get hired as security managers for particular tours or musical acts.

Law enforcement training can help you prepare for this kind of job. It also helps to be in good physical condition.

22. Concert Technician (Roadie)

Do you want to travel and experience the band lifestyle, without performing? Roadies do essential work behind the scenes of a tour. For people who like variety and physical work, some of the best jobs in the entertainment industry are roadie jobs.

Roadies are key members of touring teams. For a smaller act, a roadie might wear many hats to take care of the various tasks that support a performance. For larger musical acts, roadies often specialize in one of several roles:

• Lighting technicians make sure that spotlights, lasers, and other lighting effects are in place, and they manage them during the show. In addition to a solid knowledge of how to work with electrical technology, you should be comfortable with heights if you want to be a lighting technician.
• Set designers get the stage ready for a performance. They can also manage special effects like fog or smoke and arrange elements such as harnesses that lift performers into the air or projectors that display images on screens.
• Front of house (FOH) engineers are responsible for the sound of a concert. They typically work at a console in the audience. This is hands-on, very technical work. So you need to be good at thinking on your feet and solving problems quickly. Programs in sound engineering or music production can help you learn some of the required skills.
• Instrument technicians ensure that all of the instruments for a show are perfectly tuned, in good condition, and in the right place. Larger bands may have instrument techs who specialize in particular instruments. But in all cases, there's little room for error since a problem with an instrument can impact the enjoyment of a concert.
• Merchandisers sell shirts, albums, and other souvenirs as part of the "merch crew."

Working as a roadie can also be a stepping stone to more prominent roles in entertainment. For example, rapper Tupac Shakur, guitarist David Gilmour (from Pink Floyd), and actor Harrison Ford all worked as roadies at the start of their careers.

You may have noticed that all those examples are men. The roadie world has traditionally been male dominated. But that's starting to change, with more females taking on roles in musical tours.

This can be physical work done at a demanding pace. But working as a roadie is also a great way to make money while traveling. On-the-job training is often the best way to learn the ropes. Many people begin by helping out with community events or school performances.

How to Get Started in the Music Industry as a Performer

Plus, the growing importance of social media has opened up even more opportunities. You've probably heard some of the stories. For example, Justin Bieber's career started when his mom posted videos for his relatives to watch on YouTube. The Weeknd was also discovered on YouTube (and his initial videos didn't even show his face). And Adele was signed to a record label after a demo she made was posted on MySpace.

But you'll need to create your own path to success because there aren't any straightforward "rules" about what it takes to be discovered. To pursue music as a career, you need to learn from your favorite artists, but you shouldn't copy them and expect the same results. For better or worse, there's an element of luck (and often timing) in the music industry.

The good news is that new platforms have removed the gatekeepers to the recording industry. So, it's possible to record music on your own and make it available to millions of potential listeners. You can also connect directly with your fans. Simply put, the tools for worldwide exposure are already available to you. Your job is to use them.

How can you increase your odds of success? Again, you won't find a simple formula. But here are some general tips:

1. Have a clear vision and something to say.

What kind of music do you want to make? Who is your ideal listener? Succeeding in music isn't always about who has the best voice or writes the catchiest song. After all, music is an experience, not a product. Make it an authentic experience and you will connect with more fans. What message do you want to give them? If you know what you want to convey to your listeners, you can have a better relationship with them.

2. Look after the details.

Is your name memorable? Does your "look" match your sound? In today's image-conscious world, these things are important. (Perhaps they are more important than they should be, but you have to acknowledge the reality of today's cultural environment.) Listen to any constructive feedback you get from listeners.

3. Make sure you stand out.

Thousands of acts take the stage every night across North America. What makes you stand out? Why are you unique? Having something that makes you different from every other act out there will help people remember you.

4. Perfect your craft.

As much as everyone says that today's music is about style over substance, the fact remains that you'll have better odds of success if you can create the best sound possible. If you're not the best you can be, consider further music lessons. (And be honest with yourself or ask someone you trust for candid feedback.) A few short lessons can make a huge difference if you're focused on improving specific weaknesses.

5. Make your demos or videos as polished as possible.

This may require hiring outside help for things like sound mixing or editing. But you know the old saying: You only get one chance to make a good first impression. If you can't afford to hire a professional to work on your demo or video, consider asking friends who aspire to work in the music business. Or look at freelance contracting sites like Freelancer .

6. Stay visible.

Think of the many ways you can put yourself in the public eye, such as by hosting contests, participating in talent shows, performing in coffee shops or other small venues, posting performances on social media, or sending demos to local radio stations. And be creative when looking for performance jobs. (In music-industry history, you can find many stories of successful performers who took extraordinary risks in order to get noticed, find their audiences, and start earning money from paying gigs or record contracts.)

How to Launch a Career in the Business Side of the Music Industry

However, it can be challenging to get a foothold in the music industry. Jobs at the entry level aren't always easy to find, since so many music fans want to be part of the business.

So how can you get started? Here are some simple guidelines:

1. Define your goals.

What exactly do you want to do? Working in the music industry is a popular dream, but you'll have more luck finding a position if you narrow your job search and focus your preparation. For instance, are you interested in working with equipment and the technical aspects of a performance? Or does crunching the numbers sound appealing?

As you consider how to get a job in the music industry, start by thinking of the people you admire. Research their career paths. (LinkedIn can be a good tool for research.) Or discover career options you haven't considered by thinking of your favorite performers and finding out who supports their careers. (Artists' and performers' websites often have this information.)

2. Research job options beyond the obvious.

Spotify, Apple, Live Nation, and other well-known companies may be great places to work. But hundreds of smaller companies also support the industry, and they may not be inundated with resumes like the big players are.

3. Get industry experience.

You're probably aware of the classic job-search conundrum of needing job experience in order to get your first job. This dynamic is particularly common in the music industry.

As a result, many entry-level positions in the music industry are unpaid. For example, a common way to get your foot in the door is through an internship. But many internships don't pay. However, you will acquire valuable experience during an internship, and you can make good connections. (As with many other industries, opportunities in music often come down to who you know.)

Still, if you decide to work for free, be aware of your rights and know your limits. Make sure you're actually learning valuable skills instead of doing meaningless tasks that nobody else wants to do. Ask questions and volunteer to do the things that will help with your long-term goals. And if you find that you're not actually learning anything, consider moving on.

4. Don't be afraid to start at the bottom.

As with performance careers, climbing the music-business ladder requires some patience. To get a job at a major record label, you often have to start at an entry-level position, then work your way up. Even if you've completed an entertainment management program, you will likely need to accumulate some industry experience before taking on a management role.

So never think that you're too good for a certain job. Your first music-industry job might be working as an usher or being part of a street team (i.e., the people who do things like hand out flyers before a concert). Or you might submit concert reviews to a blog or volunteer at a community or campus radio station. Just keep your eyes on your long-term goals and remember that even entry-level jobs can teach you something useful.

5. Use your connections.

Do you know any aspiring musicians? They would probably appreciate your help. Offer to assist with the many tasks that are required to get their music heard (for example, designing or maintaining a website, arranging performances, or assisting with social media). Always keep in mind that, no matter your end goal, many of the connections you make early on will be essential for your success. For instance, you become an entertainment manager by jumping right in and learning the industry from the ground up.

How to Make Money as a Musician in the Digital Era

As you can see, a lot of people listen to music for free. Not too long ago, many industry insiders were predicting that this free-music paradigm would effectively kill the music business. But after a short dip, the industry is now thriving.

According to a 2024 global music report , performers make close to 35 percent of the money brought in by the music industry.

Physical sales of CDs used to be profitable for musicians. But unsurprisingly, CD sales have declined rapidly in recent years. (However, vinyl sales have increased.) Now that more people stream music, artists generally don't make as much money from the music they record.

But insiders say that comparing CD sales to streaming revenues is an apples-and-oranges comparison. Instead, as a musician, you may need to reframe how you think about making money. Simply put, you're no longer just selling physical things like CDs. You now have the ability to offer something more.

Consider this: When a person buys a CD, money is only exchanged once. He or she may listen to the CD a few times, or it may become a favorite. But once the CD is purchased, the transaction is finished.

But with streaming, the transaction can keep repeating. And as an artist, you can continue to make money. For example, fans can now:

• Create a video on YouTube using your music. (YouTube's Content ID system can track the use of copyrighted music and pay the copyright holder when his or her music is used in a video.)
• Add a song to a playlist (so the odds of it being streamed repeatedly increase)
• Share a song with friends, thereby creating additional "transactions"

Musicians also make money when the rights to a song are sold for use in a TV show, video game, or movie. And concert touring has emerged as the biggest source of revenue for musicians.

So how can aspiring musicians create a successful career in this new paradigm? Here's a key tip: Know your fans.

Social media can play a big role in encouraging fans to create their own experiences with your music. But you need to know which platforms your fans prefer, as well as how they use them. Think about the ways you can connect with fans online and at your shows. And learn what kinds of concerts and festivals your ideal fan would attend. Fortunately, social media makes this kind of info readily available.

In addition, a long-standing reality of making money in the music business is that you may have to do other work while building your music career. That's why so many musicians have other jobs in addition to performing. Good day jobs for musicians are any positions with flexible hours that don't interfere with their performances.

Some performers prefer to have part-time jobs that involve music, such as teaching music or working in a bar that hosts live performances. Others like to do something completely different, perhaps as a break from music. Either way, working at another job to supplement your income doesn't mean you've failed as a musician. Even legendary musician and composer Philip Glass worked as a plumber and cab driver well into his musical career.

Create Your Own Path

As you can see, there are many careers in music for both performers and non-performers. Do you have what it takes to succeed in this exciting industry?

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Music Cognition as a Career Path

Music Cognition is an interdisciplinary field of research that encompasses several areas of study including music, psychology, neuroscience, music therapy, music theory, musicology, computer science and linguistics. Those who work in the field are considered to be music scientists.

by David John Baker

Each music scientist’s job description varies, but one thing they all have in common is the goal of understanding music through empirical research.

Music scientists ask questions about music and conduct research that either affirms or shatters current notions that we hold about the world of music and how it works. They may look into questions such as:

• Why does a piece of music send shivers down my spine?
• How can I improve the way I practice?
• Is there a way to use music to help stroke patients learn to speak again? (Hint: there is.)
• Does music make you smarter? Or do smart kids just happen to take music lessons?
• What’s going on in the brain during improvisation?
• Why does music from a different culture sound ‘out of tune’ to my ears?
• Which came first, music or language?

Value of a Music Degree for Studying Music Cognition

Students who major in music are presented with a wealth of opportunities to learn valuable skills that are difficult to obtain later on.

Spending your undergraduate years attempting to master an instrument, performing in ensembles, training your ear, and studying music history and theory provides you with skills and knowledge that you can draw on your entire career.

Opportunities for designing experiments and crunching numbers are available at most stages of your career, but opportunities to immerse yourself in a highly concentrated music environment are quite few and far between after your undergraduate years.

Am I a Good Fit for Music Cognition?

While music scientists vary greatly in their backgrounds, experiences, and interests, there are a few qualities that they should possess:

1. Curiosity First and foremost, any scientist, regardless of their field, should have an insatiable curiosity about the world around them. If you find yourself asking questions about music and how it fits into the bigger puzzle of life, it’s a fantastic starting point.

2. Love of Reading and Writing Unlike music performance, the music scientist’s work culminates in writing their findings in reports, journals, and books. Except for an  occasional conference, most of the knowledge in the science world is passed through the written word. Your ability to communicate your ideas and understand the ideas of others will either make or break your career.

3. Math and Computer Savvy While many musicians cringe at the thought of math beyond counting to four, music scientists’ work is steeped heavily in statistical analysis and using technology to support the validity of their research.  Observation and data drive the research, and a music scientist needs to be able to use tools to convert the numbers into something tangible.

4. Passion for Music If you love what you do, whatever you do will never feel like work. It is important that you let your passion for music drive your curiosity. If you’re lukewarm about music, the work will quickly turn into drudgery.

5. Other Interests Although a music scientist investigates how music fits into the grand scheme of things, you cannot accomplish that in a vacuum. You must be able to devote time to learning about brain science, psychology, statistics, experimental design, computer programming and wherever else the rabbit hole of research leads you to discover the answers (and generate the questions) you’ll need.

Career Options for Music Cognition

Since the field of Music Cognition is relatively new, you won’t find many job listings for “music scientists.” But don’t let that discourage you from pursuing a career in this field. The job you ultimately end up with is going to be largely determined by the set of skills you have developed throughout your education.

Bachelor’s Degree Few schools offer undergraduate programs in Music Cognition. Music Cognition laboratories (see “Resources”) offer another way to gain experience in the field. Upon graduation, you may be able to find work as a lab/research assistant or use the skills you acquire in an entrepreneurial way. Most likely, you will be pursuing graduate education.

Master’s/PhD Most of the top music scientists work in academia. They have completed a certain degree of postgraduate education and although they are music scientists at heart, they look like music theorists, musicologists, educators, or performers on paper. Once they secure a job at the university level, they go on to work on many of their music science-related projects.

If academia is not the place for you, there are options for the technologically- and statistically-savvied musician in music industry: music marketing research, working for a music website, or working with an advertising company.

How to Increase Your Employment Options

The best way to increase your employment options in Music Cognition is to start with the end goal in mind. If you know you want to end up in academia, keep an eye out for job postings in the current market and tailor your skills accordingly throughout your education.

If you want to work in music marketing research, contact potential employers or people you know who do what you imagine yourself doing, and figure out what skills you need to learn. Experience working in labs, crunching numbers, and learning to program, as well as just becoming a fantastic, multi-talented musician will add to your employability.

Music Cognition is a fascinating field of study.  It is a wonderful marriage between music and science.  For some, the idea of looking at music under the microscope seems antithetical to everything that ‘music’ is. To others, discovering answers to questions that create more questions makes it all the more beautiful.

David John Baker is currently a PhD student at Louisiana State University working in the Music Cognition and Computation Lab. He completed an MSc. in Music, Mind and Brain at Goldsmiths, University of London and holds a BM in Instrumental Performance from  Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Music.

Q & A with Richard Ashley

Associate professor, Music Theory and Cognition, and chair, Department of Music Studies at  Northwestern University Bienen School of Music .

What kinds of jobs have your graduates found?

Music Cognition is a research discipline, so academia is the primary place to look for jobs. However, students with training in Music Cognition find employment in a wide range of fields. My former students include an award-winning jazz musician, a computer science researcher/administrator, a fiction author, a lawyer, and an array of academics as well. The key ingredient is students identifying their strengths and passions and developing the life skills which allow them to pursue those. Training in creative research can be a good part of that educational process.

Do you need a PhD to work in Music Cognition?

Usually a career in Music Cognition—that is to say as a researcher—would require a PhD. The kinds of positions one can hold with a bachelor’s or master’s degree would typically be personnel who assist in researchers’ laboratories, such as lab managers. These can be good jobs but most young people who have those kinds of positions eventually want to move to posts with more responsibility and thus seek more advanced degrees.

What should prospective students look for in a school for studying music cognition?

Music Cognition is an interdisciplinary field, so I believe that a key element in a student’s education is learning from faculty and more advanced students in different academic areas. At Northwestern, we have a relatively small Music Theory/Cognition faculty (four ‘research’ faculty members) but a wide and deep network connecting us to faculty in other departments, including Psychology, Neuroscience, Linguistics, Computer Science, Philosophy, and other disciplines which contribute to the umbrella area of Cognitive Science. That model has worked well for us and our students.

Society for Music Perception and Cognition (SMPC)   An organization for researchers and others interested in music perception and cognition.

Rubicks October 10, 2022 at 10:15 am

Hi, I looking to pursue this field of music cognition, could someone help me out in finding which colleges offer a masters program in this field.

MajoringInMusic October 10, 2022 at 12:16 pm

We suggest that you investigate these participating schools and use their forms to ask questions: Northwestern Bienen School of Music, McGill University Schulich School of Music (check their Music Technology program), Eastman School of Music. Also check out Goldsmiths at U of London and McMaster University. For additional information, look for the Music Cognition Labs associated with the Society for Music Perception and Cognition. You’ll find those in the Resources section of SMPC’s website.

Elle K April 5, 2020 at 10:21 pm

I believe that Music Cognition is the direction I want to go. I wanted to pursue an angle of Neuroscience on studying how music/sound affects the brain. I also want to study how music/sound can help heal those with brain trauma, anxiety, PTSD, depression, etc. I would like to pursue at least a Master’s degree in order to write on the various subjects, and even speak on/teach. I would love to know if I am heading in the right direction and suggestions for the prerequisites. I planned on shaping that interdisciplinary degree as suggested.I am just starting my AS. Thank you.

Mallory May 9, 2017 at 9:40 am

Hi I’m planning to pursue a double degree in clarinet performance and music cognition but I found out that my school does not offer music cognition as a degree. Could I have my second degree instead be psychology for undergrad, and then pursue a graduate degree in music cognition?

MajoringInMusic May 13, 2017 at 10:55 am

First look at the application requirements at schools you’re considering applying to for the graduate degree you’re interested in. If this doesn’t answer all of your questions, contact the admissions offices.

Lauren May 25, 2016 at 7:42 pm

I was wondering what a good path would be to take in preparation for music cognition as a graduate program. I was considering majoring in both music and neuroscience. Would it be more helpful to do both, or to focus on one, or are there other majors that I should take?

MajoringInMusic May 27, 2016 at 5:16 pm

As this article states, Music Cognition is an interdisciplinary, academic field. And people come to it from different directions. A strong undergraduate background in music theory can be useful, but some people major in performance and either take a dual major in neuroscience or a minor in it.

Sarah May 8, 2016 at 10:31 am

Hello, I have read about Music Cognition and Music Therapy but I’m still confused what are the differences between those two? And how can I become a Music Scientist?

MajoringInMusic May 9, 2016 at 2:56 pm

As this article states, music cognition is a research discipline. Music therapy, according to the American Music Therapy Association, “is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy degree program.” Visit their website and read articles on MajoringInMusic.com about music therapy to learn more.

Halie January 12, 2016 at 8:21 pm

I am currently a freshman in college pursuing a BM in Music Education Instrumental with a double minor in Psychology and Neuroscience. I had been going back and forth between Flute Performance and Music Ed and ultimately decided to stick with Music Ed. I have always been interested in a theory that I came up with about a year ago but I never knew what category it would fit under until my mother found this article for me and it represents exactly what my theory is presenting. I am interested in knowing if I am able to do anything with this theory as I continue on with my Music Ed degree. I would like my PhD and am interested in it. I am just curious if my theory would have any hope or if I should give up on this pipe dream essentially in music cognition or look into a research grant with my psychology department.

MajoringInMusic January 13, 2016 at 6:35 pm

Since you are just starting out, we suggest you keep all avenues open so you can continue exploring music and the many applications of music. As the author of this article points out, “Spending your undergraduate years attempting to master an instrument, performing in ensembles, training your ear, and studying music history and theory provides you with skills and knowledge that you can draw on your entire career.” Don’t give up on your theory, whatever it is, and find ways to explore it further. Look for opportunities during the school year and in summer to deepen your knowledge and experience of music cognition. Feed your interests and curiosity and enjoy what you’re learning as you move forward.

Karen October 23, 2014 at 7:27 pm

I am a musician and music educator and am fascinated by the recent, current, and ongoing research on music and the brain. I currently hold a BS in Music Education. What type of education path would I need to be qualified and prepared for research in neuroscience and music?

MajoringInMusic October 27, 2014 at 1:55 pm

Great question and great field to be interested in! Check the schools mentioned in this article to start answering your question – you can see Northwestern’s program right on MajoringInMusic.com. Also click on the SMPC resource listed on the right side of this article.

Hillary September 24, 2014 at 4:14 pm

Music is my passion and always has been. I currently hold a BA in Fine Arts from Fontbonne University in St. Louis. I believe music is a healing art and am so excited by the burgeoning field of music on the brain. I am hoping to eventually earn an MA/Ph.D in music cognition. I have been an employee at various nursing homes/acute rehab facilities and have worked with residents/patients dealing with Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and brain-injuries alike. My fiance has survived two head injuries and this is part of what is driving me to pursue this as a career.

MajoringInMusic September 24, 2014 at 10:12 pm

Wonderful to hear about your dedication and passion. Best wishes to you as you continue on your path!

Hillary November 3, 2014 at 5:01 pm

Thank you! I am very hopeful for this to happen.

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• A Research Guide
• Research Paper Topics

120 Music Research Paper Topics

How to choose a topic for music research paper:.

Music Theory Research Paper Topics:

• The influence of harmonic progression on emotional response in music
• Analyzing the use of chromaticism in the compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach
• The role of rhythm and meter in creating musical tension and release
• Examining the development of tonality in Western classical music
• Exploring the impact of cultural and historical context on musical form and structure
• Investigating the use of polyphony in Renaissance choral music
• Analyzing the compositional techniques of minimalist music
• The relationship between melody and harmony in popular music
• Examining the influence of jazz improvisation on contemporary music
• The role of counterpoint in the compositions of Ludwig van Beethoven
• Investigating the use of microtonality in experimental music
• Analyzing the impact of technology on music composition and production
• The influence of musical modes on the development of different musical genres
• Exploring the use of musical symbolism in film scoring
• Investigating the role of music theory in the analysis and interpretation of non-Western music

Music Industry Research Paper Topics:

• The impact of streaming services on music consumption patterns
• The role of social media in promoting and marketing music
• The effects of piracy on the music industry
• The influence of technology on music production and distribution
• The relationship between music and mental health
• The evolution of music genres and their impact on the industry
• The economics of live music events and festivals
• The role of record labels in shaping the music industry
• The impact of globalization on the music industry
• The representation and portrayal of gender in the music industry
• The effects of music streaming platforms on artist revenue
• The role of music education in fostering talent and creativity
• The influence of music videos on audience perception and engagement
• The impact of music streaming on physical album sales
• The role of music in advertising and brand marketing

Music Therapy Research Paper Topics:

• The effectiveness of music therapy in reducing anxiety in cancer patients
• The impact of music therapy on improving cognitive function in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease
• Exploring the use of music therapy in managing chronic pain
• The role of music therapy in promoting emotional well-being in children with autism spectrum disorder
• Music therapy as a complementary treatment for depression: A systematic review
• The effects of music therapy on stress reduction in pregnant women
• Examining the benefits of music therapy in improving communication skills in individuals with developmental disabilities
• The use of music therapy in enhancing motor skills rehabilitation after stroke
• Music therapy interventions for improving sleep quality in patients with insomnia
• Exploring the impact of music therapy on reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• The role of music therapy in improving social interaction and engagement in individuals with schizophrenia
• Music therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention for managing symptoms of dementia
• The effects of music therapy on pain perception and opioid use in hospitalized patients
• Exploring the use of music therapy in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety during surgical procedures
• The impact of music therapy on improving quality of life in individuals with Parkinson’s disease

Music Psychology Research Paper Topics:

• The effects of music on mood and emotions
• The role of music in enhancing cognitive abilities
• The impact of music therapy on mental health disorders
• The relationship between music and memory recall
• The influence of music on stress reduction and relaxation
• The psychological effects of different genres of music
• The role of music in promoting social bonding and cohesion
• The effects of music on creativity and problem-solving abilities
• The psychological benefits of playing a musical instrument
• The impact of music on motivation and productivity
• The psychological effects of music on physical exercise performance
• The role of music in enhancing learning and academic performance
• The influence of music on sleep quality and patterns
• The psychological effects of music on individuals with autism spectrum disorder
• The relationship between music and personality traits

Music Education Research Paper Topics:

• The impact of music education on cognitive development in children
• The effectiveness of incorporating technology in music education
• The role of music education in promoting social and emotional development
• The benefits of music education for students with special needs
• The influence of music education on academic achievement
• The importance of music education in fostering creativity and innovation
• The relationship between music education and language development
• The impact of music education on self-esteem and self-confidence
• The role of music education in promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity
• The effects of music education on students’ overall well-being and mental health
• The significance of music education in developing critical thinking skills
• The role of music education in enhancing students’ teamwork and collaboration abilities
• The impact of music education on students’ motivation and engagement in school
• The effectiveness of different teaching methods in music education
• The relationship between music education and career opportunities in the music industry

Music History Research Paper Topics:

• The influence of African music on the development of jazz in the United States
• The role of women composers in classical music during the 18th century
• The impact of the Beatles on the evolution of popular music in the 1960s
• The cultural significance of hip-hop music in urban communities
• The development of opera in Italy during the Renaissance
• The influence of folk music on the protest movements of the 1960s
• The role of music in religious rituals and ceremonies throughout history
• The evolution of electronic music and its impact on contemporary music production
• The contribution of Latin American musicians to the development of salsa music
• The influence of classical music on film scores in the 20th century
• The role of music in the Civil Rights Movement in the United States
• The development of reggae music in Jamaica and its global impact
• The influence of Mozart’s compositions on the classical music era
• The role of music in the French Revolution and its impact on society
• The evolution of punk rock music and its influence on alternative music genres

Music Sociology Research Paper Topics:

• The impact of music streaming platforms on the music industry
• The role of music in shaping cultural identity
• Gender representation in popular music: A sociological analysis
• The influence of social media on music consumption patterns
• Music festivals as spaces for social interaction and community building
• The relationship between music and political activism
• The effects of globalization on local music scenes
• The role of music in constructing and challenging social norms
• The impact of technology on music production and distribution
• Music and social movements: A comparative study
• The role of music in promoting social change and social justice
• The influence of socioeconomic factors on music taste and preferences
• The role of music in constructing and reinforcing gender stereotypes
• The impact of music education on social and cognitive development
• The relationship between music and mental health: A sociological perspective

Classical Music Research Paper Topics:

• The influence of Ludwig van Beethoven on the development of classical music
• The role of women composers in classical music history
• The impact of Johann Sebastian Bach’s compositions on future generations
• The evolution of opera in the classical period
• The significance of Mozart’s symphonies in the classical era
• The influence of nationalism on classical music during the Romantic period
• The portrayal of emotions in classical music compositions
• The use of musical forms and structures in the works of Franz Joseph Haydn
• The impact of the Industrial Revolution on the production and dissemination of classical music
• The relationship between classical music and dance in the Baroque era
• The role of patronage in the development of classical music
• The influence of folk music on classical composers
• The representation of nature in classical music compositions
• The impact of technological advancements on classical music performance and recording
• The exploration of polyphony in the works of Johann Sebastian Bach

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The Top 10 Most Interesting Music Research Topics

Music is a vast and ever-growing field. Because of this, it can be challenging to find excellent music research topics for your essay or thesis. Although there are many examples of music research topics online, not all are appropriate.

This article covers all you need to know about choosing suitable music research paper topics. It also provides a clear distinction between music research questions and topics to help you get started.

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What makes a strong music research topic.

A strong music research topic must be short, straightforward, and easy to grasp. The primary aim of music research is to apply various research methods to provide valuable insights into a particular subject area. Therefore, your topic must also address issues that are relevant to present-day readers.

Also, for your research topic to be compelling, it should not be overly generic. Try to avoid topics that seem to be too broad. A strong research topic is always narrow enough to draw out a comprehensive and relevant research question.

Tips for Choosing a Music Research Topic

• Check with your supervisor. In some cases, your school or supervisor may have specific requirements for your research. For example, some music programs may favor a comparative instead of a descriptive or correlational study. Knowing what your institution demands is essential in choosing an appropriate research topic.
• Explore scientific papers. Journal articles are a great way to find the critical areas of interest in your field of study. You can choose from a wide range of journals such as The Journal of Musicology and The Journal of the Royal Musical Association . These resources can help determine the direction of your research.
• Determine your areas of interest. Choosing a topic you have a personal interest in will help you stay motivated. Researching music-related subjects is a painstakingly thorough process. A lack of motivation would make it difficult to follow through with your research and achieve optimal results.
• Confirm availability of data sources. Not all music topics are researchable. Before selecting a topic, you must be sure that there are enough primary and secondary data sources for your research. You also need to be sure that you can carry out your research with tested and proven research methods.
• Ask your colleagues: Asking questions is one of the many research skills you need to cultivate. A short discussion or brainstorming session with your colleagues or other music professionals could help you identify a suitable topic for your research paper.

What’s the Difference Between a Research Topic and a Research Question?

A research topic is a particular subject area in a much wider field that a researcher chooses to place his emphasis on. Most subjects are extensive. So, before conducting research, a researcher must first determine a suitable area of interest that will act as the foundation for their investigation.

Research questions are drawn from research topics. However, research questions are usually more streamlined. While research topics can take a more generic viewpoint, research questions further narrow the focus down to specific case studies or seek to draw a correlation between two or more datasets.

How to Create Strong Music Research Questions

Strong music research questions must be relevant and specific. Music is a broad field with many genres and possible research areas. However, your research question must focus on a single subject matter and provide valuable insights. Also, your research question should be based on parameters that can be quantified and studied using available research methods.

Top 10 Music Research Paper Topics

1. understanding changes in music consumption patterns.

Although several known factors affect how people consume music, there is still a significant knowledge gap regarding how these factors influence listening choices. Your music research paper could outline some of these factors that affect music consumer behavior and highlight their mechanism of action.

2. Hip-hop Culture and Its Effect on Teenage Behavior

In 2020, hip-hop and RnB had the highest streaming numbers , according to Statista. Without a doubt, hip-hop music has had a significant influence on the behavior of young adults. There is still the need to conduct extensive research on this subject to determine if there is a correlation between hip-hop music and specific behavioral patterns, especially among teenagers.

3. The Application of Music as a Therapeutic Tool

For a long time, music has been used to manage stress and mental health disorders like anxiety, PTSD, and others. However, the role of music in clinical treatment still remains a controversial topic. Further research is required to separate fact from fiction and provide insight into the potential of music therapy.

4. Contemporary Rock Music and Its Association With Harmful Social Practices

Rock music has had a great influence on American culture since the 1950s. Since its rise to prominence, it has famously been associated with vices such as illicit sex and abuse of recreational drugs. An excellent research idea could be to evaluate if there is a robust causal relationship between contemporary rock music and adverse social behaviors.

5. The Impact of Streaming Apps on Global Music Consumption

Technology has dramatically affected the music industry by modifying individual music consumption habits. Presently, over 487 million people subscribe to a digital streaming service, according to Statista. Your research paper could examine how much of an influence popular music streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have had on how we listen to music.

6. Effective American Music Education Practices

Teaching practices have always had a considerable impact on students’ academic success. However, not all strategies have an equal effect in enhancing learning experiences for students. You can conduct comparative research on two or more American music education practices and evaluate their impact on learning outcomes.

7. The Evolution of Music Production in the Technology-driven Era

One of the aspects of music that is experiencing a massive change is sound production. More than ever before, skilled, tech-savvy music producers are in high demand. At the moment, music producers earn about $70,326 annually, according to ZipRecruiter. So, your research could focus on the changes in music production techniques since the turn of the 21st century.

8. Jazz Music and Its Influence on Western Music Genres

The rich history of jazz music has established it as one of the most influential genres of music since the 19th century. Over the years, several famous composers and leading voices across many other western music genres have been shaped by jazz music’s sound and culture. You could carry out research on the influence of this genre of music on modern types of music.

9. The Effect of Wars on Music

Wars have always brought about radical changes in several aspects of culture, including music styles. Throughout history, we have witnessed wars result in the death of famous musicians. If you are interested in learning about music history in relation to global events, a study on the impact of wars on music will make an excellent music research paper.

10. African Tribal Percussion

African music is well recognized for its unique application of percussion. Historically, several tribes and cultures had their own percussion instruments and original methods of expression. Unfortunately, this musical style has mainly gone undocumented. An in-depth study into ancient African tribal percussion would make a strong music research paper.

Other Examples of Music Research Topics & Questions

Music research topics.

• Popular musical styles of the 20th century
• The role of musical pieces in political movements
• Biographies of influential musicians during the baroque period
• The influence of classical music on modern-day culture
• The relationship between music and fashion

Music Research Questions

• What is the relationship between country music and conservationist ideologies among middle-aged American voters?
• What is the effect of listening to Chinese folk music on the critical thinking skills of high school students?
• How have electronic music production technologies influenced the sound quality of contemporary music?
• What is the correlation between punk music and substance abuse among Black-American males?
• How does background music affect learning and information retention in children?

Choosing the Right Music Research Topic

Your research topic is the foundation on which every other aspect of your study is built. So, you must select a music research topic that gives you room to adequately explore intriguing hypotheses and, if possible, proffer practically applicable solutions.

Also, if you seek to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Music , you must be prepared to conduct research during your study. Choosing the right music research topic is the first step in guaranteeing good grades and delivering relevant, high-quality contributions in this constantly expanding field.

Music Research Topics FAQ

A good music research topic should be between 10 to 12 words long. Long, wordy music essay topics are usually confusing. They can make it difficult for readers to understand the goal of your research. Avoid using lengthy phrases or vague terms that could confuse the reader.

Journal articles are the best place to find helpful resources for your music research. You can explore reputable, high-impact journal articles to see if any research has been done related to your chosen topic. Journal articles also help to provide data for comparison while carrying out your research.

Primary sources carry out their own research and cite their own data. In contrast, secondary sources report data obtained from a primary source. Although primary sources are regarded as more credible, you can include a good mixture of primary and secondary sources in your research.

The most common research methods for music research are qualitative, quantitative, descriptive, and analytical. Your research strategy is arguably the most crucial part of your study. You must learn different research methods to determine which one would be the perfect fit for your particular research question.

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Project Career Research: how to set yourself up for success in choosing a new career

July 20, 2020

Launching a new career can be an exhilarating process, but also a complicated one. One of the most important steps is the first one—choosing which career to pursue. Whether you’re a college student getting ready to join the workforce for the first time, a mid-career professional looking to make a career switch, or someone returning to the workforce after time away, the challenge is the same—how do you know which career to pursue, and how do you get started?

This article is designed to help you explore potential careers in an analytical way. You’ll learn how to choose the career that’s right for you, and determine exactly what’s required to land your first job in your new chosen field. You’ll do this with a process called Project Career Research .

Project Career Research Overview

In Project Career Research you’ll speak with five professionals working in the career you’re exploring. This will help you develop a well-rounded overview of the field, and a plan for approaching different companies in your job search. 

The goal of Project Career Research is to answer three big questions.

Question #1: What is it really like to work as a [job title]?  

A particular career might sound exciting when you see it featured in a press article, or when you read the job description, or when you see the salaries highlighted on a hiring site. But if you’re going to actually work in the field, you need to understand the day-to-day realities of the role. Conversations with industry professionals can tell you what articles and career sites can’t—what it’s really like to have that job. 

What percentage of time do you spend in meetings, focusing on your own projects, writing emails, planning, etc? Who are the people you work with the most, and how do you interact with them? What skills and personality traits are required for success? What time of day do you usually eat lunch? What’s your stress level? Do you talk to lots of people every day, or are you on your own all the time? Do you collaborate often, or very rarely? How much freedom do you get to decide which projects you work on? How do promotions happen? 

These “real life” concerns can make the difference between loving a job, and just going through the motions. Talking with someone who is already in the field is a great way to understand the actual reality of life as a data scientist, a marketer, a social worker, or whatever role it is you choose to pursue.

Question #2: What skills do you actually need to succeed in this job?

Job descriptions can be very helpful, but they can also be very overwhelming. It’s unfortunately all too common for people to abandon pursuing a particular role, because they look at the long list of requirements in the description, and conclude they’re not qualified. The truth is, these sections are often just laundry lists of every single thing a hiring manager might wish to see in a candidate. They don’t necessarily reflect what’s actually required to succeed. Talking with people working in the field is an excellent way to learn what really does and doesn’t matter.

Questions #3: What do you need to land that job? 

There is a difference between being able to do the job, and being able to get the job. As an applicant, it’s your responsibility to prove that you’re qualified. So, it’s important to know what hiring managers are looking for from a candidate. Being credentialed for a particular skill can be very beneficial for some jobs, but not matter at all for others. Some jobs require that you have a portfolio of pre-existing work to show, while other jobs will ask you to complete a new task during your interview, and prioritize this above your portfolio. Some roles require very specific technical skills, while for others the ability to learn quickly and soft skills are much more important. Before you fully commit your time and energy to your job search, make sure you know exactly what it will take to get the job, so you’re ready when the opportunities come.

At this point, you may be wondering why you have to speak to real people—can’t this all be researched online? While there are many great online resources available, there is no substitute for the real insights and opinions that emerge in direct conversation with industry professionals. Take this step, and you’ll enter your job search well-prepared, and with confidence. Avoid it, and you risk everything from resume missteps and inadequate interview preparation to spending money on the wrong classes or training programs. As an added bonus, when you make contact with industry professionals, you’re expanding your network in your future field, which will be especially helpful once you begin the actual job search process.

How to find people to speak with

Your existing connections . An important first step is to consider your own existing network. This could be your LinkedIn network, other professional circles, or people in your shared community spaces—parent groups, civic groups, volunteer organizations, sports teams, and more. Is there someone you know who’s already in the field? Before you became interested in, say, mobile development as a possible career, you might not have consciously registered the fact that you actually already know a mobile developer! Auditing your own network is a great way to quickly discover people with whom you might be able to schedule an informational interview.

Professional groups. Search LinkedIn, Facebook, and Meetup for groups connecting professionals in your target field and reach out to individuals within those groups. Generally, you’ll find that people who are proactive enough to join professional groups are also the kinds of people who enjoy talking about their careers, and are eager to share their knowledge and their experience.

Here’s a task for you. Search professionals on LinkedIn by your target job title, and your geographic location. Review 100 profiles, and from there, choose 20 who feel most relevant to your career objectives. Reach out to all using the template below. If they respond, follow up right away with a thank-you note, and reiterate your interest in a conversation.

LinkedIn outreach template:

Hi <name>, I discovered your profile while researching digital marketing. Your experience at <company> is very interesting and I’d appreciate an opportunity to ask you a few questions, as I am exploring a career change from office management. Thank you in advance for connecting with me!

Tip #1: Make scheduling easy for the other person by suggesting a specific time to speak, and offer to work around their calendar.

Tip #2 : If they don’t reply, don’t take it personally. Just move on with your list.

Tip #3 : On LinkedIn you can only access profiles of people who are in your network (i.e.,  your 1st-degree, 2nd-degree, and 3rd-degree connections), as well as fellow members of your LinkedIn groups. You can expand your network by adding more 1st-degree connections and joining groups.

Preparing for your conversations

To make the most out of each conversation while being respectful of everyone’s time, do your research in advance, so you can ask valuable questions that only they can answer for you (as opposed to those you can get answers to through an online search). Not only does this help ensure a productive conversation, it demonstrates your respect and appreciation for the other person’s experience, and their generosity in taking the time to meet with you

I know you transitioned from teaching high school to a role as an instructional designer, and I’m trying to do the same. But also noticed that most people in similar roles tend to have formal training in instructional design. How were you able to get recruiters to notice you?

There are many ways to do research but you should always include:

• LinkedIn – review profiles of the person you are speaking with (and potentially their colleagues) to understand their backgrounds and experiences.
• Website of the company the person works for, to get a sense of everything from product catalogues to company culture.
• Industry associations and organizations – staying current with industry trends demonstrates your active engagement with your chosen field and its community, and helps to ensure your career questions are specific and relevant.

Tailoring your questions to be specific to each individual is essential, but it’s also important to prepare a set of core questions you can ask in every interview, in order to gather baseline information. For example:

• Can you describe a day in the life of a [role]?
• What are the on-the-job skills required to be successful in this role?
• Are there similar roles I should look into as well?
• How does someone with my background land a first job in the field?

During and after each conversation

Set the context for the meeting. Begin with an overview of why you reached out and what you are hoping to learn from the conversation. This enables the other person to focus on what’s relevant and will make them feel comfortable, as they’ll understand the goals. Remember: as the one who initiated the conversation, it’s your responsibility to establish both the tone and agenda. 

Introduce yourself. To ensure a productive conversation, it’s important that they understand who you are—this helps to establish context for your questions. Spend a couple of minutes in the beginning explaining why you reached out and what your goals are. Remember that while you are there to learn, this person might be able to connect you to a professional opportunity at some point. Be prepared to speak about your skills, accomplishments, and personal qualities that can bring value to an organization. You might not know how your experience transfers onto this new role but you should demonstrate passion and confidence that you can learn and grow quickly. Keep it short and focused.

Let them speak. Since you are there to learn, the primary focus of the conversation should be on the other person. Some people might be more talkative, while others may need more input from you in order to engage. Ideally, they should be speaking for 50% to 80% of the conversation. Don’t be afraid of short pauses, and be respectful and patient if they need time to gather their thoughts. 

Send a thank-you email. You have created a valuable connection, so stay in touch! A thank-you email is a great way to strengthen the connection by reiterating your appreciation for their time and following up on any action items that came out of the discussion. Also, be sure to think through ways you might return the favor, and, as appropriate, share resources, connections, or thoughts they might find valuable.

Wrapping up your project

Now that you have completed five conversations with professionals working in your target career, it’s time to go back to your main three questions and provide answers based on what you’ve learned.

Upon completing that step, you should have a clear sense of whether your target career is actually the one that you want to pursue. You should know if there are opportunities in your area, and you should have a good sense of what skills are required for the role. 

If all that is in place, then you’re ready to proceed!

Your next steps will involve addressing gaps related to job requirements (skills, credentials, degrees, experience) and building an optimal resume. We’ll cover those topics in future posts. Until then, good luck choosing a great career path, and we’ll look forward to seeing you on Coursera when you need to learn new skills!

About the author: Vera Fishman

Vera Fishman a Career Services Program Manager at Coursera and a career coach. Over the past 5+ years she coached hundreds of professionals from major Silicon Valley companies and ran workshops on every step of the job search process at Lee Hecht Harrison (resume writing, career discovery, interviewing – you name it!) and created an innovative job search curriculum at Udacity. Prior to becoming a coach Vera had a whole different career in marketing, and a shorter one in non-profit community management – so she is no stranger to career-changing herself.  A native of Saint Petersburg, Russia, Vera has spent her adult life in Silicon Valley, where she feels most at home and comfortable – aside from not liking to have to drive everywhere.

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Meaning of Career Research Project: Music Artist by Pedro Perez

"Career Research Project: Music Artist" by Pedro Perez is not just a song, but rather a detailed exploration of the world of music artists. Through a series of sections, Pedro Perez provides a comprehensive analysis of the profession, going beyond the traditional boundaries of music and delving into various aspects of being a music artist including workload, qualifications, salary, and potential career prospects.

• What they do: The first section of the song provides an overview of the responsibilities of music artists. Pedro Perez highlights that music artists create and perform music, which serves as a universal language capable of resonating with people from all walks of life. This line suggests that music artists have the unique ability to connect with their audience emotionally and intellectually.
• Work Environment: The second section delves into the work environment of music artists. By mentioning the line "Work Environment," Pedro Perez introduces an important aspect of the profession. Music artists often perform in various settings such as concert halls, festivals, clubs, and even virtual platforms today. This indicates that music artists have the opportunity to engage with diverse audiences and adapt their performance style accordingly.
• How to become one: In the third part of the song, Pedro Perez delves into the necessary steps to become a music artist. While the lyrics may not provide explicit details, it hints at the need for dedication, practice, and honing of one's musical skills. This suggests that aspiring music artists need both talent and relentless hard work to establish themselves in the industry.
• Pay: The fourth section focuses on the financial aspect of being a music artist. Pedro Perez recognizes that the career of a music artist can be lucrative, however, it doesn't explicitly mention any specific figures. This could imply that earnings as a music artist strongly depend on factors such as skill level, popularity, and industry trends.
• Job Outlook: The fifth part of the song explores the job outlook for music artists. Pedro Perez hints at a positive outlook for the profession, as he mentions the line "The show must go on." This implies that as long as there is an audience who appreciates music, there will always be a demand for music artists. However, the song doesn't explicitly provide statistics or information on the job market, leaving room for further interpretation.
• Similar Occupations: In the sixth section, Pedro Perez sheds light on similar occupations within the music industry. By mentioning "Similar Occupations," Pedro implies that there are various roles related to being a music artist. This could include positions such as music producers, songwriters, composers, and session musicians. This suggests that individuals interested in the field have a range of career paths to choose from.
• More Info/Sources: The seventh section of the song presents an opportunity for Pedro Perez to provide additional information and sources related to the profession. This implies that Pedro has done extensive research and could be offering recommendations for listeners who wish to explore the topic further. By including this section, Pedro enhances the credibility and depth of his analysis.
• Interview: The final part of the song, titled "Interview," suggests that Pedro Perez has conducted interviews with music artists or professionals working in the music industry. This implies that Pedro's analysis is not only based on his own observations but also includes insights and perspectives from individuals directly involved in the field. By incorporating interviews, Pedro adds an extra layer of authenticity to his interpretation.

Appendix 1: Research Activity: The presence of an appendix within the song indicates Pedro Perez's meticulous approach to his research. This section provides listeners with a research activity that may include questions or prompts to encourage further exploration of the music artist profession. By including this appendix, Pedro Perez invites his audience to actively engage with the topic and continue their personal learning journey beyond the song itself.

In conclusion, "Career Research Project: Music Artist" by Pedro Perez serves as an in-depth analysis of the multifaceted profession of music artists. Through its various sections, the song covers a wide range of topics, including job responsibilities, work environment, career prospects, and similar occupations. Pedro's use of an appendix and references to more information and interviews further enhances the depth and credibility of his interpretation. By examining these lyrics, listeners can gain a comprehensive understanding of the life and work of music artists, shedding light on the passion, dedication, and challenges that come with pursuing a career in the music industry.

This meaning interpretation was written by AI. Help improve it with your feedback

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'Music Research Project' Worksheet

Subject: Music

Age range: 11-14

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

2 November 2014

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4-h college and career pathways conference helps youths find their voices.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension’s 4-H Center for Youth Development welcomed 50 middle- and high-school-aged 4-H’ers at its 22nd annual 4-H College and Career Pathways Conference on the MU campus this July.

Attendees were members of 4-H Youth Futures and Juntos clubs, staple programs of Missouri 4-H in its vision to prepare youths for successful transitions to adulthood. This year’s conference theme was “voice.” Participants learned communication and self-advocacy skills and connected with caring peer and adult mentors through authentic life skills workshops and networking events.

Conference activities featured the G.A.M.E. program led by Bryan Stephens, akaj “Coach BE,” founder of BEStwenty4 of Beaumont, Calif. Participants reported the program “help(ed) us reflect on our lives and appreciate them more.” Keynote speaker Edward Jones II from Kansas City’s Beyond the Field program encouraged youths to find their voices through leadership and a success-driven mindset. In a session on staying true, MU Extension Director of Integrated Marketing Communications Robert Jones taught youths about the power of long-term gains, growth mindsets and persistence.

Participants toured the MU campus and took a practice ACT test. They also enjoyed leisure time at the Rec Center and at the Gaines Oldham Black Culture Center. Additionally, they were able to practice marketing themselves during mock interviews with extension professionals and community partners. Interviewers included Sarah Traub, interim vice chancellor of extension and engagement; Alison Copeland, UM System deputy chief engagement officer; Gerardo Martinez, director of the Alianzas program at University of Missouri-Kansas City; Stephanie Femrite, assistant extension professor and assistant director of Missouri 4-H; Steven Krauss, associate professor and 4-H state specialist in youth and adult partnerships; Elisa Cardenas Oleas, research project analyst at MU’s Center for Applied Research and Engagement Systems; and Jo Britt Rankin, extension professor in health sciences.

Other sessions throughout the week included a networking workshop by StreetGeekz Liberated from St. Louis, an elevator speech workshop by 4-H marketing and communications coordinator Sherry Grace, a personal finance course by Melanated Investments of Kansas City, and a choices vs. mistakes presentation by Edward Jones II from Beyond the Field.

The conference culminated in a formal banquet in the Bond Life Sciences Atrium. During the closing ceremony, participants were able to share their collaborative projects—creative college/career-related music videos. Eighty-five percent of youths reported that they were more confident about their future after the conference. One youth noted, “making good friends, … building a stronger network, and meeting new people is what I should do.”

Programs offered by Missouri 4-H would not be possible without support from our partners. Major support for Missouri 4-H Career Pathways programs is provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation in partnership with the Anthem Foundation, BTC Bank, FCS Financial and National 4-H Council. Major support for conference participation was funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture through the Children, Youth and Families at Risk Sustainable Communities Project.

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Nevada Today

Peatland geographer julie loisel funded by nsf career award, loisel awarded $816,000 to study peatlands in the tropics.

Loisel will expand her research area to the tropics with funding from the NSF CAREER Award.

Julie Loisel, an assistant professor of geography at the University of Nevada, Reno, was recognized with a prestigious CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Loisel is one of five NSF CAREER Award recipients from the University this year.

The NSF publicizes a 17% success rate in proposals to this competitive program. However, University faculty have fared much better in recent years, with success rates, on average, around 25%, indicating how high-achieving University faculty are nationwide.

Loisel’s CAREER Award is titled, “Past, Present, and Future of the Peatlands of the Caribbean: Implications for the Carbon Cycle in a Changing Climate.” Loisel received over $800,000 for her CAREER Award to study peatlands in tropical regions. Peatlands are severely understudied in the tropics, limiting the ability of scientists, governments and conservation organizations to understand the carbon sequestration capacity of tropical regions, which are undergoing significant change and will continue to do so with climate change.

Below, Loisel answers some questions about how she plans to use the CAREER award to make important contributions to data about peatlands in the tropics, knowledge about peatland initiation, and capacity for others to improve data and knowledge in the tropics.

Please describe the research your CAREER Award will support.

Tropical ecosystems are subject to some of the highest rates of land-use change and degradation globally. These ecosystems are also being affected by climate warming and changing modes of hydroclimate variability. Many of these conditions have the potential for important feedbacks on our climate, especially through carbon cycling. However, the impacts of these changes on ecosystem carbon budgets are uncertain and understudied. This is particularly the case for soil carbon: alarmingly, field evidence that pertains to the extent and location of tropical soil carbon stocks, the amount of carbon they store, the processes that control their net carbon balance, and their sensitivity to the aforementioned local and regional agents of change remain sparse.

This study specifically looks at tropical peatlands: most current maps are believed to broadly underestimate and/or provide misleading tropical wetland (and peatland) areas as well as unreliable carbon stock estimates. Likewise, the origin, timing, and developmental history of peatland complexes across the tropics are poorly known, making it challenging to identify and quantify the main controls on peat formation. These data and knowledge gaps make it difficult to predict peatland evolution and their associated carbon balance under present and future conditions. As such, we don’t quite understand where or why peat forms under tropical conditions, and what controls accumulation rates. This project is the first to aim at gaining an integrated understanding of the origin and development of Caribbean peatlands using extensive field surveys, detailed peat-core data and synthesis, as well as process-based peatland modeling.

This work will contribute to expertise in Earth System Science, help advance the peatland community’s research agenda and help guide policy and land management decisions.

What are the real-world implications of this research? What do you hope to achieve?

This research focuses on the Caribbean and specifically Costa Rica and Nicaragua. In these countries, there are no current inventories or even definitions of peatlands. These knowledge gaps really hinder our capacity to inform policy making and natural resource management, including conservation efforts. Peatlands are the most important terrestrial carbon stores in the world, and in the tropics these ecosystems are also biodiversity hotspots. If we don't even know where the peatlands are, how much carbon they contain, and how resilient they are to ongoing and future climate change, we are missing a great opportunity to help these countries manage these ecosystems wisely.

Countries that contain tropical peatlands, such as Costa Rica, are very interested in getting to know these carbon-rich ecosystems, as this knowledge might help improve their protection as providers of important ecosystem services such as carbon storage, water flow mediation, and habitat for unique species. For instance, the quantification of soil carbon stocks in tropical rainforest peatlands would constitute a first step towards understanding the value (on the carbon market) of these ecosystems. This knowledge could then lead to the development of policies aimed at ecosystem protection. Costa Rica has often been seen as a leader when it comes to conservation, and their quest for peatland knowledge is now at the forefront of the country’s conservation agenda. Indeed, this country now includes commitments to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) related to increasing carbon sequestration and/or reducing greenhouse gas emissions from terrestrial ecosystems. In addition, by 2030, improved schemes for Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES), which are expected to include soils and peatlands as priorities, should become more widely available and potentially useful for continuing the wise management of Costa Rica’s natural ecosystems. It is Costa Rica’s ambition to move quickly in this field. To achieve these policy objectives, better knowledge about the distribution and status of national peatlands is key. The new knowledge that will come out of my project is expected to provide the first peatland carbon stock estimates for Costa Rica, which would help advance the country’s NDCs and PES plans.

What spurred your interest in this research area? How has your interest evolved?

I've been studying peatlands from high-latitude regions since I was an undergraduate student. Over the past 20 years, my work has focused on Canadian, Alaskan, and southern Patagonian and Antarctic peatlands; in fact, most research on peatlands has taken place in the northern regions of the world. In my field, we all know that the tropics are critically understudied, so for my CAREER award, I wanted to broaden my research by traveling to the tropical region of the Americas to develop research questions pertinent to this new frontier of peatland science.

How are you planning to integrate education and outreach into your CAREER project?

For this project, I am leading two study abroad programs taking undergraduate students in the field. The field course curriculum will emphasize safe and ethical field work (identifying plant samples, selecting coring sites, collecting peat cores, installing weather stations, etc.). Daily lectures will also take place, some of which will be given by local collaborators. A group of students from Costa Rica’s National University will join us in the field. U.S. students who are interested in using some of the samples collected in Costa Rica to develop research projects (e.g., undergraduate theses) will be invited to do so. I will mentor these students in the lab in a similar manner as my graduate students.

The research products generated during the field expeditions will also be used to create an on-campus capstone course that will also be offered twice to our undergraduate students; this course will provide semester-long research opportunities to 18 students.

Related Links

• Geographer leads "science vacation" peat workshop
• Lescroart receives NSF CAREER Award

These activities are in addition to graduate student training in the field and the lab, internships in collaborating universities, national labs and international research centers, and outreach activities that promote environmental stewardship.

How do you hope to have an impact on your students' lives and futures as scientists?

Spending time in the field and getting trained as a field scientist can be a life-changing experience. It takes students very much out of their comfort zones; they often find strength within themselves that they didn't know they had, and they rise to the daily challenges. The work is physically and mentally demanding, but with a bit of time, they are thankful for the challenge.

What's next for you, your research and your career?

Many things! First off, I am new to Reno and the Sierra. I have a new project with Professor Ben Sullivan to work in Sierra peatlands, which I am very excited about. Second, my colleagues and I just received funding from the NSF for another peatland project, this time looking at all Pan-American tropical peatlands, from Belize to Brazil ($2.5 million)! I am very much looking forward to starting this project this fall as it is a natural continuation of the CAREER award, with an experienced team that brings lots of complementary expertise to my University of Nevada, Reno-based student group. In this project, we are developing a field sampling kit to unify the way peatland studies are conducted across the tropics. We are also planning many workshops in Central and South America to teach local collaborators and their students how to become field scientists. Capacity building in the Global South is a major anticipated outcome of this new project, in addition to all the field samples and monitoring stations that will be put in place.   

Science & Technology

Ask the Professor: How do rainbows form?

Xiyue Zhang elucidates the physics behind the Pride symbol

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University of Nevada, Reno hosts their second annual Latinx Parent Welcome ‘Mi Casa es su Casa’

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Nevada's Recovery and Prevention hosts annual 5k Run/Walk and Recovery Celebration

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Clinical Study Startup Program Lead (Remote)

🔍 school of medicine, stanford, california, united states.

The Research Management Group (RMG) serves as the central resource and expert partner on research administration providing support and oversight of sponsored projects for the School of Medicine at Stanford University.  Within RMG, the Clinical Trials team oversees the administrative activities related to clinical trial and clinical study startup – budget development, contract negotiation and compliance review.  We are seeking a Clinical Study Startup Program Lead who is passionate about clinical research and project management.

This position is a new role evolving from the School of Medicine’s ROVER (Research Operations Vision, Excellence and Roadmap) initiative to improve and streamline research administration, including clinical study activation, across Stanford Medicine.  The Clinical Study Startup Program Lead will define and continuously refine a standard project management approach within the School of Medicine for the startup of clinical studies from initial feasibility to study activation. The position will evolve over time to accommodate changes implemented through the School’s process improvement initiatives.

Collaborating with Principal investigators, Research Management Group’s clinical research administration team, study team participants and other department clinical research staff, the Clinical Study Startup Program Lead will leverage their knowledge of clinical research administration and operations, project management, and technical skills to codify standard work and roles, consolidate and refine existing tools and process guidance needed to ensure the timely and efficient start-up of clinical studies.

Duties include: 

• Establish a standard start up schedule with milestones and target intervals for clinical research start-up.  Identify and establish tools and technology to track start up status.  
• Partner with clinical research stakeholders across the School of Medicine research enterprise to identify barriers in the project management process to efficient clinical research study startup.  Develop refinements and solutions.  
• Identify and recommend new tools and processes to accelerate project start up.
• Collaborate with faculty/PIs, clinical research staff in departments, and hospital and University staff to prototype and pilot the integration of systems and process alignment.    
• Track a portfolio of studies piloting strategies to attain sustainability for efficient clinical study startup within the SoM.
• Support SoM and RMG training teams in the development and rollout of training content, materials and programs, including those related to the tools and technology used to facilitate and track the startup of clinical studies.

* - Other duties may also be assigned

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of and experience with clinical research startup process, including research administration compliance considerations.
• Experience with project management processes and systems and leading large projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to create and implement standard process documentation and tools (checklists, workflow diagrams, project management software). 
• Familiarity with OnCore or similar clinical trial management system.
• Familiarity with Stanford research administration systems.
• Comfortable with ambiguity, working in an evolving environment and supporting and facilitating change.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):

Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

• Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, manage shifting priorities, and handle numerous time-sensitive projects with multiple deadlines.
• Ability to accomplish goals working through formal and informal channels, with diplomacy and tactfulness.
• Demonstrated creativity, problem solving, critical analysis, initiative, judgment and, decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and meet budget goals.
• Demonstrated solid planning and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated experience working independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Strong relevant subject matter knowledge.
• Ability to direct the work of others, for jobs requiring supervision.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks. 
• Frequently stand/walk, sitting, grasp lightly/fine manipulation.
• Occasionally use a telephone. 
• Rarely lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 11-20 pounds.

*- Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website ( https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards ) provides detailed information on Stanford's extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form. Link

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

The expected pay range for this position is $75,000 to $114,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4122
• Employee Status: Regular
• Requisition ID: 104419
• Work Arrangement : Remote Eligible

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 School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States

📁 Administration

Post Date: Sep 06, 2023

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Post Date: Apr 22, 2024

Global Impact We believe in having a global impact

Climate and sustainability.

Stanford's deep commitment to sustainability practices has earned us a Platinum rating and inspired a new school aimed at tackling climate change.

Medical Innovations

Stanford's Innovative Medicines Accelerator is currently focused entirely on helping faculty generate and test new medicines that can slow the spread of COVID-19.

From Google and PayPal to Netflix and Snapchat, Stanford has housed some of the most celebrated innovations in Silicon Valley.

Advancing Education

Through rigorous research, model training programs and partnerships with educators worldwide, Stanford is pursuing equitable, accessible and effective learning for all.

Working Here We believe you matter as much as the work

I love that Stanford is supportive of learning, and as an education institution, that pursuit of knowledge extends to staff members through professional development, wellness, financial planning and staff affinity groups.

School of Engineering

I get to apply my real-world experiences in a setting that welcomes diversity in thinking and offers support in applying new methods. In my short time at Stanford, I've been able to streamline processes that provide better and faster information to our students.

Phillip Cheng

Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs

Besides its contributions to science, health, and medicine, Stanford is also the home of pioneers across disciplines. Joining Stanford has been a great way to contribute to our society by supporting emerging leaders.

Denisha Clark

School of Medicine

I like working in a place where ideas matter. Working at Stanford means being part of a vibrant, international culture in addition to getting to do meaningful work.

Office of the President and Provost

Getting Started We believe that you can love your job

Join Stanford in shaping a better tomorrow for your community, humanity and the planet we call home.

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Research Process and Funding Opportunities at Defense Advanced Research Project Agency

• Funding and Grants

Essential Science Conversations

• Slides (PDF, 1MB)
• Transcript (PDF, 80KB)

The federal Advanced Research Projects Agencies (ARPA) include behavioral and social sciences research in their funding portfolios, yet many psychologists are unaware of the opportunities and know little about how the agencies work. Now is the time to learn more. APA, the Association for Psychological Science, and the Federation of Associations in Behavioral and Brain Sciences are teaming up to sponsor a series of three educational webinars to give psychological scientists the inside track on applying to these well-funded agencies. Not only are Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) and Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) looking for high-quality projects to fund, a new ARPA agency, Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), will be established in 2023 to support next-generation health research.

While there are some differences in how these agencies solicit and choose proposals, there are many similarities: research teams submit proposals in response to a posted research and development opportunity. The organization chooses which to fund. All successful projects must meet performance milestones for funding to continue. Could you design a research plan that one of these organizations would fund? Join us and find out.

This program does not offer CE credit.

Presented in collaboration with

Association for psychological science, federation of associations in behavioral and brain sciences.

Bartlett Russell, PhD

Deputy director, Defense Science Offices, DARPA.

Peter Pirolli, PhD

Senior research scientist, Institute for Human and Machine Cognition.

Christian Lebiere, PhD

Research faculty, Carnegie Mellon University.

Juliane Baron, PhD

Executive director of Federation of Associations in Behavioral and Brain Sciences (FABBS).

Robert Gropp, PhD

Executive director of the Association for Psychological Science.

Adrienne Stith Butler, PhD

Deputy chief science office, APA.

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National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators - DiCarlo named Established Career Awardee 2024

August 26, 2024

Data collection for this research series has occurred at the LSU Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool, which is part of the School of Education. In alignment with the goal of the Early Childhood Education Institute (ECEI), this project is focused on birth-to-three research and the dissemination of research-based practice.

The Early Childhood Education Institute at LSU is focused holistically on the early years and fills a unique niche by targeting early care, specifically birth through age three. Holistic development invites collaboration from other disciplines to study recommended practices for young children. The ECE Institute at LSU aims to make LSU a leader in early care and education research, dissemination, and advocacy of recommended practices. Through a balanced emphasis on research and education programs, recommended practices in educating and caring for young children will be created, applied, evaluated, and disseminated. We focus on developing expert early care practitioners who deliver high-quality early childhood programming, engage in research practices, and advocate for the profession.

Visit the Early Childhood Education Institute website.

About ECELP

The Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool (ECELP) is a Reggio Emilia - inspired research facility within LSU Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education and is aligned with the university’s undergraduate and graduate programs in Early Childhood Education. The ECELP is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, which is the leading early childhood professional organization in the nation. The ECELP serves as a laboratory for the generation of cutting-edge research in the areas of child development and education. It also serves as a training site for undergraduate and graduate students as a model demonstration site within the community. Through its support of research and teaching, the ECELP generates and disseminates knowledge about best practices in early childhood education to support children’s development and learning.

Visit the Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool website.

The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division of Louisiana State University. The college comprises the School of Education, the School of Information Studies, the School of Kinesiology, the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development, and the School of Social Work. CHSE has two model demonstration schools: the Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool, which enrolls birth to age four, and the University Laboratory School, which enrolls kindergarten through grade 12. The college also has four centers and institutes: the Early Childhood Education Institute, the Healthy Aging Research Center, the Leadership Development Institute, and the Social Research & Evaluation Center. The college is committed to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and improving quality of life across the lifespan.

Visit the College of Human Sciences & Education website.

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NSF announces 4 new Engineering Research Centers focused on biotechnology, manufacturing, robotics and sustainability

Engineering innovations transform our lives and energize the economy.  The U.S. National Science Foundation announces a five-year investment of $104 million, with a potential 10-year investment of up to $208 million, in four new NSF Engineering Research Centers (ERCs) to create technology-powered solutions that benefit the nation for decades to come.   

"NSF's Engineering Research Centers ask big questions in order to catalyze solutions with far-reaching impacts," said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. "NSF Engineering Research Centers are powerhouses of discovery and innovation, bringing America's great engineering minds to bear on our toughest challenges. By collaborating with industry and training the workforce of the future, ERCs create an innovation ecosystem that can accelerate engineering innovations, producing tremendous economic and societal benefits for the nation."  

The new centers will develop technologies to tackle the carbon challenge, expand physical capabilities, make heating and cooling more sustainable and enable the U.S. supply and manufacturing of natural rubber.  

The 2024 ERCs are:  

• NSF ERC for Carbon Utilization Redesign through Biomanufacturing-Empowered Decarbonization (CURB) — Washington University in St. Louis in partnership with the University of Delaware, Prairie View A&M University and Texas A&M University.   CURB will create manufacturing systems that convert CO2 to a broad range of products much more efficiently than current state-of-the-art engineered and natural systems.    
• NSF ERC for Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub (EARTH) — University of Kansas in partnership with Lehigh University, University of Hawaii, University of Maryland, University of Notre Dame and University of South Dakota.   EARTH will create a transformative, sustainable refrigerant lifecycle to reduce global warming from refrigerants while increasing the energy efficiency of heating, ventilation and cooling.    
• NSF ERC for Human AugmentatioN via Dexterity (HAND) — Northwestern University in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University, Florida A&M University, and Texas A&M University, and with engagement of MIT.  HAND will revolutionize the ability of robots to augment human labor by transforming dexterous robot hands into versatile, easy-to-integrate tools.     
• NSF ERC for Transformation of American Rubber through Domestic Innovation for Supply Security (TARDISS) — The Ohio State University in partnership with Caltech, North Carolina State University, Texas Tech University and the University of California, Merced.   TARDISS will create bridges between engineering, biology, and agriculture to revolutionize and on-shore alternative natural rubber production from U.S. crops.  

Since its founding in 1985, NSF's ERC program has funded 83 centers (including the four announced today) that receive support for up to 10 years. The centers build partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies and industry stakeholders to support innovation and inclusion in established and emerging engineering research.  

Visit NSF's website and read about NSF Engineering Research Centers .  

Research areas

Early career researchers awarded $9m funding

Nineteen early career researchers from across the University of Sydney have been awarded funding under the Australian Research Council’s highly competitive Discovery Early Career Research Award Scheme.

The University of Sydney had the second highest number of DECRAs awarded this year, totalling $8.97 million. Two hundred researchers around Australia were awarded DECRAS, which ARC Acting Chief Executive Office Dr Richard Johnson said “offers exciting opportunities for Australia’s promising early career researchers to develop in supportive environments”. 

“As well as boosting Australia’s research and innovation capacity, DECRA projects result in new technologies and ideas, leading to new jobs, economic growth, and ultimately improved quality of life for Australians.”

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)  Professor Emma Johnston  congratulated the recipients. 

“This is a fantastic result for our early career researchers and for the University of Sydney more generally,” Professor Johnston said.

“Thank you to the ARC for supporting our hard-working researchers across a wide range of disciplines which span our Faculties. These awards recognise the quality and breadth of our expertise at the University and will set these academics up for long, fruitful careers tackling the biggest challenges facing our world. Early career researchers are such an important part of our research ecosystem and I am extremely proud of their success.” 

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Dr Dashiell Moore - Archipelagic connections in Australian and Pacific literature. 

Faculty of Engineering

Dr Andres Fielbaum Schnitzler - Next generation of on-demand public transport: strategies and algorithms. 

Dr Huan Fu - Robust neural radiance fields for trustworthy 3D generation. 

Dr Jiaying Li - Unravelling fate of pathogens in sewers to advance wastewater surveillance. 

Associate Professor Na Qiu - Design optimisation of recoverable lattice structures for multiple impacts.  

Dr Anil Ravindran - Bio-inspired multi-scale strengthening of lightweight renewable structures. 

Dr Si Suo - Study on the impacts of salt precipitation on underground hydrogen storage.  

Dr Chentao Yue - Intelligent self-configurable coding and decoding for 6G wireless networks. 

Dr Tianqi Zhang - Plasma-driven electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction.  

Faculty of Medicine and Health

Dr Rachel North - Exploring molecular mechanisms underpinning nutrient transport in the brain.  Dr Eli Muller  - The brain that steers itself: discovering the rules of neural flexibility. 

Faculty of Science

Dr Matthew Davidson - Taking the next step to understand natural perception. 

Dr Patrick Doheny - Kagome frameworks as a platform for the development of quantum materials.  

Dr Kenya Fernandes - Uncovering fungus-bee interactions for pollinator and ecosystem health. 

Dr Mengyu Li - Sustainable, resilient and affordable net-zero transitions for Australia.  

Dr May Pedersen - Unravelling the stellar interiors of the chemical factories of the Universe.  

Dr Mark Wong - Safeguarding ecosystems from impending invasions. 

Sydney Southeast Asia Centre

Dr Natali Pearson - Sunken Warships: Heritage Diplomacy in Maritime Southeast Asia. 

Business School

Dr Nam Ho-Nguyen - New Theory and Methods for Multi-Stage Optimisation with Contextual Data. 

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