DO I NEED QUALIFICATIONS FOR MUSIC JOBS?

Occupation

Band conductor

MOE music teacher

Classical music teacher

SSO player

Jazz music teacher

Lounge pianist

Composer

Recording sessionist

Recording artiste

Touring musician

Club musician

Wedding performer

Freelance DJ

Lyricist

Music producer

Music director

Music agent

Music therapist

Music school owner

Basker

Record label owner

Sales of instruments

Record engineer

Record producer

Sound technicians

Tour managers

Event managers

Need certifications?

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Yes/No

Yes/No

No

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

It really comes down to this one question: why are you learning music?

If your goal is to enter university, to become a music teacher, or to play in a professional symphony, then you will, indeed, need a certification. Exams are the only way forward in this case. However, if you just want to enjoy playing music for yourself, your friends, and your family, or even if you want to be a professional songwriter or a lounge pianist, then there is no need to go through the stress of taking music exams.