Are you looking to work in music but don’t want to teach or perform? Consider some surprising music careers, such as working in music retail!
Read on to learn more about what this career entails.
What Is Music Retail?
Music retail refers to working at a music store. Depending on the store, you may sell musical instruments, sheet music, accessories, or a combination of all of the above.
It’s similar to any other kind of retail, but it’s more specialized. Because of that, you often need a music background to work at such a store.
Where You Can Work
Most medium to large cities have at least one or more music stores in the area. That means you should be able to work and live in a variety of locations.
But if there aren’t any music retail jobs near you, you might need to relocate. Alternatively, if you want to work for a store that sells a specific type of instrument, you might also have to move somewhere new.
You can work for companies as large as Guitar Center (which owns Music & Arts). On the flip side, you can also work for a small mom-and-pop shop/local business.
Educational Requirements
As with most surprising music careers, working in music retail does require some musical background. At my first music store job, I had to have knowledge of at least one instrument.
I also needed a basic understanding of how school music programs work.
For a more specialized music store, you may have to play that particular instrument they sell. You may even need a bachelors degree or higher to get the job.
Professional Requirements
You may also need to have some relevant work experience. However, that experience might not have to be at another music store.
When I got my first music store job, I had customer service experience. I’d previously worked in food service and at a bank.
Those types of jobs as well as general retail work could help you start in this career.
Typical Responsibilities
Your day-to-day tasks can vary based on the music store you work for. Often, you can expect to handle customer purchases using the cash register.
You might also need to take phone calls and answer questions over the phone. Responsibilities may also include:
- Restocking merchandise
- Organizing/cleaning the store
- Scheduling and re-scheduling private lessons
- Taking in inventory
- Processing instrument rentals and rental returns
- Test-playing instruments
- Cleaning instruments
Of course, the specifics will vary from store to store. Also, you will usually receive some on-the-job training, at the very least regarding the company’s systems and processes.
The Pay Structure
Working in music retail isn’t going to make you rich quick, and some companies pay just over minimum wage. But it can be a good career if you want stability.
You can find companies that will pay you a good amount. And you can always supplement your income with a side hustle.
Depending on the company, you may be paid hourly or a salary. Also depending on the company, you might have the chance to earn commission on top of your base pay.
The Schedule
Working in music retail often means working weekends, or at least Saturdays. The good news is that working on a Saturday means you’ll get a day off during the week.
Your exact hours can vary depending on the needs of the store. Sometimes, you may open the store, and you might get off around 6 or 7pm.
Other times, you may not get into work until noon or later, and you’ll have to close the store around 8 or later.
Of course, these hours assume you’ll be working full-time. If you’re working part-time you may have a different schedule.
Career Advancement Opportunities
After you’ve worked in music retail for a while, you may want to grow in your career. Of course, the chance to do so varies significantly by company.
If you work for a larger music store, you may be able to get promoted from sales associate to manager. You might then become a district manager, especially for a national chain.
On the other hand, you could potentially switch companies. Just make sure your contract doesn’t have a non-compete clause.
Can You Freelance on the Side?
If you want to make some extra money, you can do so when working in music retail. You can use one of your days off to teach or do gigs, for example.
You can also pursue non-music side hustles, like delivery driving.
Of course, you’ll want to consider your best working hours. I try to avoid working super early or super late, especially if I have a long day at my job.
Travel Opportunities
Sometimes, you may have the chance to represent the music store at a music festival or convention. In that case, you can get some travel experience due to your job.
Now, you may not always get this opportunity. It will depend on the company you work for as well as your job title and whether that title is needed at trade shows.
Who the Career Is For
Working in music retail is a great career for musicians who love people. It’s also suitable if you like educating others but don’t really like teaching.
You can still educate others on different instruments, but you don’t have to commit to giving regular private lessons.
On the other hand, this career is NOT for someone who likes to freelance. No matter how you slice it, working for a music store is going to be a traditional job.
But sometimes, that’s a good thing.
How to Get the Job
Getting a job in music retail can be straightforward, but it can also be complex. For my first music store job, I just had to apply on the company’s website.
I then went in for an interview, and the manager called me a week or so later asking if I wanted to move forward and do a background check. After I passed that, I got the job.
But some music store jobs come from people you know. Yes, that means networking can be very important. That’s how I got my current job.
Should You Work in Music Retail?
Working in music retail can be a great career. You get to be around music, but you don’t have to be the best player in the world.
Keep this surprising music career in mind when pursuing your next job search.
And don’t forget to download my guide to time management for busy musicians!
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