• The field of music offers many career choices.guitar guitarist music musical instrument image by david hughes from Fotolia.com
  
  While many think careers in music are limited to those who are successful performers, there are many other ways to earn a living while involved with music. Aside from performing, those with musical inclinations can investigate careers in which they teach, write, compose or distribute music. Many enjoy music and find involvement with it rewarding, and for those people there are numerous career choices available. As with many fields, some positions require higher levels of education than others.
  
  

Performers

• The most well-known type of musical career is that of a performer. Musical performers play instruments or sing in front of crowds. Some performers may play alone, while others may be part of a band, orchestra, symphony or choir. Performance musicians also often record their work. Some choose to record pieces they have written, while others are paid to play parts for other musicians who cannot play a particular instrument. The salary range for performance musicians is very wide, as many play for free or small amounts of money such as $50 per show. Others make up to $4,000 per performance, and some recording artists even become millionaires.
  
  

Music Therapists

• Music therapists combine the art of music with the desire to help others. Often employed by hospitals, schools and other institutions, music therapists teach information and instill positive thoughts in others through their work. Many colleges and universities offer programs in music therapy that make getting a job in the field easier. Music therapists generally make between $16,000 and $70,000 annually.
  
  

Church Musicians

• Churches often need multiple musicians to conduct the musical part of their services. Aside from a choir and a choir director, career musicians are frequently needed to play common church instruments such as piano, organ and guitar. The pay for being a church musician can range from $7,800 to $59,300 each year. The number of hours worked and the financial state of the church affects the pay level.
  
  

Composers

• Composers may not necessarily play the music they create, but they do write the content. Composers sometimes write music for other musicians and musical groups, and many also delve into the advertising field. Once composers have a reputation for solid work, they are often paid by others to write music to be used elsewhere. The salary of a composer varies wildly, as they are often paid very differently depending on the project. Composers generally make anywhere from $300 to $1,200 per week, though some with rare jobs could make up to $8,000 weekly.
  
  

Music Teachers

• Those interested in a music career can also look into teaching others about music. Music teachers are often employed in elementary schools, middle schools and high schools. Some may teach music theory, while others teach the practical application of instruments. To teach music at higher levels, especially at a college or university, higher degrees are usually required. Depending on their education, experience and school, music teachers can make as little as $16,000 per year or over $100,000 annually.
  
  

Alternative Music Careers

• Music careers are not just limited to those who play instruments, sing or write music. Those who love music can also investigate careers in the radio, television or music industries. Many musicians also need managers to take care of the business end of their work. Also, many newspapers hire critics to evaluate the work of musicians and their performances. For employees connected to the music field in this manner, salaries range from small sums to large ones. Those within the record industry often profit more when products they back sell higher volumes, while managers are usually paid depending on their band's level of success.