Careers

student playing bassoon
Careers

Pursuing a degree in the arts can seem like a challenging path, but if you can dream it, you can be it. The UO School of Music and Dance has been guiding scholars, artists, dreamers, future educators, and performers for more than a century.  

Faculty and staff members at SOMD are committed to fostering and supporting diverse ideas, perspectives, people, and disciplines, and providing cross-disciplinary exploration and the tools necessary for students to apply their music or dance degree to any conceivable career.
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percussion student playing outside

What can I do with this degree?

Our faculty produce well-rounded, skilled scholars and performers who are flexible leaders with global perspectives and great people skills who become cultural influencers and entrepreneurs. Specific skills you will have gained from your degree in music or dance include:

  • Communication
  • Memory and Concentration
  • Teamwork
  • The ability to perform under pressure
  • Planning and Organization
  • Self-discipline
  • Critical Thinking
  • Taking Direction
  • Mental Flexibility
  • Adaptability
dance student solo
clarinet students performing
choral GE conducting

Job options with a Dance Degree:

Dancer
Choreographer
Artistic director
Community arts worker
Dance movement psychotherapist*
Private studio owner/instructor
Personal trainer
Theatre director
Clinician
Cruise ship entertainer
Lecturer
Summer camp director/staff
Adjudicator
 
Musical theatre
Dance coach (K-12)*
Sound/lighting technician
Wellness consultant (injury prevention and intervention)*
College professor*
Theme park dancer
Las Vegas production dancer
Arts facilities operations
Sports trainer
Pilates instructor
Artist-in-residence
Rehearsal director
 
Benesh, Laban dance notator
Costume designer
Dance for fitness instructor
Stunt coordinator*
Stunt-person*
Film researcher/dance consultant
Sound engineer and design (live)
Stage manager
Osteopath*
Chiropractor*
Physiotherapist*
Sports therapist
*Movement therapist*
 

* with additional certification or degree

tuba student with instrument
cello students rehearsing
dance student posing

Job options with a Music Degree:

Musical performer
Composer/arranger
Video game composer
Film scoring
Songwriter
Pit orchestra musician
Session musician
Musicologist/historian*
Music school teacher**
Band director/Conductor
Military Musician
Conductor/choral director
Music therapist*
 
Collaborative pianist/musician
Private studio owner/instructor
Entrepreneur
Clinician/lecturer
Cruise ship entertainer
Summer camp music
Director/staff
Score coordinator/orchestrator
Vocal coach
Back-up/playback singer
Adjudicator
Master classes
 
Lyricist
Music librarian*
Technical music assistant
Music preparation/ supervisor
Religious music director
Electronic/audio production design, and sound mastering
Sound engineer and design (live)
Wellness consultant (injury prevention and intervention)*
College professor*
Artistic director
Acoustics consultant*
 

*with additional certification or degree,  **with Music Education Degree

Dr. Paul helping GE conduct a choir

Our faculty and staff make your professional development a priority.

Faculty pave the way for undergraduate and graduate scholars to present their research at conferences and seminars around the world.

Education majors are encouraged to teach clinics and sectionals in the community.

Performance majors teach private lessons, participate in master classes with some of today’s top musicians, and perform with school-sponsored ensembles and in the community.

Meet our Faculty

Career and Networking Events

There are many opportunities at the University and the School of Music and Dance to prepare for the next chapter after you graduate. From tailoring a resume to landing the perfect summer job to brushing up on your interview skills before you apply to graduate school. Mark your calendars with upcoming events to obtain the resources to help you explore your passions and find the direction that is right for you. 

Building Your Network: LinkedIn and Beyond
May6
Building Your Network: LinkedIn and Beyond May 6 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Interviewing Strategies for Success
May12
Interviewing Strategies for Success May 12 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Industry Bites: What Comes Next? Get Ready to Launch
May12
Industry Bites: What Comes Next? Get Ready to Launch May 12 Chiles Hall
Part-Time Job & Work-Study Fair
May13
Part-Time Job & Work-Study Fair May 13 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
So, You Want to Learn About Grad School
May13
So, You Want to Learn About Grad School May 13 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
From the World to the Workplace: Leveraging Your Global Experience
May14
From the World to the Workplace: Leveraging Your Global Experience May 14 McKenzie Hall
UO Microsoft AI Days
May19
UO Microsoft AI Days May 19 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
UO Microsoft AI Days
May20
UO Microsoft AI Days May 20 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Building Your Network: LinkedIn and Beyond
May22
Building Your Network: LinkedIn and Beyond May 22 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
So, You Want to Learn About Grad School
May27
So, You Want to Learn About Grad School May 27 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
What a Quackin' Idea! Network, Advance, Celebrate
May28
What a Quackin' Idea! Network, Advance, Celebrate May 28 UO Portland Library and Learning Center
Interviewing Strategies for Success
May29
Interviewing Strategies for Success May 29 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall

Professional Development Opportunities

Orchestra Next , Eugene Symphony , the Community Music Institute, the Jazz Station, Ballet Fantastique, The Shedd, Eugene Opera, and various national and international scholarly conferences. See our professional development blog for a complete list of opportunities.  

Alumni Association

Looking for career advice, mentorship, or networking opportunities? The Alumni Association is your one-stop resource.