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. 

Peace Corps at the Veteran and Military Affiliated Center

Nov

3

Peace Corps at the Veteran and Military Affiliated Center

Nov 3 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Industry Bites: Entrepreneurship and Small Business

Nov

3

Industry Bites: Entrepreneurship and Small Business

Nov 3 Chiles Hall
Peace Corps Application Workshop

Nov

5

Peace Corps Application Workshop

Nov 5 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
How To: Interviewing

Nov

5

How To: Interviewing

Nov 5 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Teach For America, The Peace Corps, and City Year: Know Your Options

Nov

9

Teach For America, The Peace Corps, and City Year: Know Your Options

Nov 9 Lillis Business Complex
Graduate School Fair 2026

Nov

10

Graduate School Fair 2026

Nov 10 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Curious about Applying for Graduate School (Mini-Workshops)

Nov

10

Curious about Applying for Graduate School (Mini-Workshops)

Nov 10 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Curious about Applying for Graduate School (Mini-Workshops)

Nov

10

Curious about Applying for Graduate School (Mini-Workshops)

Nov 10 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
From Peace Corps to Graduate School: Coverdell Fellows

Nov

10

From Peace Corps to Graduate School: Coverdell Fellows

Nov 10 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Pack your Confidence: An Interactive Career Workshop for Study Abroad Returnees

Nov

12

Pack your Confidence: An Interactive Career Workshop for Study Abroad Returnees

Nov 12 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Info Session: Spend Summer 2027 Interning in Singapore

Nov

16

Info Session: Spend Summer 2027 Interning in Singapore

Nov 16 Lillis Business Complex
Fall Career Closet: Free Interview-Ready Outfits

Nov

17

Fall Career Closet: Free Interview-Ready Outfits

Nov 17 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Industry Bites: Sustainability

Nov

18

Industry Bites: Sustainability

Nov 18 Chiles Hall
How To: Interviewing

Nov

19

How To: Interviewing

Nov 19 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
How To: Job Search and LinkedIn

Nov

20

How To: Job Search and LinkedIn

Nov 20 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Quackshots: Free Semi-Pro Headshots

Dec

2

Quackshots: Free Semi-Pro Headshots

Dec 2 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Online Drop-In Advising: Freeman Internship Fellowship Application

Dec

8

Online Drop-In Advising: Freeman Internship Fellowship Application

Dec 8
Online Drop-In Advising: Freeman Internship Fellowship Application

Jan

8

Online Drop-In Advising: Freeman Internship Fellowship Application

Jan 8
Winter Career Readiness Week (January 20-29)

Jan

20

Winter Career Readiness Week (January 20-29)

Jan 20
Winter Career Readiness Week (January 20-29)

Jan

21

Winter Career Readiness Week (January 20-29)

Jan 21
Winter Career Readiness Week (January 20-29)

Jan

22

Winter Career Readiness Week (January 20-29)

Jan 22
Winter Career Readiness Week (January 20-29)

Jan

25

Winter Career Readiness Week (January 20-29)

Jan 25
Winter Career Readiness Week (January 20-29)

Jan

26

Winter Career Readiness Week (January 20-29)

Jan 26
Winter Career Readiness Week (January 20-29)

Jan

27

Winter Career Readiness Week (January 20-29)

Jan 27
Winter Career Readiness Week (January 20-29)

Jan

28

Winter Career Readiness Week (January 20-29)

Jan 28

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.