Career Development
Overview
At the University of Arizona School of Music, we are committed to preparing our students for successful careers in the music industry and beyond. Our comprehensive Career Readiness Initiatives provide a range of opportunities that equip students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to excel in the music field. From professional development courses and personalized mentorship to hands-on internships and performance opportunities, our programs are designed to foster versatile and innovative music professionals who are ready to make an impact in the ever-evolving world of music.
Careers in Music (MUS 427A/B) for BM Performance Students
A well-established and highly regarded program of professional development featuring expert guests, in-depth guidance, and practical projects and applications.
MUS 195X Music Catalyst Course for Incoming Music BA Students
Connects students with campus and external resources for career preparedness from day one, including resume building and writing, internships, interviewing skills, and development of a flexible and interdisciplinary mindset.
Music BA: “Exploration Areas for Versatile Music Professionals”
A truly unique and customizable degree that prepares you for a career in music or in any number of 21st century professions. This is an interdisciplinary degree that gives you the chance to explore music from exciting and diverse perspectives
Fully Online Music BA Program (Launching Fall 2025)
In partnership with Arizona Online, with the guiding concept of “Exploration Areas for Versatile Music Professionals.” This comprehensive music degree is available globally to aspiring professionals in music and related fields.
Triangle of Student Support
Ensuring every student can name their official 3-person team: a peer mentor, a faculty mentor, and a professional (staff) advisor.
Mentoring in Music Professions
Pairing students with experienced professionals to provide guidance, career advice, and networking opportunities in various music-related fields.
Career Mentoring in Music Education with Our MUS Ed Faculty
Providing targeted professional advising and mentorship from Music Education faculty for BM Music Education students.
Personalized Faculty Mentorship for All Students in All Degrees
Continuous mentoring and professional guidance for BM Performance students as part of their tailored pathways. Dr. Matt Mugmon serves as a vital resource for students in the fast-growing BA Music degree.
Peer Mentoring
Peer mentors assigned to all incoming students (first-year and transfer) to help navigate the School of Music, University of Arizona, and college transition with the direct support of a continuing student who has recently done it themselves. This is an area where we truly go beyond what the other Schools are doing.
Student Success Support Team
Comprising a peer mentor, faculty mentor, and a professional (staff) advisor.
Music Methods Courses that Engage Directly in School Classrooms
Courses are designed to provide hands-on teaching experience by allowing students to work directly in school classrooms.
Practicum in K-12 Schools
Practical training opportunities where students gain valuable experience by assisting and observing music teachers in K-12 schools.
Student Teaching Experience
A comprehensive, supervised teaching assignment.
Music Competitions
Opportunities for students to showcase their talents, gain performance experience, and receive feedback from experts in the field.
Audition Excerpt Classes
Specialized classes focusing on the preparation and performance of audition excerpts to help students succeed in competitive auditions.
Recitals
Public performance opportunities serve as benchmarks or capstones, allowing students to showcase their skills and gain performance experience.
Large and Small Ensemble Experiences and Support
Opportunities for students to participate in and receive support for ensemble performances, enhancing their collaborative skills and performance experience.
Recording Studio Internships
Providing hands-on experience in a professional recording studio environment, helping students develop technical skills and industry knowledge.
Media and Marketing Internships
Offering practical experience in media and marketing within the music industry, allowing students to build skills in promotion, branding, digital content creation, and music program design.
Guest Presenter/Colloquium Series
Open to all students, targeting our large BA population.
Medici Scholars
A program that provides students with financial support and mentorship to pursue their artistic and professional goals.
Artists-in-Residency
Bringing distinguished artists to campus to work with students through masterclasses, performances, and collaborative projects.
BA Perspectives Videos
Informative videos that provide insights and perspectives from professionals in the music industry, helping students understand various career paths.
BA Catalyst Course: Exploring Options and Opportunities
A course designed to help BA Music students explore different career options and opportunities in the music industry and related fields.
Student Engagement and Career Development provides students with resources, guidance, and experiences to build career-ready skills, explore career paths, and connect with employers for internships, jobs, and professional development.
College of Fine Arts | Career Development
Notable Music Alumni
The College of Fine Arts boasts an impressive array of alumni who have excelled across creative industries. Music legend Linda Ronstadt studied at the School of Music. Harvey Mason Jr. produced songs in films “Dreamgirls” and “Pitch Perfect.” The classic calypso song “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” was written by alumnus Irving Burgie. Robert Williams was the principal bassoonist for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for 46 years, while conductor Keitaro Harada won the 2023 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award. Acclaimed Argentine pianist Oscar Macchioni and award-winning Mexican guistarist Misael Barraza-Diaz were once Wildcats.
Medici Scholars
The Medici Circle supports talented young artists and scholars with a $1,000 award to pursue educational projects in the summer. For many, these opportunities would be financially unattainable without the award, making these valuable summer intensives possible. In the summer of 2024, over 60 students qualified.
Gloria Orozco Dorado, a University Fellow in her final doctoral year, won two awards at ClarinetFest® 2024 in Dublin, earning two awards. She won the research competition for her project “Ritmos de mi Tierra” and placed second in the orchestral audition competition. ClarinetFest®, organized by the International Clarinet Association, is the world’s largest clarinet gathering.
Arts Administration Minor
The Arts Administration Minor is an 18-unit program that equips students with skills in fundraising, marketing, programming, and community engagement for creative organizations. Partnered with Eller College of Management, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and other colleges, it offers practical coursework and career insights through internships and professional experiences in theaters, galleries, festivals, and more, preparing students for roles in non-profit and market-driven arts organizations.