How music became a serious career choice in India

The old idea that music is just a pastime or a pleasant way to spend an afternoon has disappeared. Today, making music demands passion, energy, and fierce competitiveness. It's a field driven by youth — and in a country like India, where young people are reshaping everything, the music industry offers remarkable opportunities. For budding musicians in smaller cities such as Allahabad, the challenge is simply knowing where the industry is heading.

What do we mean by "music"?

A classic definition from the Sangeet Ratnakar (written by the scholar Sharangadeva) puts it this way:

"Geetam, vaadyam tatha nrityam, triyam Sangeet muchchyate."

This means that Indian classical music — as a system of thought — joins three distinct arts:

• Vocal — singing, whether khayal, ghazal, or bhajan
• Instrumental — playing instruments like sitar, veena, or harmonium
• Dance — expressing music through the body

These three forms rely on each other, no matter whether you are working in the Hindustani or Carnatic tradition.

What career paths exist in music today?

The entertainment industry has grown enormously, creating dozens of professional tracks for people who take music seriously. Here are the main categories:

1. Teaching

This is the most established route. If you enjoy one-on-one work, you can start a music school or coach students for scholarships, competitive exams (such as Sangeet Natak Akademi, MHRD, NET), reality shows like Sa Re Ga Ma, or commercial jingles. Teaching remains highly profitable. That said, it's wise to explore other areas, too.

2. Sound recording

To work in this field, you need training as a sound engineer, recordist, editor, or mixer. Mastery of current recording software, hardware, and techniques is essential. Vocalists with solid training can also sing backup or voiceover work in studios.

3. Concerts and live performance

Professional singers, instrumentalists, and dancers — whether signed or freelancing — can perform at concerts, shows, weddings, birthday parties, and religious events. There is also a steady market among NRIs seeking performers for traditional ceremonies.

4. DJs, VJs, and RJs

If performing original music is not your path, you can still work closely with it. A Disc Jockey plays music at live events or clubs, a Radio Jockey on the air, and a Video Jockey on television (for example, compering shows like Antakshari).

5. Instrument repair and manufacturing

This is a growing sector, especially in major cities. Both traditional instruments and modern electronic ones are gaining acceptance globally, creating steady demand for skilled technicians and makers.

6. Event management

Organizing music shows, festivals, or even marriage-related events (teaching mehendi or banna-banni songs) can be rewarding. Organizations such as Spic Macay and annual conferences like those of Prayag Sangeet Samiti regularly need managers and organizers.

7. Music therapy

There is strong evidence that music can aid healing — it has even been used to boost crop yields and milk production. A music therapist might set up a practice at a spa, much like an aroma therapist or gemologist, offering treatment and social benefit.

8. Music composition

"You make music" — this is the most creative lane. As a composer or music director, you must know multiple styles (Arabic, baul, lavani) so that, when a track needs the "feel" of Arabic music, you can capture its mood without copying it wholesale.

9. Music arranging

The arranger differs from the composer. This job involves organizing the instrumental parts of a song or background score. It requires deep knowledge of instruments, sounds, and a network of other music professionals who can be called on as needed.

10. Orchestration

Think of the Maihar Band of Ustad Allauddin Khan or the work of Zubin Mehta — or even Beethoven, Haydn, and Mozart. These figures wove multiple instruments and players together to produce history. Orchestration demands a similar ability.

11. Website or software design

With technical skills, you can build music websites or create music-related software that draws appreciation from peers and audiences alike.

12. Paper reading and lecture-demonstrations

If you understand music deeply, you can write and present research papers to discerning listeners. A PowerPoint presentation with solid content can make your lecture memorable and influential.

13. Music restoration and archiving

Act as a music historian: restore old recordings (CDs, cassettes, videos, tapes), preserve books, and build a personal or institutional archive or library.

14. Music retail

Opening a shop that sells musical instruments, sheet music, or recordings is a straightforward, longstanding option.

15. Other professional settings

Hotels, airlines, railways, and army bands all hire musicians with regular salaries and professional standards. If dance interests you, consider music choreography — you will then need command of styles from Kathak to Salsa or Jive. Music journalism (especially e-journalism) is also viable, provided you have solid writing skills.

Training and getting started

Many reputable institutions offer formal training: music departments at universities, autonomous bodies like Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Prayag Sangeet Samiti, and Bhatkhande University. Always verify schedules and eligibility before enrolling.

Undergraduate or postgraduate, full-time or part-time — commit to several years of professional study in any branch you choose. A strong training foundation builds the confidence needed to face an audience (remember, there is no room for manch phobia — stage fright — in a performing art). Think beyond ordinary routines and be bold. The theory behind khayal alone hints at how deep, subtle, and creative your field can be. Music cannot truly be measured, and that is its wonder.