I figured this was a good place to start so here we go!

I want to go to Berklee College of Music for Jazz studies in saxophone, Music Production and Engineering, and potentially business. So I can play, I can record, and I can do the business part of things. The thing is, what kind of job opportunities are out there?

You guys might know more than I do, seeing as I haven't been around as much, as long. I figured that I love music, I have a talent for it, and it's never going to go away.

But what is the job market like? Like running sound for concerts or producing and so on.

I can only speak to what I've seen locally. We have a few start-up recording studios and two pretty sophisticated setups on college campuses. They all need technicians.
Also, I know of 2 operations in this area where sound guys have all kinds of gear and rent themselves out for concerts, festivals and other events. There might also be some opportunities to work with musicals. Depending on where you live and how far you're willing to travel for a job, I see lots of possibilities.

I don't know how the business works all that well. I mean, with all the concerts at halls and theaters such as Madison Square Garden, Carnegie, the Fox and Palace in Detroit here, I figured that there needs to be people to run sound.

I don't think you'll starve either way. People need sound for a lot more than just musicals and concerts. There are banquets, political rallies (debates, etc.), commencement exercises, private parties, weddings, church revivals.
Just going by what I've seen, the main differences are:
-- Working for a venue, you're on their schedule, and probably wouldn't get anything when a major act uses your arena and they have their own sound guy, but you have no overhead.
-- As an independent contractor, you can do as many gigs are you're willing to commit to, you're mobile, but you have to own your own gear, provide your own insurance and promote yourself.
One of the guys I mentioned, Chuck, rigged a power strip, one microphone and two speakers for a few one-man acts during a community event. And then a few hours later, he had several mics, more speakers, floor monitors, a mixing board and other gear for a band that was playing at a club across town.

Also, Chuck charged $50 an hour for the small setup at the community event. He made $250 (should have been $500 but the last 2 acts were cancelled when the audience started shrinking (it was a farmers market, outdoors on a very hot day).
His rate is higher for the band.

As much as I like the music field, I haven't see a lot of evidence that people make a really strong full-time living from it. My brother was signed with MCA for 10 years, toured North America, and had hits in Canada and the US. They also won some awards and nominations for Best New Artist and Best MTV video one year. There wasn't a lot of money in it really.

He made more from teaching music lessons and doing sound recording for people out of a studio in his home as a sideline to his eventual career -- hearing aid technician, in my estimation. So, I would look at music as a good part-time job and consider focusing on a career that excites you.

A Berkley grad in my latest band told me he's in his late forties and still paying off his debt from student loans. He said he'd rather he'd taken a different path. Personally, I think you might be better off getting a general business degree from a community college cheap, and wherever possible structuring your assignments around the music business with the permission of your professor.

Also, invest in private lessons and make sure you have enough time to devote to practicing. One musician said 4 hours a day for two years will get you competent. I think that's about what it took me to get competent on my own instrument.

I have never studied bass formally, but now I can play bass with professional musicians who have university education in the straight ahead and jazz genre pretty well, and we get asked back wherever we play. I would consider that route as a possible option.

Or, consider getting a certificate in the music area you're interested in rather than the full degree, and transferring your credits, if transferrable to a public college and get a career you can fall back on.

Better yet -- talk to some grads from Berkley. If you want to PM me, I could ask the Berkley grad I play with to talk to you He'll have a lot of insights about the music business and what it's like being a full-time musician.

I'm guessing that a lot of people who work the big venues, like the Garden, or some of the bigger NY theaters are all union guys. They come with the venue, so to speak, so it may be hard for an independent contractor to find work in those types of places, and even harder to get into the union.

But Woody's right, there are other types of events that require sound technology other than music related events.

There is a guy named Stan who works the Berks Jazz Fest every year. Can't remember what the name of the company he works for is, but I guess Berks has that contract because Stan's been working that gig for year. He also works (through his employer) the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival. I'm assuming they've got that contract too.

I could be wrong though, this is just my guess.

Union yes... for big venues, bigger cities and most casinos.

There are sound reinforcement companies everywhere you look - Pollstar publishes a yearly "Concert Support Services" directory which covers all the US.

Many clubs and non-union venues have their own staff - and the house sound engineer is expected to be there when a touring act comes in, even if the act has their own engineer.

A music business management degree is very smart.... get the guidance on digital rights, content management, publishing, contracts, recording, etc. My friend's son passed the California bar last year and started working in a specialized entertainment law firm. There is a future in entertainment and music business management - it's not just about managing a band's career or tour.

Take a look at Clair Brothers website - and look at the markets for Audio, Visual & Lighting. For openings, there may not be many listed now -but you can also view the locations. Many of these are touring jobs or design/install jobs.

http://www.clairsystems.com/

I suggest people write out their career goals on paper in specific language and then write out the whys, whens, and hows. Be able to explain to yourself why this career goal is important to you, how you plan to make it happen, and when you expect it to happen.

If my kid came to me about a career in music; he or she would have to bring me a report on it.

Wise advice, TR.

I wish someone had counseled me on non-performing or teaching careers. When I went to music school, I never considered the various options which were also available. I just didn't know - and my parents didn't question my mentors and teachers.

Ironically, I stayed in music via other paths than performance or teaching. In the 70's and 80's, I was involved with sound reinforcement and stage management when I wasn't gigging. These days, I stay involved with photography and event management as well as Internet Radio.

PS.... one of my latest photos is on the inside cover of Nick Colionne's soon to be released CD "Feel the Heat". Concert promotions and the radio station are also doing well, but there's still much more to do to make it viable - part time business ventures for now.

That would be awesome!

I mean, I really don't know what else I'd like to do. I love music and everything about it, so why not? I want to be able to play super well and get connected with some potentially hot groups. That would be my dream, to go on tour with my own band or with some other known Jazz artists.

But, if not, I'd like production. And I know that there are like Movie companies and Video Game companies that need sound producers. All movies and video games need music and someone to produce it.

This is really helping. I'm not too keen on the marketing and business aspect of things though.