Career opportunities
Students, particularly those in the humanities, are often faced with the question of what career they would like to pursue after graduation. Prejudices suggesting that these fields are “unprofitable arts” or “unprofitable sciences” are unfounded. Prof. Dr. Christiane Wiesenfeldt also views the career prospects for musicologists as thoroughly positive: “There are no unemployed musicologists, unless for reasons unrelated to the field” (interview in the nmz in November 2018). The career prospects for musicologists are very diverse: they range from research and teaching to dramaturgy, journalism, and editorial work, all the way to cultural management or a career as a civil servant in the higher service.
Research & Teaching
Professors and lecturers have completed a rigorous academic career (a Master’s degree or B.A. and M.A., as well as a PhD and, in the case of professors, a habilitation) and work at universities or conservatoires. Their duties include teaching, administration and research. Research assistants, who have also already obtained a doctorate or are working on their dissertation, may be employed at universities and colleges (e.g. on externally funded projects) or at other research institutes (e.g. on an editorial project).
Information on the institutes can be found on their respective websites.
DramaturgY
Dramaturgs undertake a wide range of communication tasks in theatres, at festivals, in radio, film and television, ranging from the development of programmes to public relations. As professionals with academic training, dramaturgs make a significant contribution to shaping an institution’s profile. Although there are now a few master’s degree programmes in dramaturgy, dramaturgs have often studied theatre studies and/or musicology. A PhD is not strictly necessary, but can be an advantage.
Further information can be found on the website of the Dramaturgical Society or on the websites of the respective institutions.
Journalism und Editing
Journalists and editors work in broadcasting, for print media, publishing houses or independent media outlets. After completing their studies, they typically enter the profession via a traineeship. However, it is advisable to gain professional experience whilst still studying and to practise writing and editing journalistic or academic texts, for example by working as a freelancer. Students can also publish their first pieces (reports, reviews, etc.) in musicological journals.
Further information can be found on the websites of the German Journalists’ Association, the Junge Verlags- und Medienmenschen e.V. or on the websites of the respective institutions.
Cultural Management
Cultural management is a major field of work for musicologists. Music and events managers work either in the private sector (at music festivals, managing individual ensembles or in agencies) or in the public sector (for example, in municipal concert halls or cultural departments). The range of responsibilities for a cultural manager is very diverse, extending from artist management and marketing to public relations, and from leading individual projects to managing the entire institution.
The Kulturmanagement Network offers a free internship exchange and a paid job board.
Civil Service Career
After completing a master’s degree (or a doctorate), musicologists can also pursue a career as senior civil servants. To do so, they must first complete a two-year internship or traineeship following their studies or the completion of their doctorate. Musicologists who choose this path typically work in libraries, archives, museums, or auction houses, though it is also possible to enter the diplomatic service (as a cultural attaché). Further information on the areas mentioned can be found here via the following websites: