MUSIC PRODUCER

Duties and responsibilities: Music producers should be able to

bring out the best in recording artists through their knowledge of vocal and instrumental arrangements. Some producers hire musicians and singers to perform selected songs; other producers are hired by bands or solo artists to oversee recording sessions. Music producers may also confer with directors of movies or television programs in order to determine the placement of a song.

Salary: Most producers, however, work on a salary basis and are either employed by their recording studios or by a record label. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salaried music producer earns about $55,000 per year.

Education:Although there's no standard level of education needed to become a music producer, many colleges offer music production programs - traditionally at the bachelor's degree level. These 4-year programs cover a broad range of courses to expose students to recording arts technology and the music business as a whole.