The sound of money

What do Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal and Kelly Clarkson have in common apart from their singing prowess, fame and the ability to attract paparazzi at the drop of a hat? They are all products of famous singing reality shows.

Every year dreams of several talented aspirants are fulfiled with one reality show after the other enabling them an opportune platform. Today, with numerous TV channels and radio stations making their foray into the main stream, music has become a lucrative job prospect.

Not just that, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers the music industry, which is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 28 per cent from 2010 to 2014, will reach US$ 567.6 million in 2014 paving way for many prodigies to grab a seat. The music industry in India has always been dominated by film music, which contributes to 15 per cent of a film's earning. Shankar Mahadevan, singer, says, "Career as a singer is flourishing and media is opening new avenues-through reality shows-for the talented."

Even though such a creative career drives on passion and talent, it is also important for aspirants to back themselves with a degree in music or creative arts. Interested students can pursue a degree course in music. For instance, Delhi University's Department of Music offers a bachelor's programme in music. Formal programmes are usually diplomas or bachelor of music courses after class X and XII (10+2).

This can be followed by a master's degree. While a bachelor's degree in music is the right qualification for formal positions of music teachers in schools and other educational institutions, master's degree is useful for teaching and training options at the college level.

The school of music in India may be Hindustani or Carnatic. Although remuneration comes with experience, once established, aspirants can rake in the moolah of fame and money. Mahadevan says, "Over time, people will notice what you are doing. Then you'll be in demand, and when you are in demand, you'll make money." The field offers job opportunities for not just singers but music composers, sound engineers and technicians also. They can start with Rs 10,000 per month and go up to Rs 1 lakh per month.