it would be a wise idea to take a second one with something I can actually use when I get out of school without having to go get a Master's Degree.
That's more important than the extra expense, IMO.
Have you spent much time at your college's career center? Usually they have more resources than you know what to do with.
The Department of Labor puts out research on career rankings, and people have relied on their resources for decades. It might give you some fresh ideas.
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Occupation Finder : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
(Arrow for page advance)
This is far from comprehensive, though, because job titles under these categories can be diverse.
If you are serious about working in music, it's important to immerse yourelf in areas where people are making a living at it. You might find yourself working
among musicians in very administrative duties at the beginning. It would be humbling after all the work of school, but in the arts there is rarely a leap into immediate success after school in performance, composition.
Study the venues.
An orchestra has a conductor, ticket sales, promotions/web design, volunteer coordinator, fundraising director.
A composer either needs to connect with a regular client (film studios, ad agencies), or continually seek out freelance opportunities.
A small band playing restaurants usually works with no support, late weekend hours.
A stage musician needs band members, lighting and sound professionals, equipment movers, gig negotiator/scheduler, promoter/manager, web designer/updater, sometimes choreographers and stylists, dancers, makeup artists, hairdressers, drivers, and more.
A music-based missionary raises funds for their income, or teaches where they minister.
A theatre group might use live musicians; also facilities managers, set designers, costume designers, publicity directors, light and sound, ushers and membership/ticket sales.
There are sites now where songwriters collaborate and mix layers online, bands can find venues and post their schedules, freelancers can find jobs; explore how the music world is changing. Income shifts when consumers change their way of paying for music.
Think about whether you can initiate something out of nothing, coordinate and inspire people to follow you; or are a person who writes/practices in quiet, preferring someone else to be in the limelight; or enjoy creating a warm learning environment for others.
Some people teach private lessons out of their homes, or part-time through music schools, Saturday programs at public school continuing ed., college enrollments, church-based music schools, community centers.
Church organists/pianists and choir directors.
Nursing home activities directors.
Arts center directors. (Often depend on grant writers and fundraising coordinators)
If you are looking for a worthwhile sideline, find one that helps you get where you want to go. Designing publications, managing, promotional writing tie in...what fits your personality together with where money is generated in music.
What area of music would be your ideal... make yourself valuable in multiple ways there.
This is confusing me, too. You would have to majorly screw up for this to happen.
In the US, there is no guarantee. People apply each year, and just accept whatever arrives.