THE 7 PATH FRAMEWORK

CREATOR PATHS

  • Spotlight Performer 🎤

    This path is for musicians who feel most alive when connecting with others, whether that’s on stage, in front of a camera, or through engaging digital content. It’s not just about traditional performing anymore; it’s about creating experiences that feel personal, powerful, and present.

    Roles you might explore: house concert performer, livestream meditation musician, YouTube Shorts musician, providing music for wine and paint nights or book clubs, conference keynote speaker/performer, remote session musician, retirement home concert series performer, and more

    ✨ Today, Spotlight Performers are thriving across platforms, from TikTok to TED Talks, building careers beyond the classical stage.

  • Musical Architect 🎼

    If you love shaping sound from the ground up, this path is for you. Musical Architects bring music to life through composing, arranging, orchestrating, and building immersive musical experiences. You love solving creative puzzles and crafting something that didn’t exist before.

    Roles you might explore: custom arranger for educational ensembles with different playing levels, sheet music publisher for specific ensembles, score prep & part creation for touring artists needing live charts, house composer for theater companies, arranger for wedding musicians, church groups or studio ensembles, and more

    ✨ With today’s access to tech tools and collaboration, this path is more open and in-demand than ever.

  • Sonic Storyteller 🎧

    You feel how music shapes emotion, mood, and meaning, and you want to use it to tell stories. Sonic Storytellers work in film, games, trailers, podcasts, songwriting, music production, and other media to enhance narrative impact through sound and musical storytelling.

    Roles you might explore: sync licensing composer, trailer music writer, independent film composer, sound designer, podcast theme producer, pop music producer, sample library and MIDI pack creator, video game composer, sonic brand creator, and more

    ✨ This path has exploded thanks to the rise of media content and the growing need for authentic, emotional music in storytelling and sound design.

CHAMPION PATHS

  • Passionate Educator 🍎

    You feel called to share what you know ~ not just to “teach,” but to guide, inspire, and uplift fellow musicians. This path supports flexible, fulfilling work that goes far beyond the classroom.

    Roles you might explore: music coach for adult hobbyist musicians, online course creator for alternative genres, music curriculum writer for homeschoolers, adult music retreat host, performance anxiety coach, pop-up music camp director, musical tourism director, youth ensemble coach, and more

    ✨ Today’s educators are building thriving creative businesses in person and online, blending mentorship with creative freedom and impact.

  • Artistic Advocate 🪄

    You believe music and the arts make the world better, and you want to be part of that movement. This path blends your passion for the arts with a desire to make music more visible and valued by all.

    Roles you might explore: residency coordinator for music-in-the-schools programs, grant writer for musical projects or artists, community ensemble founder, grant panelist or reviewer, music-based trauma healing facilitator, music & the arts festival coordinator, hospital music program organizer, and more.

    ✨ This path is growing fast as more musicians look for ways to blend creativity with advocacy and purpose.

CATALYST PATHS

  • Industry Insider 🎟️

    You’re fascinated by how the music world runs, and you want to play a key role behind the scenes. From artist support to live events and marketing, this path offers dynamic roles at the heart of the industry, helping bring quality music to audiences everywhere.

    Roles you might explore: youth ensemble tour manager, online music curator for brands, music supervisor for film or TV projects, streaming playlist curator, performance hall production assistant, music blogger, and more

    ✨ There are more opportunities than ever for creative-minded people to help bring music into the world with creative vision and modern strategies.

  • Business Navigator 🧭

    You love solving problems, building systems, or helping others thrive. This path is for entrepreneurial minds who want to help musicians run their businesses better, find new opportunities, and get PAID for their time and their skillsets.

    Roles you might explore: brand partnership strategist for independent artists, legal or financial advisor to musicians, fan-funded campaign manager, wedding & event musician business owner, musician merchandising strategist, and more.

    ✨ The business side of music is booming and creative professionals with leadership instincts are deeply needed.