GCSE Music and careers in TV & Broadcasting

By Jade Gilbert

Posted: 27 January 2023

Connecting Music to creative careers

What is music 

When we think of music and the television and broadcasting industries, there appears to be a very natural connection; for every show, movie, and television programme we watch, there is always some element of sound and music that helps to set the scene, build drama and suspense, and add depth to what we see.

Music is an academic subject that studies and creates various forms of musical composition, performance, and theory. It can include studying various musical genres and styles, as well as music history and culture. Music classes may include instruction in instrument playing, singing, music notation, and composition. By studying Music at school, you will be able to improve your understanding and appreciation of music, as well as your ability to compose and perform music.

Transferrable skills

Did you know that music can teach you a wide range of transferable skills that can be applied in a variety of fields and careers? Take a look at just some of the transferrable skills Music studies can help you develop: 

Creativity and self-expression: Making and performing music can help you think creatively and express yourself through the creation and performance of music.

Self-discipline and time management: Learning to play an instrument or write music takes practice and dedication, which can help you learn how to be self-disciplined and manage your time.

Critical thinking and problem-solving: When you analyse and interpret music, as well as writing and arranging music, you will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

Teamwork and collaboration: Many music classes require you to work with others either on group projects or playing a piece of music, which can help you develop strong teamwork and collaborative skills. 

Communication and presentation skills: Performing music in front of an audience and communicating your work can help you develop strong communication and presentation skills.

Cultural awareness and understanding: Music is a big part of many cultures, and studying music can help you learn more about and appreciate different cultures and traditions.

Memory and concentration: Music requires a lot of memory and concentration skills which can be developed when playing a musical instrument or learning a new song. 

Emotional intelligence: Music can help you develop your emotional intelligence by giving you the ability to understand and express emotions through sound.

Music and TV  

Music is a powerful tool in the world of television and broadcasting. It can be used to improve the overall viewing experience and add emotion to a scene in a variety of ways.

Background music during shows and commercials is one of the most obvious ways that music is used in TV and broadcasting. Composers and music supervisors work together to create the perfect soundtrack for a show, selecting songs and instrumentals that complement the overall tone and mood of the scene. 

This can range from classical music to popular songs and everything in between. Students in high school who are interested in this field should begin by learning about different types of music and researching the history of music in film and television.

Music is also used in television and broadcasting to create a sense of continuity between scenes. This is frequently accomplished through the use of theme songs and jingles. Composers and music producers collaborate to create catchy, memorable songs that will stay with viewers and help to tie the programme together. Students in high school who are interested in this field can begin by learning how to write and produce music and experimenting with creating their own themes and jingles.

Music is a great tool for conveying drama and tension. Music, for example, is frequently used in news programmes to create a sense of urgency and importance. Music is used in crime dramas to create a sense of mystery and suspense. Students in high school who are interested in this field can begin by learning about how music can be used to convey various emotions and experimenting with creating their own dramatic music.

Finally, music is used in television and broadcasting to entertain and engage viewers. Music is a central focus on shows like American Idol, The Voice, and other singing and talent competitions, and music supervisors and music producers play an important role in selecting the right music for the contestants. Students in high school who are interested in this field can begin by studying music theory, learning to play an instrument, and experimenting with various singing styles.

Creative careers in TV and broadcasting

There are many jobs in the TV and broadcasting industry that require a background or understanding of music. Some examples include:

Musician: A musician is a professional performer who plays an instrument or sings in a band, orchestra, or by themselves.

Music Composer/Producer: Music composers and producers create music for a range of media, including film, television, and advertisements.

Sound Engineer: Sound engineers work in studios and live venues to record, mix, and master music and sound.

Music Supervisor: Music supervisors are responsible for selecting and licensing music for use in film, television, commercials, and video games.

In Conclusion 

In conclusion, music is an important part of the world of television and broadcasting, and people who want to work with music in this field have a lot of job options. Students in high school who want to work in TV can start by learning about music and trying out different ways to use music to make different effects. Music is a powerful tool that can help you reach your goals, whether you want to write the perfect soundtrack, make a catchy jingle, entertain people or add depth to popular shows.