Music Retail

Music retailers help get musical instruments and music related products like books, music media, sheet music, and equipment to customers. Some stores will specialize in selling performance related products like instruments (see Instrument Retailer) or music equipmen t like microphones and speakers, while others may only sell paper goods like sheet music or physical media like records. 

A job in music retail varies greatly depending on the size of retailer you choose to work at. Retail sales for a large commercial music retailer can be working in a large sales department or speaking to customers on a show room floor. Smaller music stores will have a wide variety of job opportunities like running the business aspects, engaging customers, teaching lessons, or instrument repairs. At these retailers most employees will likely be part time, while business owners will work full time managing inventories, distribution, and accounts.

Musicians make especially strong candidates for working music retail due to their performance experience and familiarity with instruments. The ability to play test instruments and offer in-depth advice on instrument purchases additionally make musicians valuable assets in any music retail position. No degrees are required for a career in music retail, but degrees in music or business will build valuable knowledge towards offering customers the information they need to make informed purchases and running a successful retail operation. Having an outgoing personality, enjoying chatting with others about music, and working well on a team are all important qualities in music retail teams.