MusicTheory · May 3, 2026

I'm ABD in music theory and starting to seriously think about non academic careers. The TT market in music theory is...

I'm ABD in music theory and starting to seriously think about non academic careers. The TT market in music theory is... not great, and I'm not sure I want to adjunct forever. But I genuinely don't know what else I'm qualified for? My skills are basically: deep knowledge of tonal and post tonal theory, aural analysis, academic writing, and teaching. I know there must be options out there but I can't see them from inside the ivory tower. Anyone in music theory (or similar humanities/arts PhDs) made the jump? What are you doing now?