Musicians

Career summary

Musicians play musical instruments as soloists or as members of a musical group. Usually musicians must audition to join a musical group. For example, they may audition for and play in:

• Orchestras
• Bands
• Small ensembles

Some musicians play a variety of string, brass, or woodwind instruments. Others play percussion instruments such as drums.

Musicians spend a lot of time practicing. They study and rehearse music scores to interpret and memorize them. They sometimes transpose music into a different key or to match their own style. Musicians also practice their instruments to maintain and improve their skills.

Musicians perform for live audiences or in recording studios. They play from memory or follow a musical score. Some improvise, or invent, as they perform. Some perform for TV, radio, or movie productions. Many musicians write their own music.

Related careers

This career is part of the Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Actors
• Agents and Business Managers
• Dancers
• Music Composers, Directors, and Arrangers
• Music Therapists
• Singers

Military careers

• Musicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to musicians.

• Play musical instrument as soloist or as member of group. May play a variety of instruments or specialize in one.
• Study and rehearse music to interpret and memorize score.
• Transpose music to play in different key or to match individual style.
• Practice performance to maintain and improve skills.
• Perform for live audiences or in recording studios. Play from memory, follow score, or improvise.
• May teach specific instruments, compose music, or direct band or orchestra.
• May compose original music.
• Audition for various musical groups, including orchestras and bands.
• Specialize in a specific family of instruments or type of music.

Common work activities

Musicians perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Perform for or work with the public
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Process information
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Think creatively
• Get information needed to do the job
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Analyze data or information
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Schedule work and activities
• Evaluate information against standards
• Develop and build teams
• Develop goals and strategies
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, musicians:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium to high level of social contact. They often work closely with musicians.
• Communicate mostly by face-to-face discussions and e-mail.
• Almost always work as part of a team, such as a quartet, orchestra, or other performance group.

Physical work conditions

• Often work indoors, but may on occasion perform outdoors.
• May be exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels at times, such as during rehearsals.
• May work physically close to others, usually within a few feet.

Work performance

• Must be very exact so their performance goes well.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• Work in a competitive environment in which weekly deadlines must be met.
• Usually make decisions together that affect the reputation of their group.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time. Part-time schedules are very common.
• Often perform at night and on weekends.
• Often travel to perform in a variety of settings.

Physical demands

Musicians frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Sit for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for musicians to be able to:

• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for musicians to be able to:

• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

Skills and abilities

Musicians need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Understand written information.

Reason and problem solve

• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Keyboard Instruments
• Music Technology
• Music, General
• Stringed Instruments
• Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion Music Performance

Other programs of study to consider

• Dramatic Arts
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Jazz Studies
• Music Business and Management
• Music Composition and Theory
• Music History
• Music Therapy
• Musicology and Ethnomusicology
• Sacred Music
• Voice and Opera Performance

Training

To work as a musician, you typically need to:

• complete long-term, on-the-job training; and
• be talented.

Education after high school

Musicians do not need to meet educational requirements. A proven ability to create music is the most important requirement. However, a high school diploma or equivalent is recommended as the minimum level of education.

Musicians need years of extensive training. You can get training through private study with an expert or through practice with a group. You can also get training in a college or university music program or a music conservatory. You usually must audition for spots in a formal program.

Many colleges, universities, and music conservatories grant degrees in music. An advanced degree is often required to teach music courses at the college level. A degree in music education qualifies you for a certificate to teach music in grade school or high school.

Work experience

Musicians begin studying an instrument at an early age. You can gain valuable experience playing in a school or community band or orchestra. Many musicians take lessons with private teachers when they are young.

On-the-job training

Musicians train in music for many years. Formal on-the-job training is not common, except in as much as you learn by doing and get feedback from other musicians. Musicians are self-employed and responsible for their own training. You gain skill though practice and working in different musical styles. You normally spend several hours each day in rehearsal, preparing for performances.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be musicians. You must pass auditions to enter this military occupation. Training lasts 11 to 24 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Band
• Chorus
• Music History and Appreciation
• Music Theory
• Orchestra or Strings

Many musicians are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers seek particular types or styles of performers. Employers often look for performers who are talented and known. Successful musicians often rely on agents or managers to find them jobs and develop their careers. Social media marketing has become an important avenue for becoming known to the general public.

Many musicians prepare sample recordings for employers. Employers may also require auditions before hiring musicians. Employers look for musicians who are relaxed and professional when performing. Musicians who learn several related instruments have better chances for employment.

Symphonic and recording studio musicians must be able to read music. Musicians who work in less formal situations need to be able to perform a broad range of songs from memory as well as several styles of music. Band leaders look for musicians who have the ability to play music unrehearsed and can transpose songs into the necessary keys. Vocal skills are also a plus. The personality and entertainment value of the musician are important, especially for non-classical musicians. Being on time for appointments and being prepared and responsible are also important.

Tips

Most professional musicians begin studying an instrument at an early age. However, musicians of any age need to be dedicated and have a strong desire to play music professionally. Successful musicians usually practice four hours a day to compete at the highest level. A person should have experience performing before audiences, including recitals, accompanying musical theater productions, or playing in community orchestras or symphonies. Exposure gained through attendance at concerts and summer music camps, lessons, and informal performances with other interested musicians is also important. Some people find it helpful to visit other countries and observe what it's like to be a musician there.

As live performance opportunities decrease, the successful musician must be able to take on many roles: player, artist, teacher, writer, band leader, and side person. Musicians must have the ability to adapt to change quickly in a limited market. Thus, the ability to expand, repackage, and sell one's musical skills is very important.

#Added Career Opportunities News, Jan/Feb 2007 comments 3/6/07 on hours of practice needed for successful and talented musicians (10,000 hours or 3-4 hrs/day for 10 years), CJ.

Costs to workers

Musicians may join a professional association and pay a membership fee and annual dues. Musical instruments, equipment, and maintenance are additional expenses.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Music Directors 
• Musicians, Instrumental 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Musicians may be paid by the show, week, day, or hour. Musicians usually do not work full time. In addition, they may face long periods of unemployment. Because pay can be low and work intermittent, many musicians work a second job to support themselves.

There is wide variation in the number of hours musicians work. It is rare for musicians to have a guaranteed job for longer than three to six months.

Earnings vary widely by type of employer and area of the country. Earnings also depend on a performer's reputation and the number of hours worked. The most successful musicians can earn far more than the median wage.

Benefits also vary by employer. Full-time musicians who are not self-employed may earn benefits. Typical benefits include vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Self-employed musicians must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 38% of all musicians are self-employed.

Many jobs for musicians are located in cities where entertainment and recording are concentrated. These include New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville.

Major employers:

• Religious organizations
• Performing arts companies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is expected to show little to no change. New online music platforms provide more opportunities for musicians. Many bands tour and need musicians as backup artists. Opportunities are slowing for orchestra and opera musicians. As funding slows, budgets are cut for orchestras and other non-profit musical groups.

Job prospects are best for the most talented musicians.

Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for musicians. However, they are part of the larger group of "musicians and singers."

Other resources

American Federation of Musicians 
1501 Broadway, Ninth Floor
New York, NY 10036
212.869.1330

American Guild of Musical Artists 
1430 Broadway, 14th Floor
New York, NY 10018
212.265.3687

American Musicological Society 
20 Cooper Square floor 2
New York, NY 10003

American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers 

American String Teachers Association 
4155 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
703.279.2113

Artist Trust 
1835 - 12th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
866.218.7878
206.467.8734

College Music Society 
312 East Pine Street
Missoula MT 59802

International Clarinet Association 

International Society of Bassists 
14070 Proton Road
Suite 100
Dallas, Texas 75244

International Trumpet Guild 

Music Library Association 
1600 Aspen Commons, Suite 100
Middleton, WI 53562
608.836.5825

Music Publishers Association 

Music Teachers National Association 
1 West 4th Street, Suite 1550
Cincinnati, OH 45202
888.512.5278
513.421.1420

National Alliance for Musical Theater 
520 Eighth Avenue Suite 301
New York, NY 10018

National Endowment for the Arts 
400 - 7th Street SW
Washington, DC 20506
202.682.5400

National Flute Association 
70 East Lake Street, #200
Chicago, IL 60601

National Guild of Piano Teachers 
PO Box 1807
Austin, TX 78767
512.478.5775

Percussive Arts Society 
110 W. Washington Street Suite A
ndianapolis, IN 46204

Showbizjobs.com 

References

Career cluster

• Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications

Career path

• Artistic

O*Net  occupation

• Musicians, Instrumental (27-2042.02) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupation

• Musician, Instrumental (152.041-010) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Musician

Holland occupational cluster

• Artistic/Enterprising/Realistic

COPSystem

• Arts Professional