Job description
Musicians write and/or play music using a variety of instruments such as a guitar or piano. They sometimes perform music for live audiences or recordings. Musicians usually specialise in a particular genre of music, whether it be rock, jazz, or classical. They are typically part of a band or an orchestra, or they play solo.
Duties
- Write music for themselves, bands, groups or orchestras
- Play and perform music using instruments in front of a live audience,/li>
- Record music in a recording studio
- Audition for roles in orchestras, bands or music groups
- Practise and rehearse music to improve technique
- Find and book venues for performances
- Travel to performances
- Promote your work through social media and other forms of advertising
Skills and qualities
Job outlook
Projected growth
0%
New jobs
300
Automation risk
7.4%
Career progression
Most musicians earn more income by becoming better known and performing at more venues. They can progress by finding themselves a manager or agent who then finds them jobs, negotiates contracts and enhances their overall careers.
With enough skill and experience, some musicians end up leading musical groups, performing for famous productions, singers or bands, or writing music such as symphonies. They may also advance to teaching music after obtaining the right qualifications.
Working conditions
Average hours
20h/ week
Typical schedule
Part Time
Nights, weekends, holidays occasionally
The working environment of a musician usually involves performing at concert halls, theatres, arenas, weddings, parties or clubs. Some professionals may spend a lot of their time in recording studios.
Those who are part of a band or work as background musicians for singers might have to dedicate time to travel when touring nationally or internationally.
Musicians must be accustomed to loud surroundings and performing in front of large audiences.
Salary
Bottom 10%
$22k
Median
$59k
Top 10%
$150k
Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.
Qualifications and training
Education level
N/A
No formal educational requirements
Study time
N/A
Musicians of popular music are not required to have any type of formal education. Those who are interested in pursuing a career in opera or classical music, however, will typically benefit from completing a bachelor’s degree programme. Aspiring musicians must submit their recordings or participate in an audition before being accepted into these programmes.
Some opera or classical musicians also go on to obtain a master’s degree in fine arts or music.
Musicians must prove an extensive amount of training, especially in their preferred instrument. Those interested in performing classical music can enhance their training through music camps and fellowships.
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
