Career as a Musician

Typical Job: Set musician, recording musician, band member, orchestra member, street performer, soloist, teacher, and salesperson.

Typical Work
Generally as a musician you will need some skill with one particular instrument or numerous instruments. It is usually an asset to have skills with more than one instrument. Typically you will work playing this instrument in a number of different situations. As a musician you can play in a band, play as a set musician, some one who fills in for a solo artist in either a band or in the recording studio, play in an orchestra (typically more traditional string instruments), or play as a soloist. Many musicians find that they need to have another part time job to supplement the income they receive from playing their instrument. A lot of musicians find work in music stores that sell and service instruments or as teachers of their craft. Typically those who play with an orchestra or large band (i.e. with a musical) or as a soloist do not need to obtain part time work. Musicians are often self-employed, finding 'gigs' and playing their instrument in bands or as soloists. Some musicians find work with orchestras, large bands, soloists or as teachers (with the proper education).

Education Necessary
To be a self-employed musician requires no formal education. You will need to have some skill with an instrument or numerous instruments. Other careers as a musician will require more formal training. Usually to become a member of an orchestra you will need a great deal of skill with your instrument and some formal education is an asset. You can do a bachelor's degree in music at numerous schools and focus in one particular instrument or numerous instruments. While doing this program you will also learn about theory, writing and reading music, and how to play with a medium to large group of musicians.

Skills and Interests Needed
Musicians need to be creative, talented, driven, personable and hardworking. A career in music is not always an easy one and will sometimes require that you have to put in a great deal of effort and see little return. You will almost always be working as part of a group and therefore must be able to get along with others and be an effective communicator of your ideas. Many times in your career as a musician you will have to work nights and you may need to obtain a part time job in order to supplement your income. Many times you will find employment at a music store so knowledge of musical equipment is another important skill.

Salary Range
Difficult to measure given the various degrees of success and the various areas in which a musician can work. The range given below is very large and encompassing.
$15,000 (part time musician)- $350,000+ (Member of a successful touring band)

Other music career choices

Other career choices