What is a Musician?
A musician is someone who is talented and skilled in playing one or several musical instruments. A musician could also compose, conduct, sing, perform, orchestrate and arrange music in a variety of different styles. The music can be recorded in a studio or performed live.
A musician will spend a significant amount of time learning and practicing so as to become known within the music world, or to play in a band with other talented musicians. They will also prepare for auditions, attend rehearsals, and learn new pieces of music to extend their repertoire. A musician will often teach music students in order to support their career as a performer.
WHAT DOES A MUSICIAN DO ?
A musician’s passion is to play music. Musicians may perform as solo artists, in bands, ensembles, choirs, and orchestras either in front of live audiences or in the recording studio. There are many kinds of roles that can come with being a professional musician.
TYPES OF MUSICIANS?
A musician’s skill can include performing, singing, composing, conducting, and arranging among a wide range of genres such as alternative, blues, rock, classical, jazz, R&B, indie, hip-hop, country, and many more. The job of a musician varies depending on the genre, circumstance, and goals of the individual. Whether it is producing albums, going on tours, or playing in local bars, the job can change at any time. Many musicians have a second part time job to help support them in their career.
WHO IS SUITED TO BE A MUSICIANS ?
Musicians have distinct personalities. They tend to be artistic individuals, which means they’re creative, intuitive, sensitive, articulate, and expressive. They are unstructured, original, nonconforming, and innovative. Some of them are also enterprising, meaning they’re adventurous, ambitious, assertive, extroverted, energetic, enthusiastic, confident, and optimistic.
What is the workplace of a Musician like?
The workplace of a musician can vary. They can work in a studio or play before a live audience. They may work as freelance artists or as salaried musicians for orchestras, choirs, theaters or musical bands. Many musicians also teach music to students, either in schools, colleges or universities, or one-on-one out of their home or a music store. Teaching often supplements a musician's income as a performer.
EDUCATION AND HOW TO BECOME A MUSICIAN?
A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years to complete. It will provide the student with advanced musical composition, advanced musical theory, conducting, production, and classical music training. If pursuing a career in classical music, it is advisable to pursue a bachelor’s degree in music. The student will then focus on one specific genre of music as well as one specific type of instrument.
Working hours
You won't have a regular Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm work pattern. Rehearsals usually take place during the day and performances in the evenings, though this can vary.
Studio recordings can take place late into the evening.
Private practice can take place any time of the day or night.
SKILLS ACQUIRED
motivation, determination and perseverance
confidence in performing before an audience
stamina and dedication to continue practicing every day
reliability and flexibility as you'll need to work long and irregular hours
the ability to work well as part of a team
creativity
self-discipline and good time management
good communication and interpersonal skills
patience and understanding, to take on board criticism and accept rejection
attention to detail.
Entry is usually through an audition. Where appropriate, keep a record of when different organizations audition by closely following their website or calling them in person. For example, some orchestras and opera houses hold auditions on a yearly basis, while others only audition when a current member leaves.
See BBC Introducing Music for information on how to get started.
Musician and Singer Training
Musicians and singers need extensive training and regular practice to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to interpret music at a professional level. They typically begin singing or learning to play an instrument by taking lessons and classes when they are at a young age. In addition, they must practice often to develop their talent and technique.
Musicians and singers interested in performing classical music may seek further training through music camps and fellowships. These programs provide participants with classes, lessons, and performance opportunities.
Important Qualities for Musicians and Singers
Dedication. Auditioning for jobs can be a frustrating process because it may take many different auditions to get hired. Musicians and singers need determination and dedication to continue to audition after receiving many rejections.
Discipline. Talent is not enough for most musicians and singers to find employment in this field. They must constantly practice and rehearse to improve their technique, style, and performance.
Interpersonal skills. Musicians and singers need to work well with a variety of people, such as agents, music producers, conductors, and other musicians. Good people skills are helpful in building good working relationships.
Musical talent. Professional musicians or singers must have superior musical abilities.
Physical stamina. Musicians and singers who play in concerts or in nightclubs, and those who tour, must be able to endure frequent travel and irregular performance schedules.
Promotional skills. Musicians and singers need to promote their performances through local communities, word of mouth, and social media. Good self-promotional skills are helpful in building a fan base.
Job Outlook for Musicians
Employment of musicians and singers is projected to show little or no change over the next ten years.
Digital downloads and streaming platforms make it easier for fans to listen to recordings and view performances. Easier access to recordings gives musicians more publicity and grows interest in their work, and concertgoers may become interested in seeing them perform live. Moreover, some musicians and singers license their music for use in advertisements or for other commercial purposes, creating more exposure and revenue opportunities.
There may be some additional demand for musicians to serve as session musicians and backup artists for recordings and to go on tour. Singers may be needed to sing backup and to make recordings for commercials, films, and television.
However, employment growth will likely be limited in orchestras, opera companies, and other musical groups because they can have difficulty getting funding. Some musicians and singers work for nonprofit organizations that rely on donations, government funding, and corporate sponsorships, in addition to ticket sales, to fund their work. During economic downturns, these organizations may have trouble finding enough funding to cover their expenses.
Careers Related to Musicians and Singers
Actors express ideas and portray characters in theater, film, television, and other performing arts media. They interpret a writer's script to entertain or inform an audience.
Dancers and choreographers use dance performances to express ideas and stories. There are many types of dance, such as ballet, tango, modern dance, tap, and jazz.
High school teachers help prepare students for life after graduation. They teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects, such as math and reading, in order to prepare them for future schooling.
Middle school teachers educate students, typically in sixth through eighth grades. They help students build on the fundamentals they learned in elementary school and prepare them for the more difficult curriculum they will face in high school.
Music directors, also called conductors, lead orchestras and other musical groups during performances and recording sessions. Composers write and arrange original music in a variety of musical styles.
Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a wide variety of academic and technical subjects beyond the high school level. They may also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.
Producers and directors create motion pictures, television shows, live theater, commercials, and other performing arts productions. They interpret a writer's script to entertain or inform an audience.