Musician

Musicians work in classical or popular music. They perform live at concerts and festivals. Some musicians record music for sale to the public.

Also known as:

• Composer
• Pop star (musician)
• Rock star (musician)

Work activities

As well as performing, musicians spend a large amount of time practising, rehearsing, auditioning and planning performances. These activities are often combined with composing or teaching music.

Classical music: Once trained, classical musicians gain experience and develop contacts by taking part in competitions, festivals and concerts. If competition is severe, musicians use professional agents to promote them and their work. The majority of recently trained musicians perform a variety of solo, choral/orchestral and ensemble work. Orchestral performers can work their way up to the top of the profession, to become an instrumental soloist. They have to invest in a high-quality instrument and travel around with the orchestra.

Popular music: Non-classical musicians usually start out by performing at live gigs to build up a following and send demos to record companies. Representatives from record companies’ artists and repertoire (A&R) departments listen to bands’ demos and go to live gigs, offering some performers a record deal. Increasingly, new artists/bands are promoting and selling their music themselves online. Performers who are in the early stages of success usually need to find a manager. The manager usually takes responsibility for organising financial backing, finding suitable venues and helping the band/artist to promote themselves effectively. Some musicians make a living playing live gigs in pubs, clubs, hotels, holiday camps etc. They usually specialise in a particular kind of music, e.g. rock, pop, jazz etc. These musicians sometimes use local entertainment agents to help them find work or they might promote themselves, e.g. by putting up posters, handing out leaflets, and getting featured in the local press. They may perform one-off gigs in different places or play a whole summer season in one venue. Musicians travel to venues locally, nationally and internationally.

Personal qualities and skills

As a musician, you need to have:

• Talent and creativity.
• A love of music.
• Commitment and discipline.
• Physical and mental stamina.

If you organise your own work, you will need:

• Good business-related and time-management skills.
• Good communication and people skills.
• To find creative ways of attracting the attention needed to be successful.

Pay and opportunities 

Pay rates for musicians vary widely depending on the type of venue they play, their level of skill, and other factors. Finding work can be challenging and working hours are often unpredictable and irregular. National and international travel is often necessary. This career path is not for you if you like predictability and routine.

Self-employed musicians rely on individual performance payments and music sales. These can be very unpredictable. Successful musicians in pop/rock bands can make high earnings from live performances and royalties from record sales and merchandising.

Many classical musicians are freelance. Rates vary with the type of contract they have. A list of fees for different types of contracts is on the Incorporated Society of Musicians’ (ISM) website. The Musicians’ Union and the ISM offer advice and information on fees to members.

Musicians work irregular hours, which can include early starts, late finishes and work at weekends and public holidays.

Competition to enter the music business is strong. The industry has changed as a result of the internet. Social media platforms and YouTube have made it possible for artists to promote their own music, both to record companies and to the general public. Sales of recorded music are dominated by online download and streaming services, for example Spotify.

Employment is available in fields such as performing (including session and freelance work), composing, conducting and teaching.

Musicians perform at a variety of venues including clubs, pubs, parties, charity balls, theatres, festivals, cruise ships and recording studios. Opportunities occur for musicians to work in other countries, usually on tour or at festivals.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on web sites such as The Stage, Star Now and Arts Professional. However, new entrants normally have to promote themselves by contacting promoters, agents, music clubs and concert organisers.

Entry routes and training

Popular music: Many entrants to pop, rock and other styles of music are self-taught. They often start out by playing versions of other artists’ work before developing their own material and style. On the whole, university degrees treat music as an academic subject. However, the foundation degree in popular music (available at a number of centres around the country) has a practical emphasis, and there are usually plenty of opportunities to gain experience in student and amateur performances.

Classical music: Musicians usually start lessons at an early age, usually before the age of 10. Most young musicians combine their normal school studies with music lessons, long hours of practice and participation in local music groups. Classical musicians usually take a specialist course at a music college, or a degree in music at university. Some take a degree in performing arts. Students who reach the exceptional standard required to pursue a performing, composing or conducting career usually go on to a postgraduate/advanced course at music college. Once full-time training is complete, they will continue to study under private tuition while building up a reputation in their particular field through, for example, solo and/or ensemble work. As many students will not reach this standard, music colleges also provide modules on preparation for teaching or other work in music-related fields.

Qualifications

For entry to a degree course in music, the usual requirement is:

• Two to three A-levels, including music.
• GCSEs at grades 9-4 in 3 other subjects.

Other qualifications, such as an Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualification or the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma could also be considered. Entry requirements for degree courses vary so check prospectuses carefully. Degree applicants are usually expected to attend an audition before securing a place. However, entry requirements vary – check college/university prospectuses for details.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits. There are upper and lower age limits for entry to the armed forces music services.

Many successful entrants have gained skills and abilities over a considerable period of time. This could be in orchestras, giving church or charity concert performances, or in bands on the local club circuit.

Many colleges and music schools relax the normal entrance requirements for applicants with substantial musical/performing experience, paid or unpaid.

A few colleges and universities offer courses in Music, including with part time/flexible and distance learning study options.

Financial support for study may be available from:

• The Musician’s Company.
• Finzi Trust.
• Help Musicians.
• The Universal Music UK Sound Foundation.

Related careers

• Actor
• Audio engineer
• Disc jockey
• Music manager
• Music teacher
• Music therapist
• Musical instrument technician
• Singer