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Musician

Musicians play a musical instrument solo or as part of a group to entertain an audience.

 

Tasks & duties

Musicians may do some or all of the following:

  • study and interpret music
  • practise playing an instrument
  • accompany singers and other soloists
  • attend rehearsals
  • perform in public places such as bars, concert halls and clubs
  • write music
  • audition to be accepted into an orchestra, band or group
  • play as a soloist or in a band
  • play other people's music (covers or classical composers)
  • make or take part in recordings
  • publicise themselves or their band
  • teach music
  • research, learn and practise new pieces of music when working for a client

 

Skills & knowledge

Musicians need to have:

  • knowledge of the theory, history and techniques of music
  • knowledge of musical instruments and equipment
  • knowledge of acoustics, rhythm and timing
  • knowledge of recording equipment and techniques
  • improvising and performance skills
  • good people skills

 

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements to become a non-classical musician. However, all musicians need to be skilled in playing their instrument before they can work.

 

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is needed to enter training in a tertiary music school or conservatorium. Useful subjects include English, music and languages.

 

Tertiary education

To become a classical musician a performance course, such as a Bachelor of Music, is often preferred. 

Many classical musicians also have a certificate or diploma from an established music examination board, such as the Trinity Guildhall Examinations Board or the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. These boards are based in the UK and offer a set of graded examinations for music performance, music theory and music teaching.

A jazz performance degree is useful for becoming a jazz musician.

 

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job through practice, training, rehearsals and performance.

 

Useful experience

Useful experience for musicians includes playing music solo or in a band, group or orchestra. Teaching and/or listening to music, and doing private or community courses in rock, classical, jazz or folk music may also be useful. Having previous performance experience or some experience of being on stage may also be useful.

 

Related courses

Music

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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