Performing Arts - Musician
Performing Arts - Musician
Amber
Musicians create or perform different types of music, from classical to pop and rock.
- Compose, learn and rehearse music pieces
- Take care of and set up your instrument for performances
- Prepare for and attend auditions
- Perform in front of a live audience
- Take part in recording sessions
- Create 'demo' recordings to promote your music
- Engage with your audience through social media and website content
- Arrange concerts and tours or deal with a manager or agent who does this for you
You could work in a theatre, at a music venue or at a recording studio.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
Musicians tend to work between 34 to 36 hours a week. You could work evenings, weekends and bank holidays. You may also be required to work away from home. Some musicians will initially need to maintain part-time work whilst pursuing a career in music.
Variable
Whatever your musical genre, you'll need a high level of musical skill and talent. Many musicians teach themselves. Some start learning an instrument from an early age. This might be with a private music teacher or training provider. There are opportunities to train as a musician in the armed forces.
You may be lucky and get talent spotted. You could increase your chances by showcasing your music on:
- networking websites
- social media
- music blogs
- demo recordings to send to recording companies
You could take a college course to get professional training and the opportunity to perform. Subjects available include:
- Level 2 Award for Music Practitioners
- Level 2 Diploma in Music for Practical Performance
- Level 3 Diploma in Music Technology
- Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production
You may need to pass an audition to get on to some courses.
Though you do not need a degree for all forms of music, in some fields it is expected, for example classical music.
You could study for a degree or postgraduate award in:
- classical music
- music composition
- music performance
- popular music
- popular and commercial music
You could do this at a university or a conservatoire. You'll usually specialise in one main instrument and study a second instrument.
Some music degrees focus more on music theory than performance, so research the courses carefully to make sure they're right for you.
At audition you'll usually be asked to perform several pieces of music of different styles. You'll also need to talk at your interview about your your artistic influences and your musical career aims.