Musicians and singers - CareerBuilder

Musicians and singers

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Musicians, singers and related workers play musical instruments, sing, compose, arrange or conduct groups in instrumental or vocal performances. They may perform solo or as part of a group. Although most of these entertainers play for live audiences, some perform exclusively for recording or production studios. Regardless of the setting, musicians, singers and related workers spend considerable time practicing, alone and with their band, orchestra or other musical ensemble.

Musicians often gain their reputation or professional standing in a particular kind of music or performance. Those who learn several related instruments, such as the flute and clarinet, and can perform equally well in a several musical styles, have better employment opportunities.

Singers interpret music using their knowledge of voice production, melody and harmony. They sing character parts or perform in their own individual style. Singers are often classified according to their voice range — soprano, contralto, tenor, baritone or bass — or by the type of music they sing, such as opera, rock, popular, folk, rap or country.

Music directors conduct, direct, plan and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups such as orchestras, choirs and glee clubs. Conductors lead instrumental music groups such as symphony orchestras, dance bands, show bands and various popular ensembles. These leaders audition and select musicians, choose the music most appropriate for their talents and abilities and direct rehearsals and performances. Choral directors lead choirs and glee clubs, sometimes working with a band or orchestra conductor. Directors audition and select singers and lead them at rehearsals and performances.

Composers create original music such as symphonies, operas, sonatas, radio and television jingles, film scores or popular songs. They transcribe ideas into musical notation using harmony, rhythm, melody and tonal structure. Although most composers and songwriters practice their craft on instruments and transcribe the notes with pen and paper, some use computer software to compose and edit their music.

Arrangers transcribe and adapt musical composition to a particular style for orchestras, bands, choral groups or individuals.

Musicians typically perform at night and on weekends. They spend much of their remaining time practicing or in rehearsal. Full-time musicians with long-term employment contracts, such as those with symphony orchestras and television and film production companies, have steady work and less travel. Nightclub, solo or recital musicians frequently travel. Many musicians supplement their income with other types of jobs. The stress of constantly looking for work leads many musicians to accept permanent, full-time jobs in other occupations, while working only part time as musicians.

Training and qualifications

Musicians need extensive and prolonged training to acquire the necessary skills, knowledge and ability to interpret music. Formal training may be obtained through private study with an accomplished musician in a college music program or in a music conservatory. Music directors, composers, conductors and arrangers need considerable related work experience or advanced training in these subjects.

A master's or doctoral degree is usually required to teach advanced music courses in colleges and universities; a bachelor's degree may be sufficient to teach basic courses. A degree in music education qualifies graduates for a state certificate to teach music in public elementary or secondary schools. Musicians who do not meet public school music education requirements may teach in private schools and recreation associations or instruct individual students in private sessions.

People considering careers in music should have musical talent, versatility, creativity, poise and a good stage presence. Self-discipline is vital. Moreover, musicians who play concert and nightclub engagements and who tour must have physical stamina to endure frequent travel and an irregular performance schedule. Musicians and singers must be prepared to face the anxiety of intermittent employment and rejections when auditioning for work.

Job outlook

Overall employment of musicians, singers and related workers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2010. Most new wage and salary jobs for musicians will arise in religious organizations, where the majority of these workers are employed. Average growth also is expected for self-employed musicians, who generally perform in nightclubs, concert tours and other venues.

The vast number of persons with the desire to perform will exceed the number of openings. Talent alone is no guarantee of success.

Earnings

Musicians, singers and related workers held about 240,000 jobs in 2000. More than 40% worked part time, and more than 40% were self-employed. Many jobs were found in cities in which entertainment and recording activities are concentrated, such as New York, Los Angeles and Nashville.

Median annual earnings of salaried musicians and singers were $36,740 in 2000. Median annual earnings were $41,520 in the producers, orchestras and entertainers industry and $16,570 in religious organizations.

Median annual earnings of salaried music directors and composers were $31,510 in 2000.