Description
Essentially, Professional instrument musicians write, perform and record music. They are paid to entertain, delight and inspire. Instrument musicians play one or more musical instruments in recital, in accompaniment, or as members of an orchestra, band, or other musical group. They are involved in creating and/or performing music in a variety of genres. They may need to diversify and branch out into other styles of music in order to enhance their employability. Most musicians have a need to perform/compose through their strong love of music.
Tasks:
1. Performing in concerts and participating in recording sessions
2. Practising regularly and preparing for auditions
3. Preparing for and attending rehearsals
4. Maintaining the instrument
5. Setting up/tuning the instrument and other equipment as well as arranging for its transportation, if it is large
6. Learning new pieces of music to extend their repertoire
7. Handling the administration of business activities such as promotion, handling accounts, negotiating fees and organising distribution of their recordings both offline and online, e.g. making their music available for sale on iTunes
8. Seeking out and liaising with new venues in which to perform
9. Delivering educational work in schools, businesses and the wider community
10. Going on a short or extended tour
Key skills for Instrument Musician:
United Kingdom: £25 per hour
United States of America: $29.92 per hour
Australia: AU$50 per hour
Note: Salaries vary enormously depending on whether a musician is working freelance or as part of an orchestra.
Qualifications and training required:
A degree in music is not essential for entry into some genres of the profession, but for the classical repertoire it is highly regarded. Almost all professional instrument musicians begin their training at an early age. They continue to study for many years, either privately with a music teacher or in a music school. Many music schools accept students on the basis of auditions. Music colleges are known as conservatoires and these differ from universities as they focus on more performance-led degrees, with an emphasis on practical skills. University music degrees tend to focus more on the academic side of music.
Many musicians continue training to improve their performance and professional development, with most paying for lessons themselves throughout their working lives. Training is available from a range of organisations.
Tasks:
1. Performing in concerts and participating in recording sessions
2. Practising regularly and preparing for auditions
3. Preparing for and attending rehearsals
4. Maintaining the instrument
5. Setting up/tuning the instrument and other equipment as well as arranging for its transportation, if it is large
6. Learning new pieces of music to extend their repertoire
7. Handling the administration of business activities such as promotion, handling accounts, negotiating fees and organising distribution of their recordings both offline and online, e.g. making their music available for sale on iTunes
8. Seeking out and liaising with new venues in which to perform
9. Delivering educational work in schools, businesses and the wider community
10. Going on a short or extended tour
Key skills for Instrument Musician:
- Technical skill and manual dexterity
- Musical ability and talent
- Strong mental and physical discipline
- Self-confidence, motivation, dedication and determination
- Able to concentrate for long periods
- Flair for entertainment and passion for music
United Kingdom: £25 per hour
United States of America: $29.92 per hour
Australia: AU$50 per hour
Note: Salaries vary enormously depending on whether a musician is working freelance or as part of an orchestra.
Qualifications and training required:
A degree in music is not essential for entry into some genres of the profession, but for the classical repertoire it is highly regarded. Almost all professional instrument musicians begin their training at an early age. They continue to study for many years, either privately with a music teacher or in a music school. Many music schools accept students on the basis of auditions. Music colleges are known as conservatoires and these differ from universities as they focus on more performance-led degrees, with an emphasis on practical skills. University music degrees tend to focus more on the academic side of music.
Many musicians continue training to improve their performance and professional development, with most paying for lessons themselves throughout their working lives. Training is available from a range of organisations.