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Musicians, Singers, Music Directors and Composers
Overview » Industry Pathways » Performing Arts 
Musicians, singers, music directors, composers and related workers play musical instruments, sing, compose or arrange music, or conduct groups in instrumental or vocal performances. They, like dancers and actors, love performing in front of an audience. They may perform solo or as part of a group. Musicians, singers, and related workers entertain live audiences in nightclubs, concert halls, and theaters featuring opera, musical theater, or dance.
Although most of these entertainers play for live audiences, many perform only 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. However, those who learn several instruments, and who can perform equally well in several musical styles, have better employment opportunities. Instrumental musicians, for example, may play in a symphony orchestra, rock group, or jazz combo one night, appear in another ensemble the next, and work in a studio band the following day. Some play a variety of string, brass, woodwind, or percussion instruments or electronic synthesizers.
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 and western.
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 an orchestra conductor. Directors audition and select singers and lead them at rehearsals and performances in order to achieve harmony, rhythm, tempo, shading, and other desired musical effects.
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 compositions to a particular style for orchestras, bands, choral groups, or individuals. Components of music—including tempo, volume, and the mix of instruments needed—are arranged to express the composer’s message.
Musicians, singers, and related workers held about 264,000 jobs in 2006. Almost 40 percent worked part time, and more than one-third were self-employed. Many found jobs in cities in which entertainment and recording activities are concentrated, such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Nashville.
Musicians, singers, and related workers are employed in a variety of settings. Religious organizations, professional orchestras, small chamber music groups, opera companies, musical theater companies, and ballet troupes are just some of the areas these workers are employed. Musicians and singers also perform in nightclubs and restaurants and for weddings and other events. Well-known musicians and groups may perform in concerts, appear on radio and television broadcasts, and make recordings and music videos.
Competition for jobs for musicians, singers, and related workers is expected to be very strong. The number of persons with the desire to perform will exceed the number of openings. Talent alone is no guarantee of success - many people start out to become musicians or singers, but leave the profession because they find the work difficult, the discipline demanding, and the long periods of intermittent unemployment unendurable.
Overall employment of musicians, singers, and related workers is expected to grow about average for all occupations through 2016. Most new wage and salary jobs for musicians will arise in religious organizations. Slower-than-average growth is expected for self-employed musicians, who generally perform in nightclubs, concert tours, and other venues. Although growth in demand for musicians will generate a number of job opportunities, many openings also will arise from the need to replace those who leave the field each year because they are unable to make a living solely as musicians.
Aspiring musicians begin studying an instrument at an early age. They may gain valuable experience playing in a school or community band or an orchestra or with a group of friends. Singers usually start training when their voices mature. Participation in school musicals or choirs often provides good early training and experience.
Musicians need extensive and prolonged training to acquire the necessary skills, knowledge, and ability to interpret music. Like other artists, musicians and singers continually strive to stretch themselves—exploring different forms of music.
Formal training may be obtained through private study with an accomplished musician, in a college or university music program, or in a music conservatory. Music directors, composers, conductors, and arrangers need considerable related work experience or advanced training in these subjects.
Many colleges, universities, and music conservatories grant a bachelor’s degree or higher in music. A master’s or doctoral degree is usually required to teach advanced music courses in colleges and universities, while a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient to teach basic courses.
Musicians must be knowledgeable about a broad range of musical styles, but keenly aware of the form that interests them most. This broader range of interest, knowledge, and training can help expand employment opportunities and musical abilities. Voice training and private instrumental lessons, taken especially when the individual is young, also help develop technique and enhance one’s performance.
Young persons considering careers in music should have musical talent, versatility, creativity, poise, and a good stage presence. Because quality performance requires constant study and practice, self-discipline is vital. Musicians who play in concerts or in nightclubs and those who tour must have physical stamina to endure frequent travel and an irregular performance schedule. They also must be prepared to face the anxiety of intermittent employment and of rejection when auditioning for work.
Advancement for musicians usually means becoming better known and performing for higher earnings. Successful musicians often rely on agents or managers to find them performing engagements, negotiate contracts, and develop their careers.
Typical annual earnings of salaried musicians and singers were $40,150 in 2007.
Earnings often depend on the number of hours and weeks worked, a performer’s professional reputation, and the setting. The most successful musicians earn performance or recording fees that far exceed the typical earnings.
If you are interested in this occupation or are wondering about related occupations, use the links below to continue your exploration. Always remember, the more effort you put into exploring possible careers, the easier it will be for you to discover the best career choices for you!
For career information and links to employment resources contact:
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Occupational Information Network, O*NET Online: http://online.onetcenter.org/
For general information about music and music teacher education and a list of accredited college-level programs, contact:
National Association of Schools of Music: http://nasm.arts-accredit.org
For information about planning and paying for college, visit Junior Achievement’s Financial Aid Center .
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