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All About Musicians

Job Description & Duties Play one or more musical instruments in recital, in accompaniment, or as members of an orchestra, band, or other musical group.

Life As a Musician

  • Compose original music, such as popular songs, symphonies, or sonatas.
  • Play musical instruments as soloists, or as members or guest artists of musical groups such as orchestras, ensembles, or bands.
  • Direct bands or orchestras.
  • Practice musical instrument performances, individually or in rehearsal with other musicians, to master individual pieces of music or to maintain and improve skills.
  • Specialize in playing a specific family of instruments or a particular type of music.
  • Transpose music to alternate keys, or to fit individual styles or purposes.

Skills Needed to be a Musician

When polled, Musicians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.

Types of Musician

  • Musician
  • Trumpeter
  • English Horn Player
  • Bell Ringer
  • Horn Player

Musician Job Outlook

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 172,400 jobs in the United States for Musician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 10,400 new jobs for Musician by 2026. The BLS estimates 17,800 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Musician are Utah, Colorado, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Nebraska, Idaho, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Tools & Technologies Used by Musicians

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Musicians:

  • Microsoft Word
  • Web browser software
  • Email software
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Twitter
  • Appointment scheduling software
  • Avid Technology Pro Tools
  • Blogging software
  • Instagram
  • Avid Technology Sibelius
  • MakeMusic Finale
  • Apple GarageBand

Becoming a Musician

What kind of Musician requirements are there?

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What work experience do I need to become a Musician?

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Who Employs Musicians?

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Below are examples of industries where Musicians work:

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References:

Image Credit: via Creative Commons CC0

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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