Music is a universal form of self-expression. Musicians and Singers convey a culture’s musical traditions and create new forms as well. An ear, or talent, for music often shows up early in life. While vocal training for singers usually begins in later teen years when the voice matures, musicians can start learning an instrument even sooner. For those who specialize in classical or jazz music, it’s typical to take formal instruction, such as studying with a "master" or earning a bachelors or master’s degree in music. Many musicians working in popular music genres, like hip hop, rock, and folk, are self-taught. Musicians and singers need a great deal of skill, tenacity and sometimes luck -- to earn a living from music. While they may find work through competitive auditions, most need to promote themselves to find consistent work. Gigs, or performances, are often scheduled in the evenings, weekends or holidays and can require travel away from home. Musicians and singers often teach, or hold another “day job” to support a performing career. Offering lessons and performing for different venues is a form of self-employment. Financial and business experience or classes can be helpful for managing the business side of a self-employed music career. While a music career isn’t an easy one, for many, the joy of performing more than makes up for the sacrifices the art demands.
What they do:
Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.
On the job, you would:
Perform before live audiences in concerts, recitals, educational presentations, and other social gatherings.
Sing a cappella or with musical accompaniment.
Interpret or modify music, applying knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.
Arts and Humanities
music, dance, visual arts, drama, or sculpture
English language
Communications
multimedia
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
talking to others
Social
changing what is done based on other people's actions
understanding people's reactions
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Hearing and Speech
tell the difference between sounds
pay attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds
Ideas and Logic
create new and original ideas
notice when problems happen
People interested in this work like activities that include creating, designing, and making your own rules.
They do well at jobs that need:
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Cooperation
Persistence
Achievement/Effort
Self Control
You might use software like this on the job:
Music or sound editing software
Apple GarageBand
Audacity
Web page creation and editing software
Blogging software
Facebook
Computer based training software
Cantovation Sing & See
Singing Success
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.