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Musicians, singers, and related workers play musical instruments, sing, compose or arrange music, or conduct groups in instrumental or vocal performances. They may perform solo or as part of a group. They entertain live audiences in a variety of venues:
- nightclubs
- concert halls
- theaters
- recording studios
Regardless of the setting, musicians, singers, and related workers spend considerable time practicing, alone and with their bands, orchestras or other musical ensembles.
Musicians play one or more musical instruments. Many musicians learn to play several related instruments and can perform equally well in several musical styles. 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 and text, 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, for example—or by the type of music they sing, such as rock, pop, folk, opera, rap, or country.
Music directors and conductors conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups, such as orchestras, choirs, and glee clubs. These leaders audition and select musicians, choose the music most appropriate for their talents and abilities, and direct rehearsals and performances.
Composers create original music such as symphonies, operas, sonatas, radio and television jingles, film scores, and popular songs. They transcribe ideas into musical notation, using harmony, rhythm, melody, and tonal structure.
Arrangers transcribe and adapt musical compositions to a particular style for orchestras, bands, choral groups or individuals.
How long does it take?
Aspiring musicians typically 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.
Musicians need extensive and prolonged training and practice to become a professional performer. Formal training may be obtained through private study with an accomplished musician, in a college or university music program, or in a music conservatory. Amarillo College offers a two-year degree in music that will transfer to a four-year school.
How much will you earn?
Salaries vary widely. In 2006, the median salary for musicians, singers and related workers was $19.00.
Where can you work?
About a third of musical performers only work part-time and a full half are considered self-employed. Many work in cities in which entertainment and recording activities are concentrated: New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago and Nashville. d restaurants and for weddings and other events.
AC can help you get there!
