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Musician

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What Do Musician Do?

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

Musician Responsibilities

  • 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.
  • Listen to recordings to master pieces or to maintain and improve skills.
  • Transpose music to alternate keys, or to fit individual styles or purposes.
  • Perform before live audiences in concerts, recitals, educational presentations, and other social gatherings.
  • Specialize in playing a specific family of instruments or a particular type of music.

Qualities of a Musician

These are the skills Musicians say are the most useful in their careers:

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.

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

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

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.

Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.

Other Musician Job Titles

  • Organist
  • Church Musician
  • Oboist
  • Entertainment Musician
  • Accompanist

Job Demand for Musicians

There were about 172,400 jobs for Musician in 2016 (in the United States). 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.

What Tools & Technology do Musicians Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Musicians may use on a daily basis:

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

How do I Become a Musician?

Individuals working as a Musician have obtained the following education levels:

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What work experience do I need to become a Musician?

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Where Musicians Are Employed

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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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