Musician and Composer
Musicians and composers are creative professionals who express themselves through various musical genres using instruments and their voices. While many musicians write their own music, composers are typically recognized for creating original works intended for performance by others. The work environment for these artists is diverse, ranging from private studios and homes to concert halls, nightclubs, and outdoor venues. Despite the allure of performance, the majority of a musician's week is dedicated to practice, rehearsals, and other responsibilities, with many being self-employed.
To pursue a career in music, individuals typically start with strong proficiency in one or more instruments and often require at least a high school diploma, with many furthering their education through a bachelor’s degree in music or related fields. The music industry is highly competitive, and many musicians and composers may hold additional jobs to support themselves. Key qualities for success in this field include creativity, stamina, and the ability to collaborate with others. As technology evolves, musicians and composers increasingly utilize digital tools for composition, promotion, and performance, making the industry more accessible even for those working remotely.
Musician and Composer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
Interests: Music, musical instruments, entertaining and performing, composing or arranging music, recording, promotion
Earnings (Median): $62,590 per year $30.09 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 1% (Little or no change)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience Less than 5 years
On-the-job Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Musicians and composers, considered entertainers regardless of their genre or stature, express themselves through the use of instruments and/or voice. While many musicians write their own music, recognition as a composer is usually reserved for those who compose original works meant to be performed by other musicians. They each tend to specialize in a particular musical genre, although crossovers are common. In addition to contemporary compositions, musicians and composers are able to draw on a vast collection of music in the public domain for new arrangements and interpretations.
Work Environment. Musicians compose and practice in studios, often located in their homes, and perform in diverse environments, from cruise ships, nightclubs, and churches to large concert halls and stadiums. Some perform outdoors when weather permits. Performance makes up only a fraction of the musician’s workweek, with the bulk of their time taken up by practice, rehearsals, composing, travel, and other responsibilities, including recording, if they are a recording artist. With the exception of orchestra members, church organists, and a few others, most musicians and composers are self-employed. Musicians have the highest chance of succeeding professionally if they live near major cities, where the greatest number of employment opportunities can be found. However, the proliferation of technology and meeting software has made remote work more accessible.
Occupation Interest. Most people who choose to become a professional musician or composer do so after becoming proficient at one or more instruments. They enjoy expressing themselves creatively in this nonverbal language, and, in the case of musicians, enjoy performing for an audience. While they have certainly learned that practice is the key to success, they demonstrate other necessary qualities as well, including creativity, stamina, confidence, and the ability to cooperate with other musicians.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Musicians divide much of their time between practice and rehearsals, performing, and any related travel, and, in many cases, recording and promotion. A practice session normally involves an individual musician learning a new piece, polishing a technique, or gaining proficiency on a new instrument, whereas rehearsal involves the whole band or ensemble, if there is one, practicing a complete piece of music for performance. Established musicians with a degree of professional recognition may have a manager to handle the details of promotion, scheduling, recording, and production, while those who are just starting out may have to do everything themselves.
A successful professional composer may be offered commissions to write advertising jingles, film scores, orchestral works, or other types of music. Some composers are also hired to arrange music—that is, take an existing work and have it performed in a novel way. For example, a composer might take a pop song and turn it into an orchestral work. When not busy with their creative work, composers meet with clients and spend time promoting their talents.
Musicians may also set aside time for composing music or writing songs. They also listen to recordings by other musicians and keep abreast of new equipment and technologies. Because the field is so competitive, making a living as a full-time musician or composer is difficult. Therefore, many musicians and composers also hold day jobs that divide their attentions even further.
Choral Directors (152.047-010). Choral Directors conduct vocal music groups, such as choirs and glee clubs.
Orchestra Conductors (152.047-014). Orchestra Conductors lead instrumental music groups, such as orchestras and dance bands.
Musical Directors (152.047-018). Musical Directors plan and direct the activities of personnel in studio music departments and conduct studio orchestras.
Singers (152.047-022). Singers entertain by singing songs on stage, radio, and television or in nightclubs.
Arrangers (152.067-010). Arrangers transcribe musical compositions or melodic lines to adapt them to or create a particular style.
Orchestrators (152.067-022). Orchestrators write musical scores for orchestras, bands, choral groups, or individuals.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Musicians play in a variety of settings, ranging from elegant concert halls to smoky bars to weddings and other private events. Depending on the type and size of the venue as well as the type of music they play, musicians need to pay attention to the effect of the performance environment on their instruments and especially on their bodies, as they can be at risk for ailments such as hearing loss and repetitive motion injuries. Composers may work in private settings, theaters, and other locations.
Human Environment. Musicians interact with many different people, most notably their audiences and other musicians or singers. A session musician will also work closely with studio technicians, a touring artist may travel with his staff and stage crew, and a church organist will collaborate with the music director and minister. Composers often work closely with a film director, advertising team, choreographer, and other professionals.
Technological Environment. Musicians playing instruments that are not electric or electronic, including string, wind, and other traditional instruments, are concerned mainly with the operation and maintenance of those instruments, although any performing artist typically needs to also work with microphones, amplifiers, and other electrical equipment. Additional musical technologies are involved in working with electric guitars, keyboards, and the like, and for recording artists, there is a world of sound recording technology with which to become familiar. Musicians and composers who are just entering the industry may need to keep track of their own scheduling and accounting using software programs, and they may advertise their talent through social media.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Musicians today generally need at least a high school diploma. Most will want to pursue a strong college preparatory program, with electives in music and courses specific to their interests, such as creative writing, electronics, or film studies. Private lessons, summer music camps, and extracurricular performance opportunities are extremely important. Proficiency on one or more instruments will be required for admission to a college music program or conservatory.
Postsecondary. In general, musicians must find the balance of formal and informal education that best meets their needs. An unusually talented musician may choose to forego college and move directly into their performing career. On the other hand, some musicians benefit from at least a bachelor’s degree in music. Music programs include courses in theory, composition, arranging, and performance. Instead of music, one might consider majoring in music education, audio engineering, or even double majoring in music and business. Continuing education courses in piano tuning, instrument repair and construction, or other related courses might be good choices as well.
Related Occupations
− Sound Engineering Technician
Bibliography
"Music Directors and Composers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/music-directors-and-composers.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Musicians and Singers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/musicians-and-singers.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 27-2041 Music Directors and Composers." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes272041.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.