Career: Musicians and Singers
What's your dream? To become a hip-hop artist in Los Angeles? A bluegrass fiddle player in Nashville? Or a star soprano with the Metropolitan Opera in New York? Whatever your goal, you'll need top technical skills, talent, stage presence, and a thick skin to put up with the intense competition. While many musicians hope to win a big solo contract with a recording studio or one of the larger record labels, the majority spend most of their time working in ensembles, rehearsing, and performing live.
Musicians and singers play musical instruments or sing as part of a group or solo. Many musicians and singers perform for live audiences, though others play only for recording or production studios.
Did You Know?
- Many young musicians and singers pursue work in other countries, where there are more orchestras and opera companies than in the U.S.
Are You Ready To...?
- Spend long hours practicing
- Attend regular rehearsals for one or more performance groups
- Perform solo or as part of an ensemble
- Work nights and weekends
- Tour nationally or internationally
It Helps to Be...
A versatile and talented musician or singer who is self-disciplined and able to take criticism. As a professional musician or singer, you’ll also need to be comfortable performing in front of a crowd.
Make High School Count
- Play in as many performance groups as you can: try everything from symphonic bands and chamber orchestras to choirs and a cappella groups.
- Take private music lessons in your instrument. If you need financial aid, look to groups like the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, which help out young musicians.
- Take music theory classes at school or through a private teacher.
- Attend summer music camps and workshops.
Did You Know?
- Many opera companies have apprenticeship programs for young singers who want to develop their repertoire.
Outlook
Government economists expect that jobs for musicians and singers will grow as fast as the average for all careers through 2016. On the other hand, slower-than-average growth is expected for those who want to work for themselves and pursue gigs in nightclubs. Religious organizations should provide the most paying jobs for musicians.
Compensation
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average hourly income of musicians and singers was $28.28 in 2008.
Keep in mind, however, that many musicians are underemployed, spending long periods of time without work. Even when employed, many musicians and singers work part-time in unrelated occupations to add to their earnings as performers. Many also give private lessons.
