Musician
Musicians create or perform different types of music, from classical to pop and rock.
In this guide
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In your day-to-day duties you may:
- compose, learn and rehearse music pieces
- take care of and set up your instrument for performances
- prepare for and attend auditions
- perform in front of a live audience
- take part in recording sessions
- create 'demo' recordings to promote your music
- engage with your audience through social media and website content
- arrange concerts and tours or deal with a manager or agent who does this for you
Working environment
You could work in a theatre, at a music venue or at a recording studio.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
Career path and progression
Many musicians are self-employed freelancers and often have to do other jobs alongside their career as a musician.
With experience, you could:
- progress in an orchestra to principal player or section leader
- move into conducting
- start your own ensemble
- go into business roles like manager, producer, writer or work at a record company
- become a singing teacher, vocal coach or teach your musical instrument
- get into academic research
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- persistence and determination
- ambition and a desire to succeed
- knowledge of the fine arts
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- active listening skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- concentration skills
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Related subjects
Most relevant
- Music - Musicians need a deep understanding of music theory, harmony, rhythm, and performance technique. Studying music develops skills in reading notation, composing, arranging, and performing – all of which are central to a musician's daily work, whether they play classical, pop, jazz, or any other genre.
Also relevant
- Drama - Musicians perform in front of live audiences and need to connect with them emotionally, much like actors on stage. Understanding stage presence, projection, and how to communicate feeling through performance helps musicians deliver compelling and memorable shows.
- Physics - Musicians benefit from understanding the science of sound – how waves, frequency, resonance, and acoustics work. This knowledge helps with tuning instruments, understanding how sound behaves in different venues, and making informed choices during recording sessions.
- Business - Musicians are often self-employed and need to manage their own finances, negotiate fees, and promote themselves. Understanding how to market your work, manage contracts, and plan tours or events is essential for building a sustainable music career.
- English Language - Musicians who write their own songs need strong language skills to craft lyrics that connect with listeners. They also need to communicate clearly when engaging with audiences on social media, writing promotional content, or working with managers and agents.
- Modern Foreign Languages - Musicians who perform internationally or work in classical music often encounter lyrics, scores, and musical terms in languages like Italian, German, and French. Being comfortable with other languages also helps when touring abroad or collaborating with international artists.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by private training organisations
Whatever your musical genre, you'll need a high level of musical skill and talent. Though you do not need a degree for all forms of music, in some fields it is expected, for example classical music.
You could study for a degree or postgraduate award in:
- classical music
- music composition
- music performance
- popular music
- popular and commercial music
You could do this at a university or a conservatoire. You'll usually specialise in one main instrument and study a second instrument.
Some music degrees focus more on music theory than performance, so research the courses carefully to make sure they're right for you.
At audition you'll usually be asked to perform several pieces of music of different styles. You'll also need to talk at your interview about your your artistic influences and your musical career aims.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels including music, or equivalent qualifications
- grade 8 in your main instrument
- to pass an audition
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
You could take a college course to get professional training and the opportunity to perform. Subjects available include:
- Level 2 Award for Music Practitioners
- Level 2 Diploma in Music for Practical Performance
- Level 3 Diploma in Music Technology
- Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production
You may need to pass an audition to get on to some courses.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
More Information
Enter talent competitions, music festivals and events to get yourself known.
For example, the BBC runs an annual competition for 12 to 18 year olds across the UK who create their own original music.
You may be lucky and get talent spotted. You could increase your chances by showcasing your music on:
- networking websites
- social media
- music blogs
- demo recordings to send to recording companies
The Musicians' Union has more details on how to promote yourself.
The BBC Introducing programme could be a way to get your music heard on the radio, if you're an unsigned musician.
Many musicians teach themselves. Some start learning an instrument from an early age. This might be with a private music teacher or training provider.
You can take graded music exams in lots of types of instruments including:
- woodwind
- strings
- percussion
- piano
- vocals
Find out more about graded music exams from:
Armed forces careers
There are opportunities to train as a musician in the armed forces.
Find out more from the:
Career tips
Get as much experience as you can of performing in public.
You could do this by
- joining a youth or community orchestra
- staging your own events
- entering competitions
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Musicians' Union or the Independent Society of Musicians to access training, events and networking opportunities.
Further information
You can get more advice about working in music from the Independent Society of Musicians.
You can also find out more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.
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