Musicians
Description OES Code: 34050
Musicians, singers, and related workers play musical instruments, sing, compose, arrange, or conduct groups in instrumental or vocal performances. They may perform alone or as part of a group, before live audiences or in recording studios, television, radio, or movie productions.

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Musicians often perform at night and on weekends and spend much time in practice and rehearsal. Also, they frequently travel to perform in a variety of settings. Because many musicians find only part-time work and experience unemployment between engagements, they often supplement their income with other types of jobs. In fact, the stress of constantly looking for work leads many musicians to accept permanent, full-time jobs in other occupations, while working only part time as musicians.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 5,700
Projected Employment 2008 6,800
Percent Change 1998-2008 19.3%
Separations 1998-2008 1,200

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 200
Projected Employment 2006 240
Percent Change 1999-2006 20%
Separations 1999-2006 30

Employment Trends by California County

Most new wage and salary jobs for musicians will arise in religious organizations, where the majority of these workers are employed. Average growth is also expected for self-employed musicians as people continue to attend concerts, shows, recitals, and other performances in coming years.

Although demand for musicians will generate a number of job opportunities, most openings will arise from the need to replace those who leave the field each year because they are unable to make a living solely as musicians.

Advancement
Advancement for musicians usually means becoming better known and performing for increased earnings. Successful musicians often rely on agents or managers to find them performing engagements, negotiate contracts, and develop their careers.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Competition for musician, singer, and related jobs is keen because the glamour and potentially high earnings in this occupation attract many talented individuals. Talent alone is no guarantee of success. However, most musicians have difficulty finding work and must endure periods of intermittent unemployment. Those who can play several instruments and types of music should enjoy the best job prospects.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Aspiring musicians begin studying an instrument at an early age. They may gain valuable experience playing in a school or community band or orchestra or with a group of friends. Singers usually start training when their voices mature. Participation in school musicals or in a choir often provides good early training and experience.

Musicians need extensive and prolonged training to acquire the necessary skill, knowledge, and ability to interpret music. This training may be obtained through private study with an accomplished musician, in a college or university music program, in a music conservatory, or through practice with a group. For study in an institution, an audition frequently is necessary. Courses typically include musical theory, music interpretation, composition, conducting, and instrumental and voice instruction. Composers, conductors, and arrangers need advanced training in these subjects as well.
Many colleges, universities, and music conservatories grant bachelor's or higher degrees in music. A master's or doctoral degree is usually required to teach advanced music courses in colleges and universities; a bachelor's degree may be sufficient to teach basic courses. A degree in music education qualifies graduates for a State certificate to teach music in an elementary or secondary school.

Skills & Other Requirements
Young persons who are considering careers in music should have musical talent, versatility, creativity, poise, and a good stage presence. Because quality performance requires constant study and practice, self-discipline is vital. Moreover, musicians who play concert and nightclub engagements must have physical stamina to endure frequent travel and night performances. They must also be prepared to face the anxiety of intermittent employment and rejections when auditioning for work.

References
US Bureau Of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Related Occupations: Instrument Repairers and Tuners, Music Store Owners and Managers

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)