Classical musician

Alternative job titles: opera singer

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You would play an instrument or sing for audiences in live concerts. You’d also record music for people to listen to at home.

You might perform solo or as part of an orchestra or ensemble (group of musicians). Some people work as freelance session musicians, playing or singing with different orchestras or ensembles as required.

You’d record music for people to buy on CD or download, or to be played in films, TV and radio.

You’d also need to:

Practise regularly
Learn and rehearse new pieces
Look after your voice or instrument
Set up and tune your instrument before a performance

You’d prepare for and attend auditions and, if you work freelance, you’d need to contact agents and find work.

You might also:

Compose your own musical scores
Conduct an orchestra
Teach music to children, either privately or as a visiting teacher in schools

You’d need to be prepared to practice for several hours a day. You’d also have to be able to accept criticism and rejection.

Hours

Working hours can be long and include evenings and weekends. Studio recording sessions can often take many hours and run until late at night. You would also need to spend hours practising and rehearsing. You might also work in a related area, such as community arts or arts administration.

Environment

You could perform in many different locations, from theatres, concert halls and other music venues, to hotels and restaurants.

Travel

You could also spend time travelling around the country and possibly overseas.

Full-time

Part-time

Self employed

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Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need.

There are no formal qualifications required to get into this role but any qualifications and experience that demonstrate your commitment to music and musical ability will be useful.

Many musicians choose to study and gain qualifications in music at college or university.

You can enter some National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2-6) through an audition but most courses also ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).

You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.

To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.

Music (required by many courses)
English (required by many courses)
Music Technology
ICT
Maths
Social subjects such as history

Many university courses look for grade 7/8 music exams as well as academic qualifications.

Most musicians start learning to play an instrument from an early age and work toward graded music exams through Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) or Trinity College.