Musician
Use your talent to create music and songs. Play, sing and perform to entertain audiences.
Also known as: rock musician, pop singer, pop musician, classical musician
About the job
What it's like
Is music your jam? Whether you can hit the high notes or you're a virtuoso violinist, if you've got passion and talent, you could make it as a musician.
You'll write, arrange and play songs to entertain and move audiences. You could be performing to a small, intimate crowd of loyal fans or in a huge stadium with thousands of people.
You could work as part of a band, choir or orchestra, as a solo artist or as a session or backing musician. You might play an instrument, sing or do both to create music. You could also produce music electronically using a digital audio workstation (DAW). This is a piece of software that lets you create music from a computer, tablet or even a smartphone.
To make money, you'll perform paid gigs or ticketed live streams. You might sell physical or digital copies of your music. Some musicians earn royalties when their music is played on radio, tv or film. There are other ways to make money from music, such as teaching others. There might be opportunities unique to the type of music you play. For example, in classical music you can also be a conductor of an orchestra.
Creativity and a passion for music is key. But you also need determination and the ability to cope with criticism and rejection. It's a competitive line of work, it might be difficult to make a steady living. Many musicians create music as a hobby or outwith their day job for extra money.
Your tasks might include:
composing songs and music to perform or learning other artists' music
practising, rehearsing, auditioning and taking part in recording sessions
performing live shows in front of an audience
looking after your voice or instrument
promoting your act online and at events
arranging gigs and tours and travelling to perform
You might hire an agent, manager or work for a record company who can help with the business side of the job.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Musicians' Union – advice and support for pursuing a career in music
Independent Society of Musicians – access careers advice and resources
Creative Scotland – learn about funding available for the creative industries
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Musician'
Select qualification level(s)
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- recalling
- taking initiative
- self esteem
- creative
- written communication
- verbal communication
- networking
- cooperating
- building relationships
- persevering
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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English
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Media
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Music
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Music Technology
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Performance Arts
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Skills for Work: Creative Industries
You don't need formal qualifications to be a musician. Your musical talent is much more important which you can develop through practice and experience.
Many musicians choose to study music at college or university. For instance, it's more common in classical music to have a degree. Others perform or release music when they feel confident about their ability.
University
A degree could be helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects, such as:
Music
Music Composition
Music Performance
Musical Theatre
Search what's available using our course search.
You could consider going to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. They offer degree qualifications that are more performance-led than those at traditional universities.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get into the career or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Music
Music Composition
Music Performance
Musical Theatre
Work
You can start performing without qualifications. You might need to audition to get gigs or to join a band, choir or orchestra.
You might struggle to get paid for your musical work when you start out. To start connecting with an audience, you could:
share your music online: this is a great way to build a following and connect directly with fans
look for 'open mic' events: many venues offer new acts a chance to perform in front of an audience
'busk' in public spaces: take to the streets and show off your talent, you'll build confidence and grow your audience
enter musical competitions: these can be a great way to gain exposure and experience
Recordings of your music that you can easily share are handy. They can help you land gigs, or record labels interested in signing you might want to listen to them.
You can take graded examinations to show your skill level with an instrument. There are lots of different exam boards, but most grading systems go from levels 1 to 8. You can pay to take an assessment and get graded.
Any paid or voluntary experience within the industry could help build useful contacts. It'll also help to show your passion for music if you apply for courses.
A high level of musical talent is essential.
To get on some courses, you'll need to pass an audition.
You’ll need to network with other people in the industry who can help you get opportunities.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Musician'
