Musicians can find themselves working full time for an orchestra, working part time or freelance in a band, recording music in a professional or a home grown studio, or performing live. The possibilities are endless.
There are many arts programmes out there which sponsor musicians, provide residential opportunities and allow people of talent and passion their 15 minutes of fame. However it isnt all about talent. Musicians need to practice their chosen area and study hard in order to get ahead of the fierce competition.
Many musicians have a degree in music which often gives them strong academic background knowledge for their musicianship. Additionally, there are many courses which promote music production, music technology and business. Qualifications are not always necessary, however, as experience tends to trump academic prowess, even to employers and recruitment agencies. Staff and residential musician jobs are rare but lucrative and specialist recruitment agencies and talent spotters are good at negotiating excellent deals.
Salaries vary but a musician in an orchestra might earn between £25,000 p.a. and £50,000, dependent on experience and which instrument is being played. Solo instrumentalists can charge as little as £42 and as much as £600 for one concert. Employment in schools and private tuition is often a good way for musicians to make up any shortfall in wages.
