Musicians, Instrumental
Career Snapshot
Performing music may be joyful, and getting paid for it makes it even more so. Composers, vocalists, and other musicians are employed by large city orchestras and theatres, television and film studios, and as studio session players in major recording cities such as Nashville, Los Angeles, and New York. Some musicians perform in rock bands and jazz ensembles.
Unfortunately, there are few full-time employment available for musicians. Even the most gifted individuals must frequently augment their income by working at other occupations. Fewer than half of all musicians work full-time, and more than sixty percent of those who do are music directors for churches and synagogues.
The ambition of musical achievement may be worthwhile for people with exceptional skill. However, it is prudent to have a similar occupation to fall back on. After all, the music industry need as many salespeople, managers, technicians, professors, and other professionals as it does performers.
Characteristics
Activities
Areas of Study
Degrees
Key Abilities
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
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Hearing Sensitivity
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Manual Dexterity
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Oral Comprehension
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Oral Expression
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Originality
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Problem Sensitivity
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Selective Attention
Colleges
Top Skills