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What does a Musician do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A musician is a person who plays one or more musical instruments.

Musician job duties include:

  • Performing music for live audiences
  • Playing music in recording studios
  • Writing and composing music
  • Arranging music for other instruments or voices
  • Conducting orchestras and bands
  • Accompanying other performers on piano or another instrument
  • Transcribing music from recordings or live performances
  • Analyzing musical compositions to understand their structure and meaning
  • Teaching music to students of all ages
  • Repairing and maintaining musical instruments

Musician Job Requirements

Most musicians have a college degree in music or a related field, although some have only a high school diploma. Many musicians are self-taught and learn through experience. Some musicians also have certification from music schools. In order to be a professional musician, one must be able to read music and have excellent performance skills.

Musician Skills

  • Singing
  • Songwriting
  • Guitar
  • Bass
  • Drums
  • Piano
  • Keyboards
  • Violin
  • Viola
  • Cello
  • Saxophone

Related: Top Musician Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Musician

There are many different ways to become a musician. Some people are born with a natural talent and ability to play an instrument, while others have to work hard to develop their skills.

If you have a passion for music and want to pursue it as a career, there are a few things you need to do. First, you need to choose the right instrument for you. There are many different instruments to choose from, so take your time and find one that you’re comfortable with and enjoy playing.

Once you’ve selected your instrument, it’s time to start practicing. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work to become a good musician, so be prepared to put in the hours. Find a quiet place where you can focus on your playing, and set aside some time each day to practice.

In addition to practicing on your own, it’s also important to take lessons from a qualified instructor. A good teacher can help you learn proper technique, develop your skills, and give you feedback on your progress.

As you continue to practice and improve your skills, start performing in public. This could be anything from busking on the street corner to playing in a local band or orchestra. Getting experience performing in front of an audience will help build your confidence and prepare you for a career in music.

If you’re serious about becoming a professional musician, you may need to move to a city with more opportunities. Here you can find work as a session musician, touring musician, or even get signed by a record label.

No matter what path you take, remember that becoming a successful musician takes time, hard work, and dedication. But if you have a passion for music and are willing to put in the effort, you can achieve your dream of becoming a professional musician.

Related: Musician Resume Example

Related: Musician Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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