Musicians and Singers

What does a professional in this career do?

Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.

In this job you will...

• Perform before live audiences in concerts, recitals, educational presentations, and other social gatherings.
• Sing a cappella or with musical accompaniment.
• Interpret or modify music, applying knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.
• Specialize in playing a specific family of instruments or a particular type of music.
• Sing as a soloist or as a member of a vocal group.
• Observe choral leaders or prompters for cues or directions in vocal presentation.
• Memorize musical selections and routines, or sing following printed text, musical notation, or customer instructions.
• Play musical instruments as soloists, or as members or guest artists of musical groups such as orchestras, ensembles, or bands.
• Sight-read musical parts during rehearsals.
• Play from memory or by following scores.
• Practice singing exercises and study with vocal coaches to develop voice and skills and to rehearse for upcoming roles.
• Listen to recordings to master pieces or to maintain and improve skills.
• Teach music for specific instruments.
• Provide the musical background for live shows, such as ballets, operas, musical theatre, and cabarets.
• Audition for orchestras, bands, or other musical groups.
• Seek out and learn new music suitable for live performance or recording.
• Make or participate in recordings in music studios.
• Promote their own or their group's music by participating in media interviews and other activities.
• Make or participate in recordings.
• Research particular roles to find out more about a character, or the time and place in which a piece is set.
• Learn acting, dancing, and other skills required for dramatic singing roles.
• Transpose music to alternate keys, or to fit individual styles or purposes.
• Direct bands or orchestras.
• Compose songs or create vocal arrangements.
• Arrange and edit music to fit style and purpose.
• Improvise music during performances.
• Collaborate with a manager or agent who handles administrative details, finds work, and negotiates contracts.
• Perform in television, radio, or movie productions.
• Practice performances, individually or in rehearsal with other musicians, to master individual pieces of music or to maintain and improve skills.