Classical Musician

Classical musicians perform, compose and/or conduct music. They might play an instrument or sing in live performances at concerts and theatres, or attend recording sessions to produce CDs or backing tracks for adverts, TV, radio and films. This may also involve them writing new material for a specific event.

Many classical musicians make a living by combining their performing career with instrumental or vocal teaching. Some work within the education department of an orchestra or opera company. Others train as school music teachers, working either full time or part time as a visiting (peripatetic) teacher. Some work full time in the bands of the armed forces.

Classical musicians usually work long and irregular hours, practising alone, taking part in rehearsals and performances. Evening and weekend working is common and a lot of travel may be required.

Musicians may work in a variety of environments. These can range from indoor concert halls, theatres and recording studios to outdoor venues. Musicians can also work in schools.

The pay of classical musicians varies widely and only a few earn high incomes. Many are able to earn steady incomes by taking on a wide variety of work. Solo instrumentalists may earn between £50 and £650 a concert. Employed orchestral musicians may earn between £24,000 and £45,000 a year.

A classical musician should:

• have outstanding musical ability
• be self-disciplined and hardworking
• have a real love of music
• like working with other musicians
• enjoy performing to an audience.

Classical music is a highly competitive area of work. Many musicians are self-employed and very few earn their living as solo performers. They may, however, make successful careers playing in orchestras, ensembles and professional choruses, conducting, composing and working in music education.

Classical musicians need extensive formal musical education and training, often to postgraduate level. Most have learnt to play one or more instrument from an early age. Entrants to higher education music courses often need to have achieved grade eight in their first instrument.

Musicians must continue improving their skills, practising and rehearsing for many hours a day. They may study for a postgraduate qualification in, for example, performance, composition or conducting.

Musicians need to make a name for themselves. They may do this by entering competitions, applying for bursaries and awards, taking auditions, participating in special schemes for young artists, joining amateur groups and giving free concerts.

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