Musicians and Composers work in two aspects of the field of music. Musicians sing and/or play musical instruments as a soloist or member of a band or orchestra to entertain audiences. Composers write music using their knowledge of harmony, rhythm, melody, and tonal structure. Many persons are both Musicians and Composers.

JOB DUTIES

Musicians may:

Practice to maintain and improve their skills

Modify previously written music to fit their style or purposes

Memorize musical scores as required

Perform before audiences as a soloist or group member

Some Musicians also write and teach music and direct bands/orchestras

Composers may:

Think up ideas for musical scores

Determine the basic pattern of the melody

Develop the pattern of the harmony

Record notes on scored music paper

Composers may further specialize by writing music for movies or plays.

Some write the music for songs but not the words.

Equipment and work aids used by Musicians may include:

Composers may also use the following:

• Choral slide rules

• Scored music paper

• Recording equipment

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Musicians & Composers may specialize in these areas:

152.047-018 MUSIC DIRECTORS supervise personnel in studio music departments and conduct studio orchestras.

152.047-014 ORCHESTRA CONDUCTORS lead instrumental music groups, such as orchestras, dance bands, and various popular ensembles. They also audition and select members of the group and select music to fit the talents and abilities of the group.

152.067-010 ARRANGERS transcribe musical compositions or melodic lines to adapt them to or create a particular style for orchestras, bands, choral groups, or individuals.

152.067-022 ORCHESTRATORS write musical scores for orchestras, bands, choral groups, or individuals. They use their knowledge of ranges, characteristics, limitations, and keys of voices or instruments.

152.047-022 SINGERS entertain by singing songs on stage, radio, and television, or in nightclubs. They use their own phrasing and special musical arrangements to achieve their individual styles.

152.047-010 CHORAL DIRECTORS conduct vocal music groups such as choirs and glee clubs.

152.067-014 COMPOSER

152.041-010 INSTRUMENTAL MUSICIAN

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Most Musicians work with other Musicians. They associate with their colleagues, agents, employers, or sponsors, and audiences.

Soloists work alone or with accompanists.

Musicians usually work indoors, although some may perform outdoors for parades and outdoor concerts and dances. Certain performances create noise and vibration. Smoke and odors may be present in some taverns and restaurants where lighting, acoustics, and ventilation may not be good. Musicians spend many hours sitting or standing during performances.

Work schedules for performing Musicians are usually irregular. They work evenings and weekends. They must spend considerable time rehearsing. Those who perform in theaters usually have matinee performances. Nonperforming Musicians and Composers may work 5 days a week, 8 hours a day. Musicians may work less in the summer months, many are unemployed during this season.

Some performing Musicians travel a good deal, often for extended periods of time throughout the nation. Members of major symphonies might travel to other countries for long periods of time.

Musicians are generally required to provide their own equipment, supplies, stage wardrobe, and transportation to and from engagements.

Most Musicians belong to a union such as The American Federation of Musicians (AFL-CIO) or The Associated Actors and Artists of America (AFL-CIO). Those Musicians who belong to unions must pay periodic membership fees.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities of an abstract and creative nature

• Activities involving communication of ideas and feelings

• Activities which relate to an audience and other people

• Activities which result in recognition from others

You Should Be Able To:

• Use reason and logic

• Interpret feelings, ideas, or facts from an individual viewpoint

• Make decisions based on personal judgment

• Communicate effectively with others

• Have agreeable working relationships with others

• Direct an activity or the activities of others

• Recognize errors in written music

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

The beat in compound time, stands in relation to the simple beat in a ratio of 1 to 1/2. Therefore, the compound form of 2/4 is _____________.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Be able to read and comprehend musical notes and musical terminology.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Write sheet music for clients and customers.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

There are many different types of song formula structures. Which one will you use and why?

Some Singers may be required to have some knowledge of French, German, and Italian. It is desirable for a Musician to be able to read music, although some musicians may not have that training at the start of their careers.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A High School Diploma or Equivalent or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0400 BAND , 0700 CAREERS , 0800 CHOIR , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1300 ENGLISH , 1600 FOREIGN LANGUAGE , 2200 MATH , 2400 MUSIC , 2500 PERFORMING ARTS , 3000 SOCIAL STUDIES

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

113 MUSIC

Programs in Music provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment as performers, composers, conductors, teachers of music, and for those who use music for treatment. Individuals who teach Music at the elementary or secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses vary with school and area of interest but may include:

    Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military web site at http://www.myfuture.com

MUSICIANS

Music is an important part of military life. Service bands and vocal groups have a strong tradition of performing at ceremonies, parades, concerts, festivals, and dances. Musicians and singers perform in service bands, orchestras, and small groups. They perform many types of music, including marches, classics, jazz, and popular music.

What They Do

Musicians in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Play in or lead bands, orchestras, combos, and jazz groups

• Sing in choral groups or as soloists

• Perform for ceremonies, parades, concerts, festivals, and dances

• Rehearse and learn new music when not performing

• Play brass, percussion, woodwind, or string instruments

Special Requirements

To qualify for a service band, applicants must pass one or more auditions. They must be fairly accomplished musicians and have good music sight-reading ability.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include band, music theory, harmony, and other music courses. Helpful attributes include:

• Poise when performing in public

• Ability to play more than one instrument

• Ability to sing

Work Environment

Musicians play indoors in theaters, concert halls and at dances; outdoors at parades and open-air concerts. They travel regularly.

Training Provided

Although musicians must be musically proficient to enter the service, music training is given to new band members. Job training consists of 11 to 24 weeks of playing instruments. Training length varies depending on musical specialty. Course content typically includes:

• Music theory

• Group instrumental techniques

• Sight-reading musical scores

• Dance band techniques

Further training occurs on the job through regular rehearsals and individual practice.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian musicians work for many types of employers, including professional orchestras, bands, and choral groups. They work in nightclubs, concert halls, theaters, and recording studios.

Opportunities

The services have about 3,600 musicians. On average, they need about 200 new musicians each year. After job training, musicians are assigned to band units located with U.S. forces around the world. They perform as members of bands and vocal groups. In time, they may become head of their instrument section and, possibly, bandleader or orchestra conductor. The most outstanding performers are selected for the official service bands or orchestras of their service.

E-Learning Courses and Program

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Some ways to gain musical experience are joining an amateur band, accompanying vocal groups or choirs, or having related duties in military service. Opportunities to perform before an audience may be found in talent show competition as well as school band and orchestra participation. Postsecondary programs in music may also offer experience.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Musician & Composer employer

internships

volunteer work with a Musician & Composer employer

community service work with an agency

Musicians often begin their careers by auditioning alone or with a band. They may audition in person or by tape recording or record. Some Musicians list their availability in newspapers. Assistance in finding jobs may come from school placement offices, persons in the field, or the musicians' union. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

JobOptions

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

The earnings of Musicians are influenced by the popularity of the music played; geographic location, reputation, experience, and ability of the performer; employer; number of hours worked; group size; and union affiliation.

Nationally, in 1998, the median weekly earnings of Musicians and Composers were $516 or $12.90 per hour. In 1999, recording musicians in independent theatrical motion picture and television film productions earned from $232.73 to $267.99 for a 3 hour session. According to a general summary of the scales for standard TV and Radio commercial announcements, musicians were paid a minimum of $200.00 per single session (up to 3 hours) for the recording of TV and radio commercial announcements in 1999. Leaders and single musicians receive more than "sideline' musicians. Recording musicians have the highest wages and night club musicians tend to be paid the lowest wages.

Wages for Musicians and Composers employed in Michigan are comparable to those earned nationally. In 1997, Detroit area unionized musicians received a minimum of $81.00 for a three-hour performance. However, most musicians work for more than this minimum (scale). For example, typical rates would range from $100.00 to $150 for a 3-4 hour engagement.

Singers working in commercials in 1998-99 earned from $200 (radio) to $478.70 (television) for Radio and Television Commercial Recording Sessions. These musicians could receive extra income depending upon how often the commercial was aired.

Few composers earn enough money to support themselves by just composing. They receive varying amounts as commission. In the past, performance rights fees have been about 10% for composers and about 5% for arrangers. Composers also earn about $25 to $100 per tune.

Many Musicians work part time. Since they also may not work steadily for one employer, many give private lessons or take jobs unrelated to music to supplement their earnings as performers.

Musicians may have life and hospitalization insurance and pension plans if they are union members. Members of major symphony orchestras usually receive paid vacations and sick leave. Some symphony Musicians work under master wage agreements that guarantee a season's work (up to 52 weeks). Because most Musicians frequently change employers, their benefits are provided by their union.

Advancement is usually in the form of pay increases. A career ladder for instrumental musicians may be: Musician, first instrumental player, orchestra or band leader.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were about 274,300 Musicians employed in 1996. Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2006. About 26.8% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for musicians looked like this:

There is evidence that the number of full time instrumental musicians has declined due to technical innovations and the use of synthesizers. The demand for freelance and part-time Instrumentalists should continue to grow; skilled Musicians such as concert artists and private music teachers will continue to enjoy increased employment opportunities. Some opportunities will arise from expanded use of television satellites, cable television, and wider use of video cassettes. However, competition will be strong in all fields of music.

There are approximately 4,000 Musicians and Composers employed in Michigan. Most of them were employed in urban areas. About one-fourth were self-employed. The majority were employed in theaters, religious organizations, hotels, and motels. Others worked in eating and drinking establishments.

Employment of Musicians and Composers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005. An average of 130 annual openings is expected, with 70 due to growth and 60 due to replacement of those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as Musicians transfer to other jobs or occupations.

Competition for openings will be keen as the number of qualified musicians continues to exceed the demand. However experienced accompanists and outstanding players of stringed instruments should easily find employment. Employment of Musicians in taverns and night clubs has slowed due to increase employer insurance expenses in Michigan.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.