What is the work like?
As a pop musician, you would earn money from playing one of the
various styles of music – anything from rock, pop or indie to
jazz or folk. You could perform as part of a band, as a solo
artist, or as a session or backing musician.
You would spend your time:
- practicing and rehearsing
- playing in front of an audience
- composing songs and music to perform (or learning
'covers' of other artists' music)
- taking part in recording sessions (for your own band or for
session work)
- promoting your act in various ways, such as contacting agents
and record companies, setting up a website and
making 'demos'
- arranging gigs and tours (or dealing with a manager or agent
who arranges this for you).
You would often combine music with other types of work,
particularly at the start of your career.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will need a good level of musical ability in your chosen
instrument. It is not essential to know how to read music, but it
can be an advantage, especially if you want to work as a session
musician.
Many musicians start learning an instrument from an early
age, although you can take part-time classes at many colleges,
adult education centres, private music teachers and performing arts
schools. Some of these may offer qualifications such as Rockschool
popular music graded exams in:
- guitar
- bass
- drums
- popular piano
- vocals.
You could take a college or university course in popular
music or music technology, although this is not essential. Relevant
qualifications include BTEC National Certificates/Diplomas, BTEC
HNC/HNDs or degrees. Check with colleges for exact entry
requirements, as you may need to pass an audition to get onto some
courses.
The most important thing, however, is to gain plenty of
practical experience by playing with bands and doing gigs.
When trying to break into the music business, you
can approach record companies with a
‘demo’ CD or MP3 of your music. Companies receive
thousands of demos so yours will need to stand out. See the
BPI and
Showcase websites for
record company contact details.
It is now also common for bands and solo artists to
showcase their music on networking websites. You could also get
yourself noticed by entering talent competitions for
bands.
What further training and development can I do?
As a professional musician, you will continue to develop your
skills throughout your career. You may find it helpful to learn how
to use home and studio recording equipment – courses are
available at colleges around the UK. You can also take part-time
advanced-level classes with private music teachers.
Rockschool and
Access to
Music jointly offer qualifications for performing musicians,
vocal artists and creative music producers – see their
websites for details. If you are unemployed, you may be able
to find training through New Deal for Musicians – contact
your local Jobcentre Plus for more information.
You may find it useful to join the Musicians' Union, for
networking and professional development opportunities, and legal
and careers advice.
If you are a freelance musician, you could also benefit
from some training in business skills such as tax and accounts
for self-employed people. The Musicians' Union can advise
members on this.
Where can I go for more information?
http://www.creative-choices.co.uk
Evergreen House
2-4 King Street
Twickenham
Middlesex
TW1 3RZ
Tel: 0845 460 4747
http://www.rockschool.co.uk
Tel: 020 7582 5566
http://www.musiciansunion.org.uk
10 Stratford Place
London
W1C 1AA
Tel: 020 7629 4413
http://www.ism.org
Guild House
Upper St Martin’s Lane
London
WC2H 9EG
Tel: 020 7379 6000
http://www.equity.org.uk
Riverside Building
Westminster Bridge Road
London
SE1 7JA
Tel: 020 7803 1300
http://www.bpi.co.uk
Lafone House
The Leathermarket
Weston Street
London
SE1 3HN
http://www.creative-choices.co.uk
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning
adviser, call
0800 100 900 or
use our online
enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at:
www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Your annual income would vary according to how successful you
were and how much work you could get.
See the Musicians' Union, Equity (the performers'
union) and the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) websites for
recommended rates of pay for session musicians and live
performers.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You might play one-off gigs, regular weekly or monthly
slots, or you could be booked for a whole season if touring as
a session musician or appearing at a holiday park.
Most of your gigs would take place the evenings. Studio
recording can run until late at night.
You could play in a wide range of places, such as:
- pubs
- clubs
- larger music venues
- recording studios
- theatres
- hotels and restaurants
- outdoor music festivals.
You would be expected to have your own instruments (and
possibly other equipment such as amplifiers), and travel with them
to venues.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- musical ability and talent
- creativity
- to enjoy performing to an audience
- confidence and an individual style
- motivation and determination
- willingness to work long and irregular hours and spend time
practicing
- to enjoy being part of a team
- the ability to accept criticism and rejection
- some business, financial or marketing skills.
What opportunities are there?
You could play and record with your own band, or you could
perform in theatre productions, as a backing musician with a
touring act, as a recording session musician, or in hotels, holiday
centres or cruise ships.
You would usually be self-employed. Ongoing work is fairly
rare, so you would often play part-time and do other work when not
performing. You will need talent, determination and luck to make a
successful career.
Some jobs and auditions are advertised in the music and
entertainment press and websites, although it is also very common
to use networking and contacts to get work. You could also use a
manager or agent to find you work and negotiate contracts.
With experience, you could choose to go into the business side
of music, as a manager, producer or working for a record
company.
You may find the following useful for advice on
finding work and getting signed (links open in new window):
BBC Music
Introducing (music business advice and links for new musicians)
Music Week
Music
Advice Guide
The
Stage
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