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Musician

An instrumental performer or singer in the classical music field performs music for the enjoyment of an audience. This can be recorded in a studio or performed live, either as a soloist or in a group of musicians. It may involve working as a salaried member of a group or could be in the form of freelance work for several organisations.

Musicians usually specialise in a particular type of music, are often employed on a sessional basis by orchestras, and combine performing with other work, such as teaching or community education.

This occupational profile is concerned only with the professional performance of classical music.

Typical work activities

General tasks typically include:

performing regular public concerts;
recording sessions on a fairly regular basis;
delivering educational work in schools and the wider community;
playing from memory, following the score and/or improvising;
practising regularly.

Orchestral players' tasks specifically include:

arranging for the transportation of an instrument, if large;
setting up/tuning the instrument two hours before rehearsal if acclimatisation is necessary;
preparing for rehearsals by reading the score, studying the individual instrument's part and listening to recordings;
rehearsing with the orchestra and trying out new ideas;
maintaining the instrument.

Solo performers' tasks specifically include:

organising concerts, with or without the help of an agent;
arranging rehearsals with an accompanist;
re-evaluating performances and thinking about the music, style and composer whilst working towards an appropriate version of your performance;
learning new pieces of music to extend your repertoire;
handling the administration of business activities, such as organising publicity, negotiating fees, liaising with agents and managing diary services (if working freelance);
researching and writing programme notes for concerts.

In orchestras, range of typical starting salaries: £20,000 - 25,000 for full-time rank and file with a reasonably sized orchestra outside London. Section principal pay is between £25,000 and 32,000 (salary data collected Oct 04 and supplied by the Musicians' Union).

For soloists, earning power depends on musical ability, reputation and mobility. Some soloists earn high salaries but they are relatively few in number. Extra payments can be made for overtime, concert fees and recordings. The Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) publishes recommended pay rates for freelancers on its website.

Royalties may be paid for some time after the actual work has been completed.
Working hours are not nine to five. Concerts take place in evenings, at weekends and bank holidays. Where orchestras concentrate mainly on recording, the hours of work are more regular and take place in the daytime.
Self-employment is common, and many musicians are employed on a sessional basis by orchestras. Solo work can be irregular whether as part of an agency or not. Freelance work is insecure and is dependent upon the musician maintaining a high standard of performance.
Part-time work is common and job share in orchestras is a possibility in rank and file positions.
The gender balance is fairly even.
Opportunities for employment in orchestras exist in big cities and cultural centres, though there are a limited number of full-time orchestras and limited numbers of posts in each orchestra.
Orchestras are very hierarchical.
The dress code is relaxed for rehearsals but very formal for performances.
Performance can be stressful experiences for some musicians and physical injuries of a repetitive strain nature are common (backache and neckache in particular).
Touring in the UK and abroad can also be a regular part of the work, which can involve prolonged absence from home or extensive daily commuting.

Information taken from Prospects www.prospects.ac.uk for more information

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College
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South Devon College (5)
Penwith College (5)
Dartington College of Arts (DCA) (4)
Bournemouth University Media School (4)
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East Devon College (1)
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University of Plymouth (1)
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College of St Mark and St John (Marjon) (1)

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Music (71)
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