CareerZone Pennsylvania

Musicians, Instrumental

Description

Play one or more musical instruments in recital, in accompaniment, or as members of an orchestra, band, or other musical group.

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Education Requirements

Long-term training - Necessary skills are acquired through on-the-job training or formal education lasting more than 12 months.

Interests

Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Knowledge

Fine Arts

Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Skills

Equipment Selection	Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Time Management	Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Equipment Maintenance	Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Tasks

• Perform before live audiences.
• Improvise music during performances.
• Direct bands or orchestras.
• Teach music for specific instruments.
• Compose original music such as popular songs, symphonies, or sonatas.
• Practice musical instrument performances, individually or in rehearsal with other musicians, to master individual pieces of music and to maintain and improve skills.
• Specialize in playing a specific family of instruments and/or a particular type of music.
• Play musical instruments as soloists, or as members or guest artists of musical groups such as orchestras, ensembles, or bands.
• Play from memory or by following scores.
• Sight-read musical parts during rehearsals.
• Audition for orchestras, bands, or other musical groups.
• Provide the musical background for live shows such as ballets, operas, musical theatre, and cabarets.
• Transpose music to alternate keys, or to fit individual styles or purposes.
• Promote their own or their group's music by participating in media interviews and other activities.
• Make or participate in recordings in music studios.

Wages

Data not available

Outlook

During 2004, there were approximately 6,410 people employed in this field in Pennsylvania. It is projected that there will be 7,210 employed in 2014. This occupation will have about 80 openings due to growth and about 134 replacement openings for approximately 214 total annual openings. This occupation experienced significant growth.

Colleges and Training

Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.

• Music Performance, GeneralA program that generally prepares individuals to master musical instruments and performing art as solo and/or ensemble performers. Includes instruction on one or more specific instruments from various instrumental groupings.

For additional college information and related training about this career path, please visit:

AES EducationPlanner, PA Dept of Labor, PA Career Link, college.gov, and College Navigator

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