Musicians and Singers

/ Artistic (Creators), Bachelor's Degree, Career Discovery

Career Overview

Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.

Also Known As

  • Choir Member
  • Musician
  • Singer
  • Violinist

Alternate Job Titles

  • Accompanist
  • Bandperson
  • Baritone
  • Bass Player
  • Bassoonist
  • Bell Ringer
  • Bugler
  • Bull Fiddle Player
  • Calliope Player
  • Cantor
  • Cellist
  • Choir Accompanist
  • Choir Member
  • Choir Singer
  • Chorister

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

  • Perform before live audiences in concerts, recitals, educational presentations, and other social gatherings.
  • Sing a cappella or with musical accompaniment.
  • Interpret or modify music, applying knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.
  • Specialize in playing a specific family of instruments or a particular type of music.
  • Sing as a soloist or as a member of a vocal group.
  • Observe choral leaders or prompters for cues or directions in vocal presentation.
  • Memorize musical selections and routines, or sing following printed text, musical notation, or customer instructions.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

  • Fine Arts

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

  • Oral Comprehension
  • Oral Expression
  • Hearing Sensitivity
  • Memorization
  • Speech Recognition
  • Auditory Attention
  • Written Comprehension
  • Speech Clarity
  • Near Vision
  • Originality

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

  • Self-Confidence
  • Social Orientation
  • Innovation
  • Perseverance
  • Achievement Orientation

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

  • Relationships
  • Achievement
  • Recognition
  • Working Conditions
  • Independence

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree

Related Work Experience Needed: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years

On-the-Job Training: None or short demonstration

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

Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software

Tools & Equipment

  • Accordions
  • Acoustic guitars
  • Alto horns
  • Alto saxophones
  • Amplifiers
  • Audio equalizers
  • Autoharps
  • Bagpipes
  • Banjoes
  • Baritone horns
  • Bassoons
  • Bb clarinets
  • Bongo drums
  • Bugles
  • Capos

Work Environment

  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  • Physical Proximity
  • Contact With Others
  • Spend Time Sitting

Related Careers

If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:

Is This Career Right for You?

Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.

Take the Free Career Assessment →

Want Personalized Guidance?

For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.

Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.

Shopping Cart