Classical Musician

Many musicians start learning an instrument from an early age with a private music teacher or training provider.

The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music offers qualifications and graded music exams.

There are opportunities to train as a musician in the armed forces. You can find out more from:

• Army
• Royal Air Force
• Royal Navy

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• active listening skills
• the ability to work well with others
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• persistence and determination
• knowledge of the fine arts
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

In your day-to-day duties you may:

• learn and rehearse music pieces
• look after your voice and instrument
• set up your instrument before performances
• perform in front of an audience
• prepare for and attend auditions

You could work in a hotel, at a music venue, in a theatre or at a recording studio.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career tips

You should get as much experience as you can of performing in public. You could do this by joining a youth or community orchestra, and by entering competitions.

The BBC Introducing programme could be a way to get your music heard on the radio, if you're an unsigned musician.

It's common for musicians to showcase their music on networking websites, social media or send a demo to recording companies. The Musicians' Union has more details on how to promote yourself.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Musicians' Union or the Incorporated Society of Musicians for access to training, events and networking opportunities.

Further information

You can get more advice about working in music from the Incorporated Society of Musicians.

You can also find out more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.