California CareerZone - Musicians, Instrumental (27-2042.02)

Musicians, Instrumental

Job Definition: 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.

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.; Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.; Social - Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

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: 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.; Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.; Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.; Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.; Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.; Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.; Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.; Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

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

In 2008, the California average annual wage was .

Most people employed in this occupation were paid between and .

Outlook: During 2006, there were approximately 21,000 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 22,900 employed in 2016. This occupation will have about 190 openings due to growth and about 430 replacement openings for approximately 620 total annual openings. This occupation .

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, General - A 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.

Similar Occupations: Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary - Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts.; Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education - Teach elemental natural and social science, personal hygiene, music, art, and literature to children from 4 to 6 years old. Promote physical, mental, and social development. May be required to hold State certification.; Actors - Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or motion picture productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.; Directors- Stage, Motion Pictures, Television, and Radio - Interpret script, conduct rehearsals, and direct activities of cast and technical crew for stage, motion pictures, television, or radio programs.; Music Directors - Direct and conduct instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups, such as orchestras or choirs.; Music Composers and Arrangers - Write and transcribe musical scores.; Photographers - Photograph persons, subjects, merchandise, or other commercial products. May develop negatives and produce finished prints.; Film and Video Editors - Edit motion picture soundtracks, film, and video.; Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners - Repair percussion, stringed, reed, or wind instruments. May specialize in one area, such as piano tuning.