Generally, musicians
play musical instruments, sing, write musical compositions, orchestrate
movements, or conduct instrumental or vocal performances. Musicians
may perform alone or as part of a group. They usually perform before
live audiences; on the radio; or in recording, TV or movie productions.
Instrumental musicians play musical instruments in an orchestra,
band, rock group, or jazz combo. Musicians play string, brass, woodwind,
or percussion instruments. Some may be talented enough to play more
than one instrument. Naturally, these versatile musicians are very
much in demand. For example, they may play the violin, trumpet,
and trombone; the saxophone, clarinet and flute; the organ and one
of the "rhythm" instruments-the piano, string bass, drums
or guitar, or one of the many electronic synthesizers.
Singers
Singers are also considered musicians in that they interpret music
using their knowledge of voice production, melody and harmony. Those
who sing character parts are usually actors as well. Most singers
who do not act perform in their own individual styles. Singers are
classified according to their voice range:soprano, contralto, tenor,
baritone, or bass:or by the type of music they sing, such as opera,
rock, folk, R&B, or country and western.
Composers
Composers create original music such as symphonies, operas, sonatas,
or popular songs, such as pop, rock, and stage and movie scores.
They transcribe ideas into musical notation using harmony, rhythm,
melody, and tonal structure. In keeping with today's technological
innovations, many songwriters now compose and edit music using computers.
Some even have a musical keyboard linked to a computer which compiles
the digital information into musical notation while they play. Also,
they may program the composition in musical notation into the computer,
which will then play the song.
Conductors and Directors
Conductors lead orchestras and bands. They audition and select musicians,
choose musical pieces, and direct rehearsals and performances. They
apply conducting techniques to achieve desired musical effects.
Choral directors conduct choirs and glee clubs. They audition and
select singers and direct them at rehearsals and performances to
achieve harmony, rhythm, tempo, shading, and other desired musical
effects.
All musicians, whether singers, composers, conductors or directors,
spend a considerable amount of time practicing. Those whose particular
art involves current music may have to listen to recordings and
copy the sound, since sheet music may not yet be available.
Working Conditions
Musicians often perform at night and on weekends, and spend countless
hours in practice and rehearsal. Performances frequently require
travel, so musicians must be flexible and willing to spend extended
periods of time on the road. Because many musicians find only part-time
work or experience unemployment between engagements, they often
supplement their income with other types of jobs. In fact, some
discover they can't support themselves as musicians and take permanent,
full-time jobs in other occupations, while working only part time
as musicians. Those who persevere and eventually do succeed in making
a living as musicians are indeed fortunate.
Employment
Musicians held about 276,000 jobs in 1994. As many were between
engagements, it is quite possible that the total number of people
employed as musicians during the course of the year might have been
greater.
A large majority of musicians work in cities in which entertainment
and recording activities are concentrated, such as New York, Los
Angeles, and Nashville. Musicians may work in opera, musical comedy,
and ballet productions. Classical musicians generally perform with
professional orchestras or in small chamber music groups like quartets
or trios. Many are organists who perform in churches and synagogues;
six out of ten musicians work in religious organizations. Musicians
also play in restaurants and clubs, and for weddings and other events.
Popular musicians and groups hold their own concerts, appear "live"
on radio and television, make recordings, and usually go on concert
tours. The Armed Forces, too, offer careers in their musical organizations.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Many people who become professional musicians begin by studying
an instrument during childhood. They often gain valuable experience
playing in a school or community band, an orchestra, or in a "combo"
with a group of friends. Participation in school musicals or in
a choir often provides good early training. However, musicians need
extensive and prolonged training to acquire the necessary skill,
knowledge and ability to interpret music properly. This training
can be obtained through private study with an accomplished musician,
in a college or university music program, in a music conservatory,
or through practice with a group. To be accepted for study in an
institution, an audition is generally necessary. Formal courses
may include music interpretation, composition, musical theory, conducting,
and instrumental and voice instruction. Composers, conductors and
arrangers need advanced training in these subjects as well.
Many colleges, universities, and music conservatories grant bachelor's
and master's degrees in music. Many institutions also grant various
degrees in music education which qualify graduates for a state certificate
allowing them to teach music in an elementary or secondary school.
If you are considering a career in music, you should possess musical
talent, versatility, creative ability, and the poise and stage presence
necessary to entertain large audiences. You must be willing and
able to commit to constant study and practice, as self-discipline
is vital to a successful musical career. In addition, musicians
who play frequent concert and nightclub engagements must have proven
physical stamina because an extensive amount of travel and night
performances are usually part of the package. Career musicians must
also be prepared to face the financial anxiety of intermittent employment
and the rejections which may occur while auditioning for work.
Job Outlook
As in many creative fields, it is difficult to make a living solely
as a musician. Competition in the field is severe, and talent is
no guarantee of success... as many a singing waitress have discovered.
However, being able to play several types of music or sing in a
variety of styles enhances the opportunity to find employment.
Employment of musicians is expected to grow at a slower pace than
average through the year 2005. With the current strides in electronic
technology, like synthesizers, one or two musicians can often sound
like large bands or orchestras. Furthermore, many organizations
such as ballet companies and ice shows have begun using taped music
instead of live bands. However, original music and innovative styles
will always be necessary.
Earnings
Earnings generally depend on the number of hours worked and the
performer's professional reputation, not to mention the significance
of geographic location. According to the American Federation of
Musicians, minimum salaries in major orchestras ranged from $524
to $1,460 per week during the 1993-94 season. The working season
enjoyed by these top orchestras ranged anywhere from 10 to 52 weeks.
In regional orchestras, the minimum salaries were between $318 and
$932 per week, with seasons that lasted 8 to 42 weeks. However,
the majority of orchestras lacked high levels of funding and offered
salaries that were considerably lower with seasons of shorter duration.
Musicians who were employed in motion picture or television recording
and those employed by recording companies as background musicians
were paid a minimum of about $254 and $407, respectively, for a
typical 3-hour session.
Although some well-known opera soloists and popular singers earned
thousands of dollars per performance, the minimum daily wage rate
for a principal singer on network or syndicated television was $588
in 1994.
Music will no doubt continue to inspire, enlighten, and parallel
society for centuries to come. If you are among one of those creative
souls who find themselves humming an unknown tune or tapping feet
to a distant beat, a career in music may be in your future. Take
a chance. Don't let the melody fade.
Sources of Additional Information
For information on appropriate associations and general information,
send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
* Associated Actors and Artists of America, 165th West 46th St.,
New York, NY 10036.
For a directory of accredited programs in music teacher education,
contact:
* National Association of Schools of Music, 11250 Roger Bacon Dr.,
Reston, VA 22091.
©1996-97,
Saludos Hispanos.
No part of this article may be reproduced without permission of
the author. HTML links to this document are allowed, but please
let us know via email so we can keep you informed of URL changes.
|
|
