Marg Career Library - Musician/Singer

Overview:

Musicians and singers play musical instruments or sing in studios or in live concerts. Musicians who play instruments specialise in a particular instrument like violin, guitar etc. Musicians and singers also specialise in various styles like classical, jazz, opera, hip-hop, and rock. They usually start practicing music at a very young age and intern with established musicians for years. Some musicians compose and sing in different forms or styles. They may work on their own or in collaboration with others. Competition in the field of music is high and musicians need to dedicate hours of practice to maintain and develop their skill and style.

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Career Path:

Formal education is not mandatory to be a successful musician or singer. However, if a person wants to seek job as a professor at a college or university, they have to complete their Ph.D. degree in music after completion of masters and pass auditions.

Stream of Study in 12th Grade/School:	Science Arts Commerce
Degree/Graduation Courses:	BA in Music (Hons.) Bachelor of Performing Arts(Music) Bachelor of Music - Hindustani Classical Instrumental Diploma in Music or 2 years.
Higher education/Post Graduation Courses:	Master’s Degree in Fine Arts in Music for 2 years. Master of Arts in Music Appreciation for 1-2 years Ph.D. degree Fine Arts in Music degree after completing Master Degree.

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Top Colleges:

Visva Bharati, Birbhum (West Bengal)
Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata
AR Rahman's KM Music Conservatory, Chennai
Shankar Mahadevan Academy
University of Mumbai, Department of Music, Mumbai
Ramjas College, New Delhi
Calcutta School Of Music, Kolkata
Swarnabhoomi Academy Of Music

Job Opportunities:

Orchestras
Performing Art centres
Professional bands
Movie studio
Bars
Schools
Self-employed/Freelancing

Job Responsibilities:

Practice and rehearse regularly to maintain the melody in the voice
Gain expertise in different genres of music as well as in playing instrument(s)
Promote one's music through internet or by performing at different venues
Work alone or in a band, chorus or orchestra
Produce music for the film industry
Perform music for live audiences and recordings
Audition for positions in orchestras, choruses, bands, and other types of music groups
Find and book locations for performances or concerts
Travel to performance venues
Promote their careers by maintaining a website or social media presence or by doing photo shoots and interviews
Some musicians and singers give private music lessons to children and adults.
Others with a background in music may teach music in public and private schools, but they typically need a bachelor's degree and a teaching license.

Work Life:

Musicians and singers often perform in settings such as concert halls, arenas, and clubs.
Many musicians become proficient in multiple musical instruments or styles.
They play solo or in bands, orchestras, or small groups. Those in bands may play at weddings, private parties, clubs, or bars while they try to build enough fans to get a recording contract or representation by an agent.
Some musicians work as part of a large group of musicians, such as an orchestra, whose members must work and practice together.

Key Skills:

Musical talent
Determination and perseverance
Discipline
Patience,
Passionate about music.
Creativity
Networking
Interpersonal skills
Hard work
Promotional skills
Imagination and commitment
Ear or aural (training) skill
Ability to identify different musical elements such as tone, pitch, chords, rhythm, intervals and melody just by listening

Designation:

Entry level

Backup singer, Accompanist, Singer, Flutist, Guitarist

Mid level

Soloist, Singer, Flutist, Guitarist, Opera Singers, Concert singer

High level

Music Professor- Head, Music Director, Music Editor, Associate Professor-Vocal Music, Singer/Musician

Merits & Demerits:

Merits

1. It fulfils your passion for music.
2. Making a contribution to the artistic community
3. Gives you a sense of achievement

Demerits

1. Music industry being unpredictable, musicians have to deal with part-time work.
2. There is cut throat competition in this industry thus you have to work very hard.
3. Unpredictable scheduling
4. Might need to perform in smoky clubs, which can harm vocal cords

Overview
Career Path
Top Colleges
Job Opportunities
Job Responsibilities
Work Life
Key Skills
Designation
Merits & Demerits

Musician/Singer

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