Singer
Education required for this profession
Musicians need extensive and prolonged training and practice to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to interpret music at a professional level. Like other artists, musicians and singers continually strive to improve their abilities. Formal training may be obtained through private study with an accomplished musician, in a college or university music program, or in a music conservatory. An audition generally is necessary to qualify for university or conservatory study. The National Association of Schools of Music accredits more than 600 college-level programs in music. Courses typically include music theory, music interpretation, composition, conducting, and performance in a particular instrument or in voice. Music directors, composers, conductors, and arrangers need considerable related work experience or advanced training in these subjects.
A master’s or doctoral degree usually is required to teach advanced music courses in colleges and universities; a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient to teach basic courses. A degree in music education qualifies graduates for a State certificate to teach music in public elementary or secondary schools. Musicians who do not meet public school music education requirements may teach in private schools and recreation associations or instruct individual students in private sessions.
Relevant Degree/Diploma/Certificatebacherlos in fine Arts
Quick Facts
Part-time schedules—typically at night and on weekends—intermittent unemployment, and rejection when auditioning for work are common; many musicians and singers supplement their income with earnings from other sources.
Aspiring musicians and singers begin studying an instrument or training their voices at an early age.
Competition for jobs is keen; talented individuals who can play several instruments and perform a wide range of musical styles should enjoy the best job prospects.
SalaryMedian hourly earnings of wage-and-salary musicians and singers are $19.73 . The middle 50 percent earn between $10.81 and $36.55. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $7.08, and the highest 10 percent earn more than $57.37. Median hourly earnings are $23.37 in performing arts companies and $13.57 in religious organizations.