Musicians and Singers

What the job really is

Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.

At a glance

• Sector: Arts, Design & Media
• O*NET-SOC code: 27-2042
• O*NET job zone: 4 — considerable preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Perform before live audiences in concerts, recitals, educational presentations, and other social gatherings.
• Sing a cappella or with musical accompaniment.
• Interpret or modify music, applying knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.
• Specialize in playing a specific family of instruments or a particular type of music.
• Sing as a soloist or as a member of a vocal group.
• Observe choral leaders or prompters for cues or directions in vocal presentation.
• Memorize musical selections and routines, or sing following printed text, musical notation, or customer instructions.
• Play musical instruments as soloists, or as members or guest artists of musical groups such as orchestras, ensembles, or bands.
• Sight-read musical parts during rehearsals.
• Play from memory or by following scores.
• Practice singing exercises and study with vocal coaches to develop voice and skills and to rehearse for upcoming roles.
• Listen to recordings to master pieces or to maintain and improve skills.

Tools and technology

Facebook, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Word, SAP software, Accordions, Acoustic guitars, Acoustica Mixcraft, Alto horns, Alto saxophones, Amplifiers, Apple GarageBand

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Music Directors and Composers
• Actors
• Choreographers
• Dancers
• Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
• Talent Directors
• Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners
• Music Therapists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 4 (considerable preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Musicians and Singers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.