Occupation · SOC 27-2042
Musicians and Singers
Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.
Median wage
—
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
38,350
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
1,142 mapped
Core skills
SpeakingMonitoringActive ListeningSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingCoordinationTime ManagementService OrientationWritingSystems AnalysisPersuasionActive LearningNegotiationLearning StrategiesJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationInstructingComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringManagement of Personnel ResourcesOperations AnalysisMathematicsTechnology DesignQuality Control AnalysisTroubleshootingOperation and ControlManagement of Material ResourcesEquipment SelectionProgrammingManagement of Financial ResourcesScienceRepairingInstallationEquipment Maintenance
Knowledge areas
Fine ArtsEnglish LanguageForeign LanguageEducation and TrainingCommunications and MediaCustomer and Personal ServicePhilosophy and TheologyAdministration and ManagementPsychologyHistory and ArcheologyPersonnel and Human ResourcesMathematicsSales and MarketingSociology and AnthropologyAdministrativeComputers and ElectronicsTransportationTherapy and CounselingTelecommunicationsProduction and ProcessingLaw and GovernmentDesignEconomics and AccountingPublic Safety and SecurityMechanicalGeographyEngineering and TechnologyPhysicsBuilding and ConstructionMedicine and DentistryBiologyChemistryFood Production
Technology & tools
Acoustica MixcraftApple GarageBandAppointment scheduling softwareAudacityAvid Technology Pro ToolsAvid Technology SibeliusBlogging softwareCantovation Sing & SeeEmail softwareFacebookFinancial tracking softwareInstagramMakeMusic FinaleMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WordSAP softwareSnapchatTUBA softwareTwitterWeb browser softwareYouTubeiZotope Ozone
Representative tasks
Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsProcessing InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsThinking CreativelyGetting InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkAnalyzing Data or InformationDeveloping and Building TeamsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersTraining and Teaching OthersHandling and Moving ObjectsCoaching and Developing OthersDocumenting/Recording InformationAssisting and Caring for OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsPerforming Administrative ActivitiesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersSelling or Influencing OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesWorking with ComputersControlling Machines and ProcessesStaffing Organizational UnitsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Live performance repertoire — execute prepared selections under the direction of a conductor or music director in rehearsal and small ensemble settings.Vocal or instrumental technique — apply foundational training in tone production, breath control, and posture during supervised practice sessions and studio instruction.Musical notation and printed text — read and follow standard scores, chord charts, or lead sheets to perform assigned repertoire under instructor guidance.Harmonic and rhythmic fundamentals — identify and apply basic principles of harmony, melody, and rhythm when learning new pieces in an educational or rehearsal environment.Choral direction cues — observe and respond to a choral leader's or prompter's visual and gestural signals during group vocal performances or rehearsals.Repertoire memorization — memorize assigned musical selections and performance routines for recitals, auditions, or classroom presentations with guided support.Ensemble participation — perform as a contributing member of a vocal group, band, or orchestra section under the supervision of a section leader or conductor.Music editing software — use digital audio workstations or sound editing tools at a basic level to record, review, and evaluate personal practice sessions.Professional scheduling tools — maintain personal performance calendars and engagement records using calendar and scheduling software under administrative guidance.Active listening in performance — demonstrate attentive listening to co-performers and accompanists to match tempo, dynamics, and phrasing in a collaborative rehearsal context.
developing
Live audience performance — deliver consistent and expressive performances before live audiences in concerts, recitals, and educational presentations with reduced directorial oversight.A cappella and accompanied singing — perform vocal selections both with and without musical accompaniment, adjusting technique independently to match the sonic environment.Instrumental specialization — perform routinely within a chosen instrument family or musical genre, demonstrating reliable technical command in ensemble and small-group settings.Musical interpretation — apply working knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production to shape phrasing and dynamics when presenting assigned repertoire.Soloist and ensemble dual roles — transition between soloist and ensemble member functions across a program, coordinating effectively with conductors and fellow performers.Score and instruction fluency — interpret printed musical text, notation, and client or director instructions efficiently to prepare and execute varied repertoire on established timelines.Performance monitoring — self-monitor intonation, tempo, and expressive quality during live performances and adjust in real time within familiar concert or venue contexts.Audience engagement — apply social perceptiveness to read audience response and make minor presentational adjustments that sustain interest throughout a performance.Digital production tools — use music or sound editing software to review recorded performances, identify technical issues, and refine delivery for upcoming engagements.Professional communication — correspond with venue managers, agents, and collaborators using email and office productivity software to coordinate bookings and performance logistics.
proficient
Full-scope live performance — deliver authoritative and nuanced performances across a wide range of venues — from intimate recital halls to large concert stages — without directorial supervision.Advanced musical interpretation — independently modify and personalize musical works by integrating deep knowledge of harmony, counterpoint, voice production, and stylistic convention to create distinctive presentations.Solo and featured artist roles — perform as a principal soloist or featured guest artist with orchestras, chamber ensembles, or touring bands, managing artistic decisions autonomously.Non-routine repertoire preparation — learn and perform complex or unfamiliar works on short notice, drawing on strong memorization skills and comprehensive score-reading ability.Cross-genre instrumental mastery — demonstrate expert command of a primary instrument family while adapting stylistically to diverse musical genres in professional recording and performance contexts.Artistic self-direction — plan, curate, and execute personal recital programs or set lists that reflect a coherent artistic vision and resonate with target audiences.Critical artistic evaluation — apply critical thinking to assess the quality and authenticity of one's own and collaborators' performances, driving iterative improvement in professional rehearsal settings.Advanced technology integration — use music editing, web publishing, and accounting software to manage digital recordings, artist profiles, royalty tracking, and self-promotional content.Audience and stakeholder communication — articulate complex artistic concepts clearly in pre-concert talks, educational presentations, and media interviews, demonstrating strong oral expression.Collaborative leadership in ensembles — coordinate sectional rehearsals and guide less experienced performers within professional orchestras or touring groups toward a unified interpretive outcome.
advanced
Organizational artistic direction — set the creative vision and long-term repertoire strategy for an ensemble, company, or music program, aligning artistic goals with institutional mission.Mentorship and talent development — design and lead individualized coaching programs for emerging and developing musicians, cultivating technique, artistry, and professional readiness across career stages.Signature performance innovation — pioneer distinctive interpretive approaches and performance practices that influence stylistic trends within a professional musical community or genre.High-stakes public performance leadership — lead major orchestral premieres, festival headliner sets, or nationally broadcast performances, representing the artistic standard of an institution or touring brand.Cross-disciplinary program design — develop and oversee educational residencies, outreach concerts, and community engagement initiatives that align music performance with organizational equity and access goals.Industry relationship stewardship — cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with conductors, record labels, booking agencies, and media organizations to expand institutional reach and revenue.Competitive grant and revenue leadership — apply knowledge of accounting and ERP systems to oversee performance budgets, negotiate artist fees, and steward funding from grants and sponsorships.Curriculum and training architecture — design conservatory-level or professional development curricula that integrate performance practice, music theory, technology, and career management competencies.Public advocacy and thought leadership — represent the profession in policy forums, media platforms, and educational institutions, articulating the cultural and economic value of live music performance.Legacy repertoire and recording strategy — direct studio recording projects and catalog development initiatives that document artistic achievements and position the ensemble or artist for long-term cultural impact.
Also known as
74 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
AccompanistBandpersonBaritoneBass PlayerBassoonistBell RingerBuglerBull Fiddle PlayerCalliope PlayerCantorCellistChoir AccompanistChoir MemberChoir SingerChoristerChurch MusicianChurch OrganistChurch PianistClarinetistCollaborative PianistConcert PianistConcert SingerCornetistCountry SingerDouble Bass PlayerEnglish Horn PlayerEntertainerEntertainment MusicianFlutistGospel SingerGuitar PlayerGuitaristHarpistHorn PlayerInstrumentalistJazz MusicianKeyboard PlayerKeyboardistMusical ArtistMusician