Musicians and singers

Overview

Musicians and singers perform with orchestras, choirs, opera companies and popular bands in establishments such as concert halls, lounges and theatres and in film, television and recording studios. This unit group also includes music teachers who usually teach in conservatories, academies and private homes.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Musicians

  • Play one or more instruments as soloists or as members of a musical group before audiences or for recording purposes.

  • Singers

  • Sing musical arrangements as soloists or as members of vocal groups before audiences or for recording purposes.

  • Teachers of music or voice

  • Teach technique, interpretation and music theory to students through private or group lessons.

  • Musicians and singers usually specialize in specific genres of music such as classical, country, ethnic, jazz, opera or popular music.

Job titles

  • accompanist
  • accordion teacher - private, conservatory or studio lessons
  • alto
  • back-up musician
  • baritone
  • bass

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

-

Median

$36,973

High

-

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

1,478

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Musical training from a university or college or through private instruction is usually required.

  • Members of orchestras and other professional classical musicians and singers usually require a university degree in music.

  • Musical talent and ability, as demonstrated during an audition, are important hiring criteria.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.

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