Classical Musician
What is the work like?
As a classical musician you would play an instrument or sing classical music in live concerts or recitals, or for recordings for film, TV, radio or CDs. You might perform solo, as part of an orchestra or musical ensemble, or as a freelance session musician.
You would not only perform, but also spend a lot of your time:
- practising
- learning and rehearsing new pieces
- looking after their instruments
- preparing for and attending auditions
- contacting agents and finding the next job (if freelance).
In some cases you might also compose your own musical scores, or conduct orchestras.
You would often combine playing music with teaching (either privately or as a visiting teacher in schools), or working in a related area like community arts development or arts administration.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become a professional classical musician you will need to achieve very high standards of performance in your chosen instrument. Most professional classical musicians start learning at least one instrument at an early age (with a private teacher or at school), and take graded music exams including music theory. They will also often take high-level training at a university or music college (known as a conservatoire).
At a conservatoire you could take intensive three- or four-year music diplomas or degrees, or one-year postgraduate diplomas. You would usually specialise in one main instrument and study a second instrument.
To get into a conservatoire, you will usually need grade eight in your main instrument. You must also pass an audition, and you may need some academic qualifications such as A level music. You should check exact entry requirements with the individual schools. To search and apply for courses at conservatoires, visit the Conservatoires Admissions Service UK website.
Alternatively, you could take a music degree at university and follow this with a one-year postgraduate diploma at a conservatoire. Some courses focus on music theory more than performance, so you should research course content carefully. To get onto a music degree, you will normally need at least five GCSEs (A-C) plus two A levels including music. You may be accepted without A level music if you show a high level of musical ability at audition – check with universities for exact entry requirements.
It is a good idea to build your experience by performing as much as you can in public. You might also find it useful to enter music competitions and festivals, to build your confidence.
Visit the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) website for a list of music courses, a register of professional private music teachers, and advice on making a career as a professional musician.
What further training and development can I do?
As a professional classical musician, your skills and experience will develop through ongoing rehearsing and performing. You will normally continue to take advanced lessons with private music teachers, to maintain and improve your skills throughout your career.
You may find it useful to join the ISM and/or Musicians' Union, for networking and professional development opportunities, and legal and careers advice.
If you are a freelance musician, you may find it useful to have some training in business skills such as tax and accounts for self-employed people. The Musicians' Union and ISM can advise members on this.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 020 7582 5566London
W1C 1AA
Tel: 020 7629 4413
London
W1B 1LU
Tel: 020 7636 5400
London
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Full-time rank and file players with orchestras may earn between £22,000 and £28,000 a year.
- Principal players may earn £25,000 to £38,000.
See the ISM and Musicians' Union websites for recommended rates of pay for freelance performances.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You could perform in a wide variety of locations, from theatres, concert halls and other music venues, to hotels and restaurants. You could spend considerable time travelling around the UK and occasionally abroad.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a very high level of musical ability
- the confidence to perform in front of an audience
- self-discipline
- dedication and motivation
- to work well alone and also with other musicians
- willingness to spend long hours practicing
- the ability to accept criticism and rejection.
What opportunities are there?
Classical music is a very competitive area of work. Orchestras offer some full-time opportunities, but it is also common to be self-employed and take on a variety of freelance work with orchestras, ensembles, accompanying singers or in recording sessions.
With experience, you could progress in an orchestra from rank and file player to principal, and eventually conduct or lead the orchestra. You could also compose music, start your own ensemble or move into music education, community arts work or arts administration.
Opportunities may be advertised in the national press and classical music websites. You could also find work through agents, and through networking with contacts.
You may find the following links useful for job opportunities and general reading (links open in a new window):
Classical Music
Musical Chairs
Association of British Orchestras
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
Search
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
