How to Be Professional Musician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 30, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Performing music professionally can provide numerous opportunities for growth and success. It allows individuals to gain exposure to a wide range of audiences, which can lead to increased recognition and financial rewards. Additionally, performing professionally can also help to hone musical skills, as regular practice and feedback from critics can help to hone musical abilities and develop a greater understanding of how to craft a successful performance. Finally, performing music professionally can also help to build valuable connections with other musicians, producers, and industry professionals, which can open up further career opportunities.

Steps How to Become

Learn to play an instrument. Start by learning to play an instrument that you are interested in. Study the technical aspects of your chosen instrument and practice regularly.
Take music lessons. Find a qualified music teacher who can provide you with professional instruction. Take lessons regularly and make sure to practice what you learn.
Join a band. Joining a band is an important step towards becoming a professional musician. It will allow you to learn how to work with other musicians, improve your skills, and gain exposure.
Perform live. Start performing live in small venues such as coffee houses, open mic nights, or house concerts. This will give you the opportunity to practice your craft, build a fan base, and network with other musicians and industry professionals.
Record and release your music. Record and release your music online or on physical media like CDs or vinyl records. This will help you build an audience and promote your music.
Market yourself. Promote yourself and your music using social media, websites, and other digital platforms. Reach out to radio stations, blogs, and other media outlets to get your music heard.
Network. Attend music industry events such as conferences and showcases to network with other professionals in the industry.
Seek out professional opportunities. Look for opportunities such as record deals, touring opportunities, or other professional gigs that can help you further your career as a professional musician.

Staying ahead and efficient as a professional musician requires dedication and hard work. Practicing regularly is essential for staying sharp and on top of your game. Working on new material, exploring different genres, and experimenting with different sounds can help keep you inspired and motivated.

maintaining a rigorous rehearsal schedule and taking the time to learn proper technique and fundamentals will ensure you are ready for any performance. networking with other musicians, attending concerts, and keeping up with industry news can all help you stay informed and up to date on the latest music trends. Taking the time to plan and organize your projects and tasks can also help maximize productivity and keep you ahead of the competition.

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Job Description

Perform live concerts and other musical performances.
Record music in studio and live settings.
Create compositions, arrangements, and improvisational pieces.
Collaborate with other musicians to create music.
Rehearse with other musicians and conductors.
Read musical scores and interpret musical notation.
Tune instruments and adjust audio equipment.
Teach music to students or other aspiring musicians.
Promote music through live performances, recordings, and social media.
Prepare albums for release and licensing opportunities.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to read and write music
Excellent ear for pitch, tone, and timing
Ability to improvise musically
Proficient in a variety of musical styles
Ability to play multiple instruments
Working knowledge of music theory and form
Ability to work as part of a band or ensemble
Knowledge of music production and recording techniques
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Superior problem-solving skills
Ability to stay organized and maintain a work schedule
Knowledge of music industry trends and technology

Being a professional musician requires an extensive set of skills, but the most important of these is the ability to write and create music. Writing music requires an understanding of music theory and composition, which allows musicians to craft melodies, harmonies and rhythms that are meaningful and have an emotional impact on listeners. This musical knowledge also enables musicians to collaborate with others, as they can communicate their musical ideas in a way that can be understood by other musicians.

having strong technical skills is essential for professional musicians, as they must be able to play their instruments with precision and accuracy. Finally, good communication skills are essential for a professional musician, as they need to be able to interact with other musicians and industry professionals to create successful recordings and live performances. All these skills combined make a professional musician a truly formidable force in the music industry.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a professional musician?
What kind of genres and styles do you specialize in?
How proficient are you with reading music?
What techniques do you use in your performances?
Are you comfortable performing in large or small venues?
Do you have any recording or studio experience?
How do you handle the pressure of performing live?
What do you think sets you apart from other musicians?
How familiar are you with the latest music technology?
Are you available to travel for performances, if necessary?

Common Tools in Industry

Musical Instrument. A device used to produce musical sounds (e. g. guitar, piano, drums).
Audio Interface. A device that allows a musician to connect instruments and other audio devices to a computer (e. g. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2).
Digital Audio Workstation. A software application used to record, edit and mix audio (e. g. Pro Tools, Logic Pro X).
Recording Software. A software program used to record audio (e. g. Audacity, GarageBand).
MIDI Controller. A device used to control digital instruments (e. g. keyboard, drum pad).
Loop Pedal. A device that allows a musician to record a short phrase and play it back in a loop (e. g. Boss RC-30).
Music Notation Software. A software program used to write and edit music notation (e. g. Sibelius, Finale).
Metronome. A device used to keep time and measure tempo (e. g. Korg TM-60).
Tuner. A device used to tune instruments (e. g. Snark SN-8).
Amplifier. A device used to increase the volume of an instrument (e. g. Fender Mustang II).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Federation of Musicians (AFM)
National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM)
Recording Academy
International Music Products Association (IMPA)
International Association for the Study of Popular Music (IASPM)
Music Publishers Association (MPA)
International Association of Jazz Education (IAJE)
National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS)
International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM)
American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)

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Common Important Terms

Tone Quality. The overall sound of a musical piece, produced by the combination of the timbre, dynamics, and articulation of the instruments or voices.
Dynamics. Variations in volume, from very soft to very loud.
Timbre. The quality of a sound that distinguishes it from other sounds.
Articulation. The manner in which notes are played or sung.
Pitch. The frequency of a sound that determines its note name.
Rhythmic Feel. The way the rhythms are interpreted and expressed.
Improvisation. Creating music spontaneously without pre-arranged notes.
Arrangement. The restructuring of a piece of music to fit the style and limitations of a given ensemble.
Composition. The act of creating original music.
Chords. Two or more notes played together at the same time to produce harmony.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do professional musicians need?

Professional musicians typically need to be highly skilled in their instrument of choice, have an understanding of music theory and composition, and have experience playing in ensembles or performing solo.

How much money do professional musicians typically make?

The average annual salary for a professional musician can vary greatly depending on their experience, genre of music, and performance opportunities. Generally, the range is between $35,000 - $200,000 per year.

What types of performance opportunities are available for professional musicians?

Professional musicians may have the opportunity to perform in a variety of settings. This could include live concerts, touring with a band, studio recordings, teaching private lessons, or performing in theater or film productions.

What type of schooling is necessary to become a professional musician?

Professional musicians typically have some level of formal music education, such as a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance or Music Technology. Additionally, many seek out additional instruction from mentors or attend music workshops.

What challenges do professional musicians face?

Professional musicians often face challenges such as long hours and intense practice schedules, dealing with difficult personalities in the industry, and finding reliable sources of income and performance opportunities. Additionally, they must often find ways to balance their passion for music with other commitments such as family, work, and school.

Web Resources

Professional Music | Berklee College of Music college.berklee.edu
Careers in Professional Music | Berklee College of Music college.berklee.edu
Professional Musician and Adjunct Faculty Member, Salisbury careerconnect.uog.edu