MUSICIAN (INSTRUMENTAL)SALARY AND EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK The Economic Research Institute reported that the average starting salary was $22,500 in 1997 for a MUSICIAN (INSTRUMENTAL). The average salary was $32,000 for all workers in this field and $39,000 for those with experience. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers Salary Survey, the average annual salary offered beginning MUSICIANS (INSTRUMENTAL) with a bachelor's degree was $23,400 in 1996. Other sources report average starting salaries for those with a few major symphony orchestras were $55,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the federal government provided the following data for Musicians. SIZE OF CATEGORY: Large (255,571 Workers) SIZE WILL: Grow Moderately (24%) This category is expected to grow by 24% through the year 2005. Competition is expected to continue, and only the most talented will find regular employment. DESCRIPTION OF WORK TASKS, SETTING, AND TOOLS MUSICIANS (INSTRUMENTAL) play musical instruments in an orchestra, band, rock group, or jazz combo. They may perform alone or as part of a group, on stage before live audiences or on radio, in studios for recording, TV, or movie productions, or at weddings and other special events for the purpose of entertaining people. Musicians usually specialize in a certain type of music such as rock, classical, gospel, blues, or jazz. Musicians may play any of a wide variety of string, brass , or percussion instruments. Some musicians play the piano or an organ. Some play a violin, cello, viola, or other bowed instrument. Some musicians play the guitar. Some play a brass or woodwind instrument such as a trumpet, trombone, flute, saxophone, clarinet, oboe, flute, or bassoon. Other musicians play percussion instruments, such as the drums, cymbals, or a xylophone. Still others may play one of the many types of electronic synthesizers. All musicians spend considerable time practicing. Those who play current music listen to recordings and copy the sound, since sheet music may not be available. RELATED OCCUPATIONS
TRAINING AND ADVANCEMENT Many people who become professional MUSICIANS (INSTRUMENTAL) begin studying an instrument at an early age. Musicians need extensive and prolonged training to acquire the necessary skill, knowledge, and ability to interpret music. This training may be obtained through private study with an accomplished musician, in a college or university music program, in a music conservatory, or through practice with a group. Musicians who teach music in an elementary or secondary school are required to have a state teacher's certificate. Applicants must have a degree in music education. Musicians who wish to teach at the college or university level usually need advanced degrees. Musicians may be required to join a union in order to work. Advancement for MUSICIANS (INSTRUMENTAL) usually means becoming more well known and performing for greater earnings with better known bands and orchestras. Many musicians rely on agents or managers to find them work, negotiate contracts, and plan their careers. |
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