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Career Profile

Musician
What They Do
Just the Facts
Insider Info
Dig into the details and check out what people in
this job have to say about their work.

Insider Info

Plays one or more musical instruments in solo performance, with

accompaniment, or as a member of an orchestra, band, or other musical
Related Careers
group.
This career is part of the Arts, Audio-Video Technology and
Communications cluster Performing Arts pathway.

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A person in this career:

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Plays a musical instrument to entertain audiences, either solo or

under the direction of a conductor.
Plays from memory or by following a musical score.
Practices on a musical instrument to maintain and improve skills.
Studies and memorizes musical scores.
Transposes music to play in an alternate key or to fit individual
style.
Composes new musical scores.
Teaches music for specific instruments.
Directs a band or orchestra.

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Music Director
Singer
Music Composer/Arranger
Actor
Choreographer
Dancer
Film/Movie Director
Producer
Secondary School Teacher
Talent Director

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Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

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You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you
might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
Exposed to hazardous situations involving possible injury such as cuts, bites, stings, and minor burns more than once a
month
Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time

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Sound and noise levels are loud and distracting

Work in this occupation involves making repetitive motions more than one-third of the time
Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

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Picking out a particular sound in the presence of other sounds

Detecting sounds and hearing the differences between sounds of different pitch and loudness
Seeing clearly up close
Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

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Irregular hours
Overnight travel
Weekend work

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:
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Cellist -- Plays the cello professionally, usually as a part of a large symphony orchestra.
Concert Pianist -- Performs as a soloist in concert performances.
Drummer -- Plays drums to provide a rhythmic/percussive element that the music requires.
Flutist -- Plays a flute, most often in an orchestra or a group.
Guitarist -- Plays guitar solo or more usually in a band or ensemble; the rhythmguitar usually accompanies a singer,
leadguitar plays solos.
Harpist -- Plays the harp in classical settings, such as orchestras, symphonies, ensembles, and even solo acts.
Violinist -- Plays the violin, an instrument quite common and popular in classical music, though also employed in other
fields and musical styles.

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