Classical musicians perform either as soloists or as members of orchestras or musical ensembles. This could be as a salaried member of one group or freelance for several organisations.

They may perform live or on television, film, radio or video, or record music for albums. Some classical musicians also compose their own musical scores.

As well as performing, musicians spend a lot of time rehearsing, learning new pieces and evaluating their performance.

Hours and Environment

Classical musicians often work long and irregular hours, which commonly include evenings and weekends. Recording in studios frequently takes many hours and can run until late at night.

Performances take place in a variety of locations, which vary in size and facilities. These range from arts centres, theatres, and music venues, to hotels and restaurants. Some large concerts and festivals are held outdoors in parks, arenas or stately homes.

The work can be physically demanding, involving hours of practising and rehearsing both alone and with the other members of an orchestra or choir.

Classical musicians can spend considerable time travelling around the UK or abroad, and can be away from home for long periods.

Skills and Interests

To be a classical musician you should:

• be musically talented and creative
• enjoy performing to an audience
• have a lively and energetic personality
• be resourceful, independent and disciplined
• enjoy working as part of a team
• have good health and stamina
• have the self-confidence to accept criticism, disappointment and rejection.

Entry

To be a professional musician you will need to achieve very high standards of performance. You should normally have achieved a performance level of at least grade 8 by the time you have left school, and will then need further specialist training. Most professional classical musicians begin learning an instrument at an early age, often with a private teacher. The Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) publishes a Register of Professional Private Music Teachers – see Further Information for contact details.

Conservatoires (music colleges) offer three- or four-year vocational courses leading to a degree or diploma. The main emphasis will be on one particular instrument, but most courses also include a second instrument. To get onto a course at a conservatoire, you will usually need grade 8 in your main instrument and grade 5 or 6 on a second instrument. You will also need five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) and often A level/Highers in music.

Postgraduate courses are also available, for which you will need grade 8 on a main instrument, grade 6 on a second instrument, and a relevant degree.

You can also take a degree in music at a university and follow this with postgraduate study at a conservatoire. You should research courses carefully, as some university music degrees concentrate more on academic aspects than on performance.

For a degree, you will normally need five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) and two A leves/H grades, one of which should be music. If you do not have A level music, you may still be accepted if you can demonstrate a high level of musical ability (normally through the grades system). Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

You will also need to continue private study and practice.

The Careers section of the ISM website has a list of colleges, universities and conservatoires offering music courses, as well as downloadable careers factsheets, including 'Careers with music'. 'Establishing an orchestral career' and 'Establishing a solo career'.

There is a lot of competition for full-time work, and you may need to build up your experience and prove your ability by performing without pay and supplementing your earnings with other work. Some performers in the early stages of their career enter national and international music competitions and local music festivals, which may be a way of being noticed by employers looking for performers with potential.

Selection for work is by audition.

Training

Musicians need to continually maintain and improve their skills, and many musicians continue to take private lessons. The Musicians' Union advises members on professional development, and the ISM website has details of CPD (continuing professional development) opportunities.

Freelance musicians may find training in running a business useful. The Musicians' Union and ISM are also able to advise members on this.

Opportunities

Opportunities for full-time employment for classical musicians are fairly limited. Musicians are usually self-employed and may work on one-off performance, show or tour contracts. Most soloists employ an agent to help negotiate work opportunities and terms. Some musicians progress to write and direct their own music, start up an ensemble or work in private music tuition.

Employers include orchestras, music ensembles, opera companies or choirs. Musicians can also work accompanying other artists, backing films, advertisements, web pages or computer games.

There are opportunities for classical musicians to work overseas.

Annual Income

The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.

Full-time rank and file players with orchestras may earn between £20,000 and £25,000.
Principal players may earn £25,000 to £32,000.

Freelance fees are negotiated between the artist and the promoter. The ISM website has details of recommended fees. The Musicians' Union website also has details of rates.

Further information

60-62 Clapham Road
London
SW9 0JJ
Tel: 020 7582 5566 24 Portland Place
London
W1B 1LU
Tel: 020 7636 5400 10 Stratford Place
London
W1C 1AA
Tel: 020 7629 4413 11 Southwark Street
London
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444