How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by private training organisations
University
Whatever your musical genre, you'll need a high level of musical skill and talent. Although you do not need a degree for all forms of music, in some fields it is expected, for example classical music.
You could study for a degree or postgraduate award in:
- classical music
- music composition
- music performance
- popular music
- popular and commercial music
You could do this at a university or a conservatoire. You'll usually specialise in one main instrument and study a second instrument.
Some music degrees focus more on music theory than performance, so research courses carefully to make sure they're right for you.
At audition, you'll usually be asked to perform several pieces of music of different styles. You'll also need to talk at interview about your artistic influences and your musical career aims.
You can take a subject spotlight on UCAS website to find out more about what it's like to study music.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels including music, or equivalent qualifications
- grade 8 in your main instrument
- to pass an audition
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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College
You could take a college course to get professional training and the opportunity to perform.
Subjects available include:
- practical music
- music technology
- music performance and production
You may need to pass an audition to get on to some courses.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Volunteering
You can enter talent competitions, music festivals and events to get yourself known.
The BBC also runs an annual competition for 12 to 18 year olds across the UK who create their own original music.
Direct Application
You may be lucky and get talent spotted. You could increase your chances by showcasing your music on:
- networking websites
- social media
- music blogs
- demo tracks to send to recording companies
The Musicians' Union has more details on how to promote yourself.
Other Routes
Many musicians teach themselves. Some start learning an instrument from an early age. This might be with a private music teacher or training provider.
You can take graded music exams in lots of types of music, including:
- woodwind
- strings
- percussion
- piano
- vocals
Find out more about graded music exams from:
Armed forces careers
There are opportunities to train as a musician in the armed forces.
Find out more from the:
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Career tips
Get as much experience as you can of performing in public.
You could do this by
- joining a youth or community orchestra
- staging your own events
- entering competitions
The BBC Introducing programme could be another way to get your music heard on the radio, if you're an unsigned musician.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Musicians' Union or the Independent Society of Musicians to access training, events and networking opportunities.
Further information
You can get more advice about working in music from the Independent Society of Musicians.
You can also find out more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.