Musician

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

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.

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.

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.

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:

• the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
• Rockschool

Armed forces careers

There are opportunities to train as a musician in the armed forces.

Find out more from the:

• Army
• Royal Air Force
• Royal Navy

Career Tips

Get as much experience as you can of performing in public.

You could do this byjoining 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 .

As a musician, you could:

• compose, learn and rehearse music pieces
• take care of and set up your instrument for performances
• prepare for and attend auditions
• perform in front of a live audience
• take part in recording sessions
• create 'demo' recordings to promote your music
• engage with your audience through social media and website content
• arrange concerts and tours or deal with a manager or agent who does this for you

You could work in a theatre, at a music venue or at a recording studio.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.