Musicians and Singers
What they do?
The following is a summary of main duties for some occupations in this unit group:
A. Musicians play one or more instruments as soloists or as members of a musical group before audiences or for recording purposes.
B. Singers sing musical arrangements as soloists or as members of vocal groups before audiences or for recording purposes.
C. Teachers of music or voice teach technique, interpretation and music theory to students through private or group lessons.
D. Musicians and singers usually specialize in specific types of music such as classical, country, ethnic, jazz, opera or popular music.
Where they find work?
1. Educational services - 52.0%
2. Arts entertainment and recreation - 40.0%
3. Other services (except public administration) - 6.0%
What education do I need?
1. Musical training from a university or college or through private instruction is usually required.
2. Members of orchestras and other professional classical musicians and singers usually require a university degree in music.
3. Musical talent and ability, as demonstrated during an audition, are important hiring criteria.
4. Membership in a guild or union related to the occupation or type of performance may be required.
5. Most recent entrants have an undergraduate university degree.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Drama
2. Art
3. English (Composition)
4. Music
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Musicians and Singers is $19.38/HR, which is close to the average for occupations in the art, culture, recreation and sport sector and are below average for all professional occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
5% of Musicians and Singers are unemployed. This rate is above the average for professionnal occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Musicians and Singers is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at an average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($19.38) are close to the average ($18.07), and the wage growth is close to the average.
3. The unemployment rate (5%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be close to the average.
2. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations Musicians and Singers are found in British Columbia and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (31%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Entertainment
2. Innovation
3. Researching
