Often during or after high school, aspiring professional musicians study with highly skilled teachers either independently, at a conservatory, or in college. Many musicians also participate in summer music schools or camps. In addition to instruction, experience is very important. Most players who end up in a professional symphony perform in many smaller school or community orchestras during the years of their training. Performing in the orchestra pit for school and amateur theater groups is another way young musicians get valuable experience that can lead to a career in music.
Experience helps young musicians develop in several important ways.
Both require a sense of teamwork and physical and mental skill, and both are very competitive for those who hope to become professionals. One aspect of this competition is the audition , an unavoidable part of musical life. Just as a baseball or soccer player may have to compete with other players for a spot on a team, musicians have to audition for a place in an orchestra or a music school. Sometimes the applicant provides a recording in advance, but a live performance for a small number of people is generally required. A screen is put up so that the music can be heard, but visual impression of the player is not taken into account.