Bands may need to work on business plans to negotiate loans to fund a recording or to buy new vehicles or equipment. They may also have to service existing vehicles, equipment and instruments. Musicians frequently turn their hand to this work themselves because of budget constraints. Some musicians supplement their income with private teaching, transcription, broadcasting, arranging, producing session work, local gigs or non-musical work. Between engagements, musicians may be unemployed or have to make do with a different kind of work.
Most performances take place in the evenings so musicians have to work long unsocial hours.
They often have to travel to their audiences. Performers need a lot of physical stamina. They have to be prepared to play or sing for several hours, into the wee hours, to finish work late and still be up early if necessary. This occupational profile viz musicians include singers, conductors, composers, music teachers and musical instrument makers and repairers. Conductors are usually performing musicians who specialise in conducting.