The immense variety and wide appeal of music make it difficult to imagine a world without musicians. Whether their specialty is classical or popular music they all have behind them long years of formal or informal study and practice. Classical musicians play in symphony, opera, ensemble, chamber, ballet, theatre and for other groups that need orchestral support usually a string quartet or a trio. These musicians play string, brass, woodwind, or percussion instruments. Many pianists accompany vocal or instrumental soloists, choral groups or provide background music in restaurants or other places.
Most organists play in churches.
Often they direct the choir. A few well-known and established musicians give their own concerts, appear as soloists with symphony orchestras and make recordings. Most play engagements in nightclubs, cabarets, traverns, restaurants, concerts and at weddings and other special events. The best known artists sometimes perform on television. Whether classical or popular, much of the work involves rehearsing to maintain technique and expand musical repertoire.