Employment Musicians held about 276,000 jobs in 1994. As many were between engagements, it is quite possible that the total number of people employed as musicians during the course of the year might have been greater. A large majority of musicians work in cities in which entertainment and recording activities are concentrated, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville. Musicians may work in opera, musical comedy, and ballet productions. Classical musicians generally perform with professional orchestras or in small chamber music groups like quartets or trios.
Musicians also play in restaurants and clubs, and for weddings and other events.
The Armed Forces, too, offer careers in their musical organizations. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Many people who become professional musicians begin by studying an instrument during childhood. Participation in school musicals or in a choir often provides good early training. However, musicians need extensive and prolonged training to acquire the necessary skill, knowledge and ability to interpret music properly. This training can be obtained through private study with an accomplished musician, in a college or university music program, in a music conservatory, or through practice with a group.