However, most musicians have difficulty finding work and must endure periods of intermittent unemployment. Those who can play several instruments and types of music should enjoy the best job prospects. For a list of current job listing, browse Caljobs or America's Job Bank . Click Right facing arrow to start Video, Speaker Icon to contol Sound Requires QuickTime 4 Education and Training Aspiring musicians begin studying an instrument at an early age. They may gain valuable experience playing in a school or community band or orchestra or with a group of friends.
Singers usually start training when their voices mature.
Participation in school musicals or in a choir often provides good early training and experience. Musicians need extensive and prolonged training to acquire the necessary skill, knowledge, and ability to interpret music. This training may 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. For study in an institution, an audition frequently is necessary. Courses typically include musical theory, music interpretation, composition, conducting, and instrumental and voice instruction.