CareerZone
Musicians, Instrumental
An occupation in Arts and Humanities
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Play one or more musical instruments in recital, in accompaniment, or as members of an orchestra, band, or other musical group.


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Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.


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1. Practice musical instrument performances, individually or in rehearsal with other musicians, to master individual pieces of music and to maintain and improve skills.

2. Perform before live audiences.

3. Specialize in playing a specific family of instruments and/or a particular type of music.

4. Play musical instruments as soloists, or as members or guest artists of musical groups such as orchestras, ensembles, or bands.

5. Play from memory or by following scores.

6. Sight-read musical parts during rehearsals.

7. Audition for orchestras, bands, or other musical groups.

8. Provide the musical background for live shows such as ballets, operas, musical theatre, and cabarets.

9. Transpose music to alternate keys, or to fit individual styles or purposes.

10. Promote their own or their group's music by participating in media interviews and other activities.

11. Make or participate in recordings in music studios.


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Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.


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Fine Arts - Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Personnel and Human Resources - Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

History and Archeology - Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.


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Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.


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The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Musicians, Instrumental. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Musicians, Instrumental, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.


Find Training Courses in New YorkFind Colleges in New YorkMusic, General. - A general program that focuses on the introductory study and appreciation of music and the performing arts. Includes instruction in music, dance, and other performing arts media.


Find Training Courses in New YorkFind Colleges in New YorkMusic Performance, General. - A program that generally prepares individuals to master musical instruments and performing art as solo and/or ensemble performers. Includes instruction on one or more specific instruments from various instrumental groupings.


Find Training Courses in New YorkFind Colleges in New YorkPiano and Organ. - A program that prepares individuals to master the piano, organ, or related keyboard instruments and performing art as solo, ensemble, and/or accompanist performers. Includes instruction in piano and keyboard pedagogy, ensemble playing, accompanying, service playing, repertoire, keyboard and pedal skills, recital, and personal style development.


Find Training Courses in New YorkFind Colleges in New YorkJazz/Jazz Studies. - A program that prepares individuals to study and master the performance and composition of jazz. Includes instruction in the history of Jazz and related musical styles such as the Blues, Jazz composition and theory, improvisation, Jazz instrument and ensemble performance, and related topics.


Find Training Courses in New YorkFind Colleges in New YorkViolin, Viola, Guitar and Other Stringed Instruments. - A program that prepares individual to master a stringed instrument and performing arts as solo, ensemble and/or accompanist performers. Includes instruction in playing and personal style development.


Find Training Courses in New YorkFind Colleges in New YorkMusic Pedagogy. - A program that prepares individuals to provide musical instruction and tutoring to clients in private and institutional settings. Includes instruction in music theory, music composition, mastery of one or more instruments, familiarity with various musical genres and styles, principles of music education, and client communications.


Find Training Courses in New YorkFind Colleges in New YorkMusic, Other. - Any instructional program in music not listed above.


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In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$11 (per hour) for entry level workers, and $36 (per hour) for experienced workers.

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Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Very Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 16,510 Musicians, Instrumental employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 17,450  employed in NY. This represents an increase of 90 job(s) each year, and a total of 340 job openings each year.


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Musicians - Visit this link for information on this career in the military.

Musicians, singers, and related workers - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.


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Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary - Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts.

Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education - Teach elemental natural and social science, personal hygiene, music, art, and literature to children from 4 to 6 years old. Promote physical, mental, and social development. May be required to hold State certification.

Actors - Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or motion picture productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.

Directors- Stage, Motion Pictures, Television, and Radio - Interpret script, conduct rehearsals, and direct activities of cast and technical crew for stage, motion pictures, television, or radio programs.

Music Directors - Direct and conduct instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups, such as orchestras or choirs.

Music Composers and Arrangers - Write and transcribe musical scores.

Photographers - Photograph persons, subjects, merchandise, or other commercial products. May develop negatives and produce finished prints.

Film and Video Editors - Edit motion picture soundtracks, film, and video.

Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners - Repair percussion, stringed, reed, or wind instruments. May specialize in one area, such as piano tuning.


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