Music Artist

Your Fit

Income

$51K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

1.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Music Artist?

A Music Artist is a professional who composes, performs, and records music in various genres. They can be solo performers, part of a band or ensemble, and may also engage in songwriting, producing, and other aspects of music creation.

Sample job titles:

Choir Member, Musician, Singer, Violinist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Music Artist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Music Artist earn

According to ZipRecruiter, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$31K per year	$36K per year	$51K per year	$58K per year	$72K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $1.76K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Music Artist do?

Work environment

Music Artists often work in recording studios, concert venues, and may spend time in rehearsal spaces. Their work can include travel for performances, tours, and promotional events. The environment is highly dynamic and can vary from quiet studios to lively, crowded concert settings.

Quick task list

Writes, composes, and arranges music.
Records and performs music live.
Collaborates with other musicians, producers, and industry professionals.
Engages in promotional activities, including interviews and social media interaction.
Manages business aspects, including contracts, royalties, and bookings.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Solo Performing Artist: Performing and recording music as a solo act.
Session Musician: Working as a freelance artist to perform or record with other musicians.
Songwriter/Composer: Specializing in creating songs and musical pieces.
Music Producer: Overseeing the production and recording process of music.
Orchestral/Ensemble Musician: Performing as part of orchestras, bands, or other musical ensembles.

Description

Being a Music Artist requires a blend of creative talent, technical skill, and passion for music. Artists often start developing their skills at a young age and may play multiple instruments or specialize in one. They need to continuously practice and evolve their musical style to stay relevant in the ever-changing music industry.

The career of a Music Artist involves not just creating and performing music but also understanding the business side of the industry. This includes marketing, managing finances, and understanding legal aspects like copyrights and contracts. Networking and building a strong personal brand are crucial for success.

Despite the glamour associated with being a Music Artist, the path can be challenging, with no guaranteed income or success. Artists often face intense competition and the pressure to constantly produce and perform. However, the joy of creating music and connecting with audiences provides immense satisfaction.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Expressing oneself creatively through music.
The thrill of live performances and connecting with audiences.
Recognition and appreciation from fans and peers.
The opportunity to collaborate with other talented musicians.

You might make a good Music Artist if you are...

Passionate about music and committed to honing your craft.
Creative, with a unique musical style and perspective.
Willing to spend long hours practicing and perfecting your art.
Comfortable with public performances and self-promotion.
Resilient and adaptable to the highs and lows of the music industry.

Pros:

Creative expression and the joy of making music.
Opportunities for fame and recognition.
Potential for high earnings, especially with successful records and tours.

Cons:

Highly competitive industry with no guarantee of success.
Irregular income and often no traditional job security.
Demanding lifestyle with extensive travel and variable work hours.

How to become a Music Artist

Typical education

Formal education requirements vary widely in this field. While some successful music artists are self-taught, others may have formal training from music conservatories or universities. A bachelor's degree in music, which typically takes 4 years, can provide comprehensive training but is not mandatory.

High school preparation

Courses:

Music classes to learn theory and practice.
Performance arts to develop stage presence and confidence.
Business studies for understanding the music industry's business side.
Technology classes, particularly in music production and recording software.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in school bands, choirs, or musical theater.
Performing at local venues or community events.
Creating and sharing music through digital platforms like YouTube or SoundCloud.

Preparation after high school

Attend a music conservatory or university music program for formal training.
Develop a portfolio or demo recordings to showcase your talent.
Network by attending music industry workshops, seminars, and networking events.
Gain experience through internships at recording studios, radio stations, or with music production companies.

More resources

Berklee College of Music - Offers a range of music courses and resources for aspiring artists.
SoundCloud - A platform for sharing and discovering new music.
American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) - Provides resources for music creators on rights, licensing, and royalties.
Musician's Union - Represents musicians in the UK, offering advice, insurance, and support.
National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) - Offers resources and organizes trade shows for the music industry.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.