Instrumental musicians play musical instruments. They perform as soloists or with orchestras, small ensembles or popular bands before live audiences, in recording studios or in workshop situations.

Instrumental musicians usually specialize in one instrument or type of instrument. They play almost every day, practicing on their own or in rehearsals with other musicians and singers or in live performances or recording sessions. They may be required to:

• sight read musical parts quickly and accurately during rehearsals
• play from musical scores, music charts or from memory
• improvise as they play.

To expand their musical repertoire, musicians are constantly learning new pieces. However, they may have a number of standards that they may choose to play depending on the instrumental group, the audience and the setting. They may:

• play with popular music bands or in other live performances such as ballets, operas, musical theatre or cabarets
• provide musical background
• appear as guest artists with orchestras and small ensembles.

Popular musicians work with a variety of people: other performers, managers who handle their business affairs, booking agents, promoters, music publishers, producers, recording directors, songwriters, club owners, talk show hosts and radio announcers.

Instrumental musicians work long hours. Practices and rehearsals usually are held during the day; performances often are evenings and weekends. It is not uncommon for musicians to travel on tour or wherever they can find work (clubs, taverns and concerts halls). They may be required to lift and carry instruments and accessories weighing up to 10 kilograms. Electronic audio and related equipment may weigh considerably more.

In addition to musical talent, musicians need good business skills and a working knowledge of the music and entertainment business. In particular, they need to know how to keep records, negotiate contracts, keep financially afloat and promote themselves.

Classical musicians usually start training at an early age on the piano or a stringed instrument. Most brass, percussion and wind instrument players begin their music studies in elementary or junior high school. Some musicians are self-taught. Formal music training of some kind is required to sight read music and understand music theory, harmony and improvisation. Knowledge of related technologies such as musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) software and music notation programs is an asset.

Once students have developed a certain level of competence on an instrument, they may audition for community bands and orchestras to gain experience playing in a group with a musical director or conductor.

Formal music training is available through private lessons and through programs offered at post-secondary institutions and music conservatories (for example, the Royal Conservatory in Toronto or the McGill Conservatory in Montreal). In Alberta, the following post-secondary institutions offer music programs:

In Alberta, the following post-secondary institutions offer full time music programs:

• Ambrose University College in Calgary 
• Canadian University College in Lacombe
• Concordia University College of Alberta in Edmonton
• Grande Prairie Regional College 
• Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton  
• Keyano College in Fort McMurray 
• The King's University College in Edmonton 
• Mount Royal College in Calgary 
• Red Deer College 
• Rocky Mountain College in Calgary  
• University of Alberta in Edmonton and Camrose 
• University of Calgary 
• University of Lethbridge.

Admission requirements vary from one institution to another but generally include a competitive average in English Language Arts 30-1 and four other appropriate Grade 12 subjects, or equivalent. 

For current information about programs, admission requirements and mature student admission policies, please check post-secondary calendars or websites.

Continuing education programs may be offered on an as needed basis.

The Banff Centre offers intensive workshops with world class musicians and conductors. Applicants must submit a portfolio, project description, letters of recommendation and resumé. An audition recording (CD or DVD) may be required.

Entering music competitions is another way of testing one's performance skills, gaining recognition and exposure, and earning money through winning scholarships and awards. For popular musicians, winning a major talent contest may provide the opportunity to produce a professional recording or music video.

As the music video business grows, it is increasingly important for musicians to know how to perform on camera. At some point in their careers, successful popular musicians usually need to produce a music video to gain wider recognition. It also is important to be computer literate because recording equipment often is digital.

Instrumental musicians must audition to find work. Classical musicians who perform mostly with symphony orchestras and small ensembles audition before committees comprised of musicians and the music director. Popular musicians (for example, jazz, rock, country and folk musicians) often send demo tapes to booking agents, bar and nightclub owners and entertainment promoters. Once musicians have established their reputations, they may be called to play at particular gigs or bookings, or to play for specific recording sessions.

The music industry is intensely competitive. Talent, versatility and flexibility in accepting work away from home are crucial for maintaining a viable career. Being able to play more than one instrument is a definite asset. Freelance and popular musicians who play in recording sessions usually are able to play a number of different styles of music. Those who are fortunate enough to sign contracts with record companies may record their own songs or cover other people's tunes. Independent recording artists may market their products and services via the Internet.

Some musicians work as accompanists for other performers or choral groups.

Classical musicians may work with:

• symphony orchestras
• wind ensembles
• chamber orchestras and music groups
• string ensembles
• brass ensembles
• recording studios
• Broadway type shows.

When they have passed all the requirements for orchestral positions, classical musicians may be offered yearly contracts with insurance and pension benefits. Employment in an orchestra requires musicians to perform at a high level with sometimes limited rehearsal time.

Exceptional players may become principal players, doing more solo work and assuming responsibility for rehearsing other musicians in their sections. The lead player in the whole orchestra is a violinist called the concertmaster. Some orchestral players may become conductors, composers, orchestrators or arrangers.

Musicians playing popular music may work:

• in nightclubs, lounges and dance halls
• as session players for other artists
• on cruise ships and in resort hotels
• for private parties and benefits
• in recording studios
• at music festivals
• on tour in concert halls or large stadiums.

Freelance and popular musicians must constantly improve their techniques, creating new possibilities. Popular musicians must be extremely flexible in their hours of work, places of employment and types of contracts.

Breaking into the music business requires dedication, talent and sometimes good luck. Developing contacts in the music business is as important as finding opportunities to perform.

Instrumental musicians are part of the larger National Occupational Classification 5133: Musicians and Singers. In Alberta, 94 per cent of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Educational Services
• Information, Culture and Recreation.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Many musicians are members of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada. This association sets minimum wage guidelines with different fee schedules for different settings. For example, side musicians for top recording artists earn substantially more than members of small rock bands playing in hotel bars.

Many musicians work at other part time jobs to supplement their income. Some work in music related jobs such as arranging, artist management, composing and song writing. Teaching music, either independently or in affiliation with an institution or organization, is the way most Alberta musicians supplement their incomes.

According to the 2009 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Musicians and Singers group earned from $12.50 to $67.31 an hour. The average wage was $26.16 an hour.

For more detailed information, see WAGEinfo.

Post-secondary institution calendars and websites (see Educational Requirements above)

EDinfo website: www.alis.alberta.ca/edinfo

Alberta Music Industry Association website: www.amia.ca

American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada website: www.afm.org

Calgary Musicians' Association website: www.calgarymusicians.org

Cultural Human Resources Council website: www.culturalhrc.ca

Edmonton Musicians' Association website: www.afmedmonton.ca