Instrumental Musician

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Musicians (5133.1) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Musicians and Singers (F033) 
• 2011 NOC: Musicians and singers (5133) 
• 2016 NOC: Musicians and singers (5133) 

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.

Musicians need the following characteristics:

• the discipline required to practice regularly
• the ability to creatively interpret music
• the money management skills required to deal with highly variable incomes
• good communication skills
• a co-operative attitude and the ability to accept constructive criticism
• the ability to handle pressures associated with performing in public.

Since musicians work in a very competitive business, it helps if they are:

• determined and confident
• dependable and flexible
• able to handle themselves well in business negotiations.

Musicians should enjoy playing musical instruments and entertaining audiences.

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 2011 National Occupational Classification 5133: Musicians and singers. In Alberta, 93% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Educational Services (PDF)
• Information, Culture and Recreation (PDF)

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.

Over 3,000 Albertans are employed in the Musicians and singers occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.3% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 39 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As instrumental musicians form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for instrumental musicians. 

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

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

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.