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Artist, 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:
| Starting | $36.76 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $40.26 |
| Top | $51.22 |
Interest in precision working to play instruments by manipulating keys, bow, valves, strings or other parts of instruments
Interest in co-ordinating information from a musical score to produce notes accurately
Interest in diverting and entertaining audiences as soloists and as members of musical groups
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Instrumental musicians usually specialize in 1 instrument or 1 type of instrument (for example, string, wind, brass or percussion instruments). 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:
To expand their musical repertoire, musicians are constantly learning new pieces. However, they may choose to play several standard pieces repeatedly, depending on the instrumental group, audience or setting. They may:
As musicians become established, they may work with a variety of people. These may include:
Instrumental musicians work long hours. Practices and rehearsals usually are held during the day. Live performances often take place during evenings and weekends. Recorded performances happen at various times, depending on when studios have recording studio time available. It is common for musicians to travel on tour or wherever they can find work (clubs, taverns and concert 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:
Since the music industry is a very competitive business, musicians need to be:
Musicians should enjoy playing musical instruments and entertaining audiences.
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, stay 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 schools and music conservatories (for example, the Royal Conservatory in Toronto or the McGill Conservatory in Montreal).
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Another way for musicians to test their performance skills is to enter music competitions. This is also a good way to gain recognition and exposure, and sometimes earn money by 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 online video streaming for entertainment 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 and post a music performance video online to gain wider recognition. It also is important to be computer literate because music recording and mixing equipment often is digital.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Instrumental musicians must audition to find work. Classical musicians who perform mostly with symphony orchestras and small ensembles audition in front of committees made up of musicians and the music director. Popular musicians (for example, jazz, rock, country and folk musicians) often send demo recordings (or web links to them) to booking agents, bar and nightclub owners and entertainment promoters. Once musicians have established their reputations, they may be called to play at specific bookings or recording sessions.
The music industry is very competitive. Talent, versatility and flexibility in accepting work away from home are crucial for maintaining a viable career. Being able to play more than 1 instrument is a definite asset. Freelance and popular musicians who play in recording sessions usually are able to play several different styles of music. Those who, through hard work and good luck, sign contracts with recording 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:
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, or concertmaster, in an orchestra is a violinist. Some orchestral players may become conductors, composers, orchestrators or arrangers.
Musicians playing popular music may work:
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:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 5133: Musicians and singers occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.1% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 58 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Many musicians are members of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) 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. (As of June 26, 2019, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour for most workers. For more information, see Minimum Wage.)
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 with an institution or organization, is the most common way for Alberta musicians to supplement their incomes.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $100.00 | $36.76 | $22.00 |
| Overall | $16.00 | $106.25 | $40.26 | $30.00 |
| Top | $16.00 | $125.00 | $51.22 | $36.50 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $23,244 |
|---|---|
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $8,650 |
Alberta Music Industry Association website: www.albertamusic.org
American Federation of Musicians (AFM) of the United States and Canada website: www.afm.org
Calgary Musicians’ Association website: calgarymusicians.org
Cultural Human Resources Council website: www.culturalhrc.ca
Edmonton Musicians’ Association website: www.afmedmonton.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated May 19, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.