Musicians and Singers (NOC 5133)
Description
This unit group includes musicians, singers and teachers of vocal and instrumental music. Musicians and singers perform with orchestras, choirs, opera companies and popular bands in establishments such as concert halls, lounges and theatres and in film, television and recording studios. Music teachers teach in conservatories, academies and private homes.
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Example Titles
- accompanist
- church organist
- guitar player
- instrumentalist
- musician
- music teacher
- opera singer
- percussionist
- recording artist
- rock singer
- singer
- vocalist
>> View all titles
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Classified Elsewhere
- Conductors, Composers and Arrangers (5132)
- Elementary School Music Teachers (in 4142 Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers)
- Professors of Music (in 4121 University Professors)
- Secondary School Music Teachers (in 4141 Secondary School Teachers)
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Duties
The following is a summary of main duties for some occupations in this unit group:
- Musicians play one or more instruments as soloists or as members of a musical group before audiences or for recording purposes.
- Singers sing musical arrangements as soloists or as members of vocal groups before audiences or for recording purposes.
- Teachers of music or voice teach technique, interpretation and music theory to students through private or group lessons.
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Skills
Singers and musicians need the following skills and abilities:
- an interest in entertaining people,
- artistic talent, creativity and a good memory for music,
- talent in other areas may be required for singers (acting, dancing),
- self motivation, discipline and focus,
- ability to handle criticism and rejection,
- a stage presence and ability to respond to audience moods,
- ability to work under pressure and in sometimes challenging environments,
- ability to work with people of varying backgrounds and talents,
- physical stamina to endure road tours and irregular schedules,
- good communication skills for composing,
- basic administrative skills for managing business affairs.
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Employment Requirements
- Musical talent and ability as demonstrated through an audition are usually the most important hiring criteria for individual artists and small musical groups.
- Orchestras and operas usually hire musicians and singers with a university degree in music.
- Music and singing teachers must have experience in their field.
- In order to call yourself a registered music teacher in Manitoba, you must be certified by the Manitoba Registered Music Teachers' Association.
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Terms & Conditions
Musicians and singers work long hours, days and evenings, rehearsing and performing. Most performances are in the evenings and on weekends. Long periods of practice and rehearsal are required compared to the time spent performing. Musicians and singers must be prepared to travel to wherever work is available and be away from home for periods of time. Instrumental musicians may have to lift and carry instruments and accessories weighing up to 10 kilograms.
According to the 2001 Census, only 43% of musicians and singers worked full time full year, an indication of the lack of full time steady work available. Full-time musicians or those with contracts, such as the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra have more steady work, less travel and more assurance of stable income. This group also experienced one of the highest rates of part time work (57%). Many take other jobs to supplement their income. The majority of this group are self-employed, this is one reason why musicians and singers are not guaranteed a minimum wage salary like most other occupations.
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Earnings
$33,300 per annum - starting
$37,600 per annum - average
$64,500 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
- Brandon University, Canadian Mennonite University and the University of Manitoba, School of Music offer degree programs in this field.
- Providence College and Seminary, a private religious college, also offers a degree program in music.
- Manitoba has many private music teachers.
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Career Paths
Popular music singers often start out singing at school or community dances in a band. Classical singers may have fewer options available for singing engagements. Because music is not always a full-time occupation, musicians often have other jobs as well.
Musicians begin studying an instrument at an early age and gain experience playing in music festivals, a school or community band or an orchestra or with a group of friends. Participation in school musicals or choirs often provides good early training and experience.
Advancement for musicians usually means becoming better known. Successful musicians often rely on agents or managers to find them performing engagements, negotiate contracts, and develop their careers.
Singers and musicians may become involved in various occupations in the entertainment and media industries, such as producer, director, broadcaster, actor, and music teacher.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for singers and musicians are expected to be limited in the 2010 to 2014 period. Employment in Manitoba is in 2010 is estimated at 1,225.
Competition for available positions is intense. The number of people with talent who want to perform exceeds the number of openings. Those who can play several instruments and types of music and are willing to travel should enjoy the best job prospects. There are more opportunities in larger urban centres where recording studios and concert facilities are located, and where the population can support major performances. Urban centres also provide more opportunities for complementary activities such studying or teaching.
Self-employed musicians and singers often work part time or for a designated period of time and must continually seek out new work prospects. Employment is more stable for those classical singers and musicians who sign contracts on a yearly basis with major orchestras or choirs. These usually have a pre-determined schedule of performances for the season. Musicians often hold positions with more than one orchestra or ensemble at the same time, often in different cities.
In Manitoba, the majority of the job opportunities are in Winnipeg, although a significant number of musicians and singers live in rural areas and commute. Across industries, they are found in Educational Services (60%), Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (33%) and Other Services (except Public Administration) at 3%.
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Employment by Age Group
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Employment by Industry
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Employment by Region
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Employment by Gender
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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
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Employment by Visible Minority
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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
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Other Related Information...
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