Musician : Entry requirements

Many professional musicians have a degree or other qualification in music. However, experience and musicianship count for more in many cases.

A degree in music will give you the opportunity to develop your performance skills while at college, university or conservatoire, although some university music degree courses may concentrate more on the academic side of music than the practical playing side. Music courses are also useful for building a network of contacts which will be beneficial to you both during and after study. Some courses will also include modules on music technology and business. There are a wide range of music courses in the UK which enable you to study music in general or focus on a specific genre.

The Conservatoires UK Admissions Service (CUKAS) operates a separate application system for practical-based music courses at UK conservatoires. Other qualifications, such as those awarded by The Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)  and Trinity Guildhall (see Trinity College London  for details) are also considered.

The arts councils and Musicians Benevolent Fund  can provide funding for further study.

Networking and personal references/recommendations are extremely important and very common ways of obtaining work in the music field. Vacancies are often filled through word of mouth rather than applications to an advert. Seek advice from musicians who are already working in your area and ask for introductions. Learning from more experienced musicians is invaluable, and you may be able to draw on their established network of contacts.

Speculative approaches can reap benefits in certain areas of work, so it is worthwhile making yourself known to likely orchestras, choral societies, bands and individuals. Self-promotion is a key skill for musicians to have.

Take any opportunity that arises to gain experience; you will build your confidence and professional network and extend your repertoire. Examples of where to gain this experience include:

• amateur orchestras;
• student society music groups;
• festivals;
• awards;
• competitions;
• auditions.

All orchestras and opera houses hold auditions but each organisation will work in a different way. Some orchestras hold auditions every year while others hold them when a member leaves. Find out when auditions are by going to the organisation’s website or by calling and requesting the information.

Entry for orchestras and opera houses is through an audition followed commonly by a trial period where the musician is paid on a sessional basis for several concerts. This is not the same as a probationary period and it cannot be assumed that a permanent contract will necessarily follow. Several musicians may be on trial at any one time and trial periods can last for any length of time. Entry to full-time posts in orchestras is very competitive and it is likely to be necessary, at least initially, to build a musical career incorporating performance work in a number of different settings and groups, teaching and arranging music.

Musicians who wish to work freelance (regardless of genre) should possess the following:

• a wide repertoire of music;
• a willingness and ability to tackle new pieces with enthusiasm and accuracy;
• team-working ability and good communication skills;
• attention to detail;
• reliability and flexibility;
• accurate sight-reading, particularly if you have limited rehearsal time.

Agencies can be useful for gaining work, although for many musicians they are not necessary

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.