Musician : Employers and vacancy sources

A significant proportion of professional musicians are self-employed. This is largely the case for all musicians with the notable exception of some classical musicians.

Orchestral musicians either work on a freelance basis or are full-time members of a specific orchestra. There is a great variety of orchestras and ensembles in the UK and they differ in terms of size, style, location and repertoire. For orchestral players, employers include ballet, symphony, opera and chamber orchestras, some of which will be large enough to employ musicians on full-time contracts. The Association of British Orchestras (ABO)  lists UK orchestras and ensembles and notes how musicians are employed (e.g. permanent, full-time or by contract) as well as where the orchestra/ensemble is based.

There is also occasional work offered by independent fixers for choral society performances, recording sessions and outdoor performances. Freelance musicians or permanent staff can take on this ad hoc work.

The most common employers of classical singers are opera companies, as there are very few professional choirs. However, due to the small number of opera companies in the UK opportunities can be limited. This can lead to other employment options as many of the larger choral societies employ opera singers for solo and oratorio work.

Organists are attached to a specific cathedral or church(s) and their full-time post may also include the role of choirmaster and director of music. The majority of organists will work part-time and combine their role with teaching at an associated school or conducting a local choral society, for example.

The Corps of Army Music  is currently the UK's largest employer of professional instrumentalists (in a wide range of instruments) and employs over 800 musicians.

Other employers of musicians include holiday camps, cruise ships and theatre companies (for work in musicals, for example).

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• ClassicalMusicHomepage.com
• Musical Chairs
• There is a small ads section on the Musicians' Union (MU)  website that includes a musicians wanted section.

One of the most common ways to learn of vacancies is word of mouth and networking. A good list of contacts is vital for gaining new opportunities.

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