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Popular Musician

Do you want to become a Popular Musician? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

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Working as a popular musician may involve:

• singing and/or playing one or more musical instruments
• sometimes recording music in a studio, for albums or ‘session' work
• working as a solo artist or as part of a duo or group
• performing a certain style of music, such as pop, rock, jazz, folk, country and western, world or easy listening music.

Many people wish to become professional popular musicians, but only a tiny minority make it. A combination of outstanding talent, determination and luck is needed to achieve success in this very demanding business.

To begin with, many musicians combine playing or singing with another job. Successful musicians work long and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. Any free time is often spent learning music and practising. Travel is part of a musician's life. The working environment can vary greatly, from hot or smoky pubs and clubs, to air-conditioned recording studios and theatres.

For musicians playing in gigs, the national minimum rate is £53 for up to two hours before midnight. A solo musician on tour may earn between £500 and £2,000 a week.

A popular musician needs:

• great musical talent and creativity
• resourcefulness and determination
• to be disciplined and focused
• to have good health and stamina
• to have a passion for music and performing.

There are only around 1,500 people working as full-time popular musicians in the UK, although many more work on a part-time basis. There is intense competition, and many people never achieve their ambition.

Most popular musicians have achieved success by the age of 35. It is very difficult to start out as a performer after this age, particularly without previous work as an amateur.

There are many qualifications available in popular music, including BTEC/SQA courses and degrees. Courses cover different aspects of the popular music business, including performing. Degree courses may include performance, composition, the business and management side of the industry, music technology, sound recording and community music.

Progression depends on a combination of hard work and good luck. There is no set path for promotion. A popular musician may move into the business side of the industry, eg working as an entertainment manager or agent.

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