Musicians and Singers

27-2042.00

Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Perform before live audiences in concerts, recitals, educational presentations, and other social gatherings.
• Sing a cappella or with musical accompaniment.
• Interpret or modify music, applying knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.
• Specialize in playing a specific family of instruments or a particular type of music.
• Sing as a soloist or as a member of a vocal group.
• Observe choral leaders or prompters for cues or directions in vocal presentation.
• Memorize musical selections and routines, or sing following printed text, musical notation, or customer instructions.
• Play musical instruments as soloists, or as members or guest artists of musical groups such as orchestras, ensembles, or bands.
• Sight-read musical parts during rehearsals.
• Play from memory or by following scores.
• Practice singing exercises and study with vocal coaches to develop voice and skills and to rehearse for upcoming roles.
• Listen to recordings to master pieces or to maintain and improve skills.
• Teach music for specific instruments.
• Provide the musical background for live shows, such as ballets, operas, musical theatre, and cabarets.
• Audition for orchestras, bands, or other musical groups.
• Seek out and learn new music suitable for live performance or recording.
• Make or participate in recordings in music studios.
• Promote their own or their group's music by participating in media interviews and other activities.
• Make or participate in recordings.
• Research particular roles to find out more about a character, or the time and place in which a piece is set.
• Learn acting, dancing, and other skills required for dramatic singing roles.
• Transpose music to alternate keys, or to fit individual styles or purposes.
• Direct bands or orchestras.
• Compose songs or create vocal arrangements.
• Arrange and edit music to fit style and purpose.
• Improvise music during performances.
• Collaborate with a manager or agent who handles administrative details, finds work, and negotiates contracts.
• Compose original music, such as popular songs, symphonies, or sonatas.
• Perform in television, radio, or movie productions.
• Practice performances, individually or in rehearsal with other musicians, to master individual pieces of music or to maintain and improve skills.

Technology Skills

• Accounting software - Financial tracking software
• Calendar and scheduling software - Appointment scheduling software
• Computer based training software - Cantovation Sing & See
• Data base user interface and query software - TUBA software
• Electronic mail software - Email software
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - SAP software 🔥
• Instant messaging software - Snapchat; Twitter
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Music or sound editing software - Acoustica Mixcraft; Apple GarageBand; Audacity; Avid Technology Pro Tools; Avid Technology Sibelius; iZotope Ozone; MakeMusic Finale
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel 🔥
• Video creation and editing software - YouTube
• Web page creation and editing software - Blogging software; Facebook 🔥; Instagram
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Perform music for the public.
• Study details of musical compositions.
• Practice athletic or artistic skills.
• Train others on performance techniques.
• Audition for roles.
• Perform for recordings.
• Promote products, activities, or organizations.
• Conduct research to inform art, designs, or other work.
• Create musical compositions, arrangements or scores.
• Coordinate musical rehearsals or performances.
• Coordinate logistics for productions or events.