What does a Musician do?

Musicians can enhance entertainment and cultural experiences, support branding in marketing and help businesses or performances connect emotionally with audiences. They may create or perform scores for advertising or film purposes or use music to tell stories in live performances. In some roles, Musicians act as a music teacher in the classroom or through one-on-one lessons.

Musician skills and qualifications

To succeed as a Musician, individuals must often have a mix of technical, creative and communication skills. Their work often requires self-discipline, adaptability and the ability to receive and respond to feedback.

Skills commonly listed in Musician job description templates include:

• Ability to play one or more musical instruments or sing
• Knowledge of music theory and composition
• Strong rhythm skills
• Creativity and improvisational ability
• Time management skills
• Communication skills
• Performance presence and stage awareness
• Familiarity with recording equipment and software

Musician experience requirements

When hiring Studio Musicians, you may want to look for studio credits and performance portfolios, while a Concert Musician might need on-the-road performing experience. Employers seeking Musicians for teaching roles might consider candidates who have experience training others in any work environment or who have provided private music lessons in the past.

Experience requirements for Musicians vary depending on the specifics of the role and the setting. Employers hiring entry-level Musicians may look for a history of performing in school, at community events or at open mic nights.

Musician education and training requirements

There are typically no formal education requirements for a Musician, which can make it a great role for skills-first hiring, you may choose to prioritize practical abilities such as musical talent, performance skills and technical proficiency over degrees.

For Musician roles in recording studios or other technical environments, employers may look for certifications in music software or digital audio workstations (DAWs). Examples include the Pro Tools User Certification from Avid Technology, Inc. and Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) from the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association.

Job description samples for similar positions

Find similar job description samples for roles including:

• Music Conductor
• Music Manager
• Music Producer

Musician job description FAQs

Who does a Musician report to?

A Musician may report to various individuals depending on the setting. In a studio or live performance environment, they often report to a Producer, Music Director or Bandleader. If they’re part of a larger organization, like an orchestra or entertainment company, they may report to an Artistic Director. Freelance Musicians may manage their own schedules and clients directly.

Does anyone report to a Musician?

In most cases, Musicians do not have direct reports. However, Lead Musicians, Bandleaders or Composers may coordinate with other Musicians, Sound Engineers or others to organize performances or recording sessions. In more senior or leadership roles, they may guide rehearsals or oversee ensemble members.

Is a Musician a full-time or part-time position?

Being a Musician can be a full-time or part-time position, depending on employer needs. Some Musicians work as freelancers or on contract for specific events or recordings, while others are hired in full-time or part-time roles for orchestras or production teams.

What type of traits should you look for in a Musician?

Strong Musicians tend to be creative and self-disciplined. Depending on your needs, you may want to look for candidates who can play multiple instruments and have an in-depth knowledge of music theory.

Consider looking for individuals with excellent musical ability, strong communication skills and a professional attitude. Reliability, attention to detail and the ability to collaborate with others are also important.