BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasMusicians and Singers

O*NET · 27-2042.00

Musicians and Singers

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

Also called Accompanist · Bandperson · Bass Player · Bassoonist · Bugler · Bull Fiddle Player · Calliope Player · Cantor
58 more

Cellist · Choir Accompanist · Choir Singer · Chorister · Church Musician · Church Organist · Church Pianist · Collaborative Pianist · Concert Pianist · Concert Singer · Cornetist · Country Singer · Double Bass Player · Drummer · English Horn Player · Entertainment Musician · Gospel Singer · Guitar Player · Guitarist · Harpist · Horn Player · Instrumentalist · Jazz Musician · Keyboard Player · Keyboardist · Musical Artist · Musician · Opera Singer · Orchestra Musician · Organist · Percussionist · Performer · Pianist · Piano Accompanist · Piano Player · Piccoloist · Pit Musician · Rap Artist · Rapper · Recording Artist · Rock Star · Saxophone Player · Singer · Singing Telegram Performer · Solo Musician · Soloist · Songwriter · Studio Musician · Tenor · Timpanist · Trombonist · Trumpet Player · Trumpeter · Violinist · Violist · Vocal Artist · Vocal Performer · Vocalist

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code AES35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Skincare Specialists

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

AESArtistic · Enterprising · Social — the three strongest interests, in order

  • A Artistic6.66
  • E Enterprising3.42
  • S Social3.41
  • R Realistic2.87
  • C Conventional2.17
  • I Investigative1.53

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma28%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent10%
  • Bachelor's Degree37%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate15%
  • Master's Degree10%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (42%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (59%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (33%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Speakingbasic3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active Listeningbasic3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Monitoringbasic3.32.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Social Perceptiveness3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Coordination3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Service Orientation2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Time Management2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Writingbasic2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Systems Analysis2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Active Learningbasic2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
Show the other 23

Tasks

11 core · 15 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Perform before live audiences in concerts, recitals, educational presentations, and other social gatherings.4.9
  2. Practice performances, individually or in rehearsal with other musicians, to master individual pieces of music or to maintain and improve skills.4.9
  3. Specialize in playing a specific family of instruments or a particular type of music.4.6
  4. Play musical instruments as soloists, or as members or guest artists of musical groups such as orchestras, ensembles, or bands.4.4
  5. Play from memory or by following scores.4.3
  6. Provide the musical background for live shows, such as ballets, operas, musical theatre, and cabarets.4.3
  7. Sight-read musical parts during rehearsals.4.1
  8. Listen to recordings to master pieces or to maintain and improve skills.3.9
  9. Seek out and learn new music suitable for live performance or recording.3.9
  10. Make or participate in recordings.3.8
  11. Make or participate in recordings in music studios.3.7
Show the other 15
  1. Sing as a soloist or as a member of a vocal group.4.8
  2. Sing a cappella or with musical accompaniment.4.3
  3. Interpret or modify music, applying knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.4.3
  4. Practice singing exercises and study with vocal coaches to develop voice and skills and to rehearse for upcoming roles.4.3
  5. Teach music for specific instruments.4.2
  6. Transpose music to alternate keys, or to fit individual styles or purposes.4.2
  7. Observe choral leaders or prompters for cues or directions in vocal presentation.3.9
  8. Memorize musical selections and routines, or sing following printed text, musical notation, or customer instructions.3.9
  9. Collaborate with a manager or agent who handles administrative details, finds work, and negotiates contracts.3.9
  10. Arrange and edit music to fit style and purpose.3.6
  11. Improvise music during performances.3.5
  12. Audition for orchestras, bands, or other musical groups.3.4
  13. Perform in television, radio, or movie productions.3.4
  14. Promote their own or their group's music by participating in media interviews and other activities.3.2
  15. Research particular roles to find out more about a character, or the time and place in which a piece is set.3.1

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Fine Arts4.86.3Level 7 looks like: Design an exhibit for a major art show
  • Education and Training2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • English Language2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Administration and Management2.71.9Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Communications and Media2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Customer and Personal Service2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Computers and Electronics2.22.3Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.21.9Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
Show all 33
  • Foreign Language2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • History and Archeology2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Psychology2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Administrative1.91.7Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Mathematics1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Mechanical1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Sales and Marketing1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Telecommunications1.70.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Philosophy and Theology1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Transportation1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Economics and Accounting1.5—
  • Physics1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Design1.4—
  • Production and Processing1.4—
  • Geography1.3—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.30.7Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Biology1.2—
  • Building and Construction1.2—
  • Engineering and Technology1.2—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.2—
  • Chemistry1.1—
  • Law and Government1.1—
  • Public Safety and Security1.1—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Comprehension3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.93.6Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Hearing Sensitivity3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Diagnose what's wrong with a car engine from its sound
  • Auditory Attention3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
  • Memorization3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Recite the first names of the five people you just met
  • Speech Clarity3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Written Comprehension3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
Show all 52
  • Near Vision3.43.8
  • Originality3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Speed of Closure3.33.3Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Finger Dexterity3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Flexibility of Closure3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Manual Dexterity3.12.8
  • Written Expression3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Fluency of Ideas3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Information Ordering3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Perceptual Speed3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Category Flexibility2.93.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Deductive Reasoning2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Inductive Reasoning2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Problem Sensitivity2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Selective Attention2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Control Precision2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Visualization2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Multilimb Coordination2.63.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Time Sharing2.62.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Trunk Strength2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Far Vision2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Dynamic Strength2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Extent Flexibility2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Reaction Time2.11.6Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Sound Localization2.11.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Stamina2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Gross Body Coordination2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Rate Control1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Response Orientation1.91.3Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Static Strength1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Explosive Strength1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.80.9
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Depth Perception1.50.6
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.50.8
  • Peripheral Vision1.50.8
  • Spatial Orientation1.4—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.3—
  • Night Vision1.3—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public4.25.2Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.94.9Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.83.7Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Processing Information3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Thinking Creatively3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Getting Information3.63.7Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.53.7Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
Show all 41
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.33.7Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.23.8Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Developing and Building Teams3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.14.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.72.7
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.72.7
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.72.9
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.62.9
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards2.62.8
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.52.7
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.52.8
  • Training and Teaching Others2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.42.6
  • Documenting/Recording Information2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.31.8Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Controlling Machines and Processes1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Working with Computers1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.5—
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.6
  • Physical Proximity4.6
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.6
  • Contact With Others4.2
  • Spend Time Sitting4.1
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.0
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.0
  • Time Pressure3.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams3.7
  • Level of Competition3.6

Technology

23 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (5)

  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software
Other tools (18)
  • Acoustica Mixcraft
  • Apple GarageBand
  • Appointment scheduling software
  • Audacity
  • Avid Technology Pro Tools
  • Avid Technology Sibelius
  • Blogging software
  • Cantovation Sing & See
  • Email software
  • Financial tracking software
  • Instagram
  • iZotope Ozone
  • MakeMusic Finale
  • Snapchat
  • TUBA software
  • Twitter
  • Web browser software
  • YouTube

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Music Directors and Composers
  2. Actors
  3. Choreographers
  4. Dancers
  5. Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
  6. Talent Directors
  7. Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners
  8. Music Therapists
  9. Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
  10. Producers and Directors

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

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Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.