Classical Musician

Classical musicians perform, compose and/or conduct music. They might play an instrument or sing in live performances at concerts and theatres, or for recording sessions to produce backing tracks for adverts, TV, radio and films. This may also involve them writing new material for a specific event.

Many classical musicians make a living by combining their performing career with additional instrumental or vocal teaching. Some may work within the education department of an orchestra or opera company. Others train as school music teachers, working either full-time or part-time as a visiting (peripatetic) teacher. Some work in the Army or Garda bands.

The life of a classical musician involves regular and intense practice, often for many hours a day. This might be combined with a hectic schedule of performances, educational work or recordings.

Those with exceptional talent and personality may become solo performers, but opportunities for this type of work are limited. Experienced musicians can find regular work performing in an orchestra, chamber group, ensemble or chorus.

Hours and environment

Classical musicians usually work long and irregular hours, practising alone, taking part in rehearsals and performances. Evening and weekend working is common, and there can be a lot of travel required within Ireland and abroad.

Musicians may work in a variety of environments, from indoor concert halls, theatres and recording studios, to outdoor venues such as the parks and the gardens of stately homes. Musicians can also work in schools and other educational settings.

Some performance venues, such as cathedrals and churches, may be cold and draughty, as can rehearsal rooms.

Salary and other benefits

The pay of classical musicians varies widely and only a few earn high incomes. Many are able to make steady incomes to support themselves by taking on a wide variety of work. Salaries range from between €20,000 to €35,000 at entry level .

Skills and personal qualities

Classical musicians need:

outstanding musical ability
to be self-disciplined and very hard-working
to be totally dedicated to a very demanding profession
to work well on their own and also with other musicians
self-confidence
energy and stamina
to be willing to produce work to an exacting high standard
to be resourceful and very well-organised.

Interests

It is important to:

have a real love of music
enjoy working and co-operating with other musicians and musical directors
enjoy performing to an audience.

Getting in

Classical music is a highly competitive area of work. Musicians are often self-employed, and very few earn their living as solo performers, but often will make successful careers playing in orchestras, small ensembles, professional choruses, conducting, composing and working in music education.

Opportunities for full-time classical singers are more limited than for instrument players. Most opportunities are within opera, or with one of the small number of professional choruses or chamber choirs.

Conductors face very stiff competition for the small number of jobs available.

Many classical musicians combine their performing career with teaching or work with community groups.

Entry routes

Classical musicians need extensive formal musical education and training, often to postgraduate level. Most have learnt to play one or more instruments from an early age. They usually take a series of graded examinations, including theory of music. Formal training for singers can sometimes begin later, since the voice takes time to mature.

There are two main types of higher education courses:

specialist vocational degree courses in a music college (a conservatoire)
music degree courses in a university or higher education institution, including music in the community courses.