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Musician 2 (Click to select text)
Musician There are many different types of musicians. Mainly, musicians are people who play musical instruments for the enjoyment of others. In addition to playing music, many of them write their own. Some musicians sing or conduct groups. They can also play alone or as part of a group. Musicians often perform before audiences or in the studio for recording. All musicians must spend many hours practicing. Instrumental musicians may play an instrument in an orchestra or band. They may be able to play a variety of instruments, such as the drums, piano, and guitar. Singers interpret music with their voices. They may sing character parts in a musical or perform in their own style. Singers are classified by their vocal range and the type of music they sing. Examples of vocal range would be soprano, alto, or tenor. A singer's style could be jazz, blues, country or pop, just to name a few. Composers are people who write original music for symphonies, popular songs, movies or other users. They turn ideas and feelings into music. Many songwriters compose and edit music using computers. Conductors are musicians who lead orchestras and bands. Choral directors conduct choirs and singing groups. Both workers audition and select musicians. They also choose the music to be performed and direct the rehearsals. There are no educational requirements for becoming a musician or composer. However, many years of training and practice are needed to develop instrumental skills and knowledge of music. Study usually begins at an early age so an individual can develop an ear for music. Starting young also helps develop the muscles needed to play an instrument with good technical skill. A lot of practice and study are needed to maintain the ability to perform at a high quality level. Training is available at many two and four year colleges and universities. Many musicians prefer to study at music conservatories. Many employers require experience and proven capability. Many years of formal and informal study and practice are often required. Symphony orchestras usually require at least three to five years of private study. Beginning musicians should take part in as many musical activities as possible, such as school bands and orchestras, to gain experience and confidence. Musicians can work indoors and outdoors. Over half of all musicians work only part time. They usually work nights and weekends. Musicians spend a lot of time practicing and often must travel to performances. Only a few musicians are able to support themselves just by their music. Many of them have a full-time job in addition to their music. For example, many musicians teach instrumental music in schools and colleges. Some also give private lessons in their studios or in students' homes. Many musicians work in cities where entertainment and recording centers are located. These cities include New York, Los Angeles and Nashville, to name a few. Classical musicians are located in cities where there is a major or regional orchestra. Some examples of these would be Boston (Boston Pops), Philadelphia (Philadelphia Philharmonic Orchestra), and Cleveland (Cleveland Symphony Orchestra). Some musicians also live in small towns and perform at clubs, restaurants and weddings. Nationally, in 1994, about 256,000 musicians were employed in this medium-sized occupation. In Ohio, about 6,060 musicians worked in this occupation. About one of every four musicians is self employed. The wages of musicians vary by professional reputation, place of employment, and number of hours worked. Many musicians experience long periods of unemployment between jobs. When they are employed, it often is only part time. The earnings for musicians are often lower than for workers in other occupations. As a result, many musicians have second jobs to support themselves. During the 1994 to 1995 performing season, the minimum salary of musicians in major orchestras was between $4,300 and $5,200 per month. In regional orchestras the minimum salaries were between $1,730 and $3,030 per month. Regional orchestras generally perform for six or nine months. Community orchestras have an even shorter performing season. Musicians who work in movie or television recording or for record companies earned a minimum weekly wage. These workers are often paid by the week rather than by the month because they are needed for only short periods of time. The minimum wages for these workers ranged from $200 to $260 per week in 1994. The size of the musical group determined the wage. Nationally, employment of musicians is expected to grow faster through the year 2005. Almost all new jobs will be in bands, orchestras and religious organizations. Many job openings will result from replacing musicians who leave this occupation or retire. Competition for these openings will be keen. The glamour and potential for high earnings attract many people, regardless of talent. Musicians who can play several instruments and several types of music should have an advantage. There are definite advantages and disadvantages to a career as a musician. On the plus side, a person who can make a successful career as a musician, is probably doing something that he truly likes to do. Someone who is self employed as a musician can also work his own hours. On the negative side, however, most musicians do not make enough money to support themselves and their families. They usually have to have a "day job" to live on, and perform their music as a hobby or for a second income. Even those who can live on the money they make as musicians, find that the hours aren't that great. They work mostly evenings and weekends. Some successful musicians also have to do considerable traveling for their jobs. This often takes them away from their homes and family for long periods of time. After doing the research for this paper, I have some doubts as to whether it would be profitable to pursue a career as a performing musician. I think that I would like to continue my education in the field of music, but hopefully in an area with a little more financial security. I might look into the field of music therapy, as part of the health care industry, or possibly work for a radio station. But ,who knows? Maybe someday, I might make it as a successful musician, and you'll see me on the cover of the Rolling Stone!
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