Musicians and Singers
(NOC 5133)
in All Art, Culture, Recreation and SportThis group includes musicians, singers, and vocal and instrumental music teachers. Musicians and singers interpret music using their knowledge of voice production, musicianship, melody, and harmony. They perform with orchestras, choirs, opera companies and popular bands in places like concert halls, lounges, and theatres and in film, television and recording studios. Music teachers teach technique, interpretation, and music theory to students through private or group lessons. Music teachers teach in conservatories, academies, and private homes. Musicians and singers usually specialize in music like classical, country, ethnic, jazz, opera, or popular music.
Job Outlook
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
While there are some job postings for performers and music teachers, privately or in conservatories, many in this occupation group are self-employed and/or work on a part-time or short-term basis. Being mobile and willing to work around the province or region may be required to generate steady work throughout the year. Nearly two-thirds of the workforce lives in Halifax.
Hourly Pay
$14.50
Minimum$23.74
Median$38.76
MaximumAnnual Pay
$731
Minimum$9,283
Median$44,441
MaximumCompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$21.00
Median$40.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$945
Minimum$11,712
Median$60,447
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
This group includes musicians, singers, and vocal and instrumental music teachers. Musicians and singers interpret music using their knowledge of voice production, musicianship, melody, and harmony. They perform with orchestras, choirs, opera companies and popular bands in places like concert halls, lounges, and theatres and in film, television and recording studios. Music teachers teach technique, interpretation, and music theory to students through private or group lessons. Music teachers teach in conservatories, academies, and private homes. Musicians and singers usually specialize in music like classical, country, ethnic, jazz, opera, or popular music.
Job duties
Musicians:
- Play one or more instruments as soloists or as members of a musical group before audiences or for recording purposes.
Singers:
- Sing musical arrangements as soloists or as members of vocal groups before audiences or for recording purposes.
Music or voice teachers:
- Teach technique, interpretation, and music theory to students through private or group lessons.
Sample job titles
- accompanist
- church organist
- music teacher - private, conservatory or studio lessons
- musician
- piano teacher - private, conservatory or studio lessons
- recording artist
- session musician
- singer
- street musician
- voice teacher - private, conservatory or studio lessons
Skills
- You should be dedicated, motivated, and willing to accept constructive criticism. Talent, creativity, and technical skills are essential. You must be comfortable working with others and performing before an audience. Self-discipline and a good business sense are also helpful.
Job requirements
- Musical training from a university or college or through private instruction is usually required.
- Members of orchestras and other professional classical musicians and singers usually require a university degree in music.
- Membership in a guild or union related to the job or type of performance may be required.
Other considerations
- Musical talent and ability, as demonstrated during an audition, are important hiring criteria.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$14,815 median annual incomeSouthern
$5,329 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$8,017 median annual incomeCape Breton
N/AAnnapolis Valley
$4,117 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Educational services
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Public administration
Other services (except public administration)
Information and cultural industries
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
65+
45-54
55-64
25-34
15-24
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
15-24
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
Top levels of education
Bachelor
$13,569 median annual incomeHigh school
$7,278 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$4,261 median annual incomeMaster
$24,892 median annual incomeLess than high school
N/ACompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Bachelor
$17,829 median annual incomeHigh school
$7,552 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$22,120 median annual incomeLess than high school
$2,922 median annual incomeMaster
$36,173 median annual incomeEducation & training
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to organize and manage various aspects of the visual arts, performing arts, and entertainment media industries. They include courses in business and financial management, marketing and fund-raising, labour relations for the arts, event promotion and management, product and artist management, and applicable law.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Music
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on the introductory study and appreciation of music and the performing arts. These programs include courses in music, dance, and other performing arts media.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Various, NS
Music Performance
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to master musical instruments and performing art as solo and/or ensemble performers. Includes instruction in one or more specific instruments from various instrumental groupings.
Institutions providing this program
Music Teacher Education
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare individuals to teach music and music appreciation programs at various educational levels.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Music Theory and Composition
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the study of the principles of sound manipulation as applied to the creation of music, and the techniques of creating and arranging music. They include courses in aural theory, melody, counterpoint, complex harmony, modulation, chromatics, improvisation, progressions, musical writing, instrumentation, orchestration, electronic and computer applications, studies of specific musical styles, and development of original creative ability.
Institutions providing this program
Musicology and Ethnomusicology
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on the systematic study of the forms and methods of music art, and the functions of music, in Western and non-Western societies and cultures. They include courses in music theory, musicological research methods, and studies of specific cultural styles such as jazz, folk music, rock, ethnic musical traditions, and the music of non-Western cultures.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional designation. Professional designation shows that the holder has met provincial standards for the job. Employers may require professional designation, but professional designation is not necessary to do this work.