Musician (NSW) | Job Guide

Musician (NSW/ACT)

Education and Training:

To become a musician you usually have to complete formal training in a chosen musical field, although some musicians are self-taught. You may like to consider a VET qualification in music or music performance. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

You can also become a musician by studying music at university. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, English literature, music, music theory, music performance and music extension are normally required. Applicants may also be required to attend an audition, interview or musicianship/music proficiency theory test. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in music. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

Musicians work in a number of different areas. Many are self-employed or are engaged through agents. They may become music or singing teachers and set up their own practice or be appointed to the staff of a primary or secondary school, conservatorium, private music school or university. There are also careers available with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, commercial radio and television stations and the Australian Defence Force, as well as music librarianship, arts administration, music journalism, music and instrument sales, music and record publishing, music direction and musicological research.

Employment for musicians may be affected by the level of government funding available, particularly for orchestras and opera companies. The level of activity in the hospitality industry may also affect employment opportunities.