What is the work like?

For those readers who fancy being a full time (professional) musician it is helpful to get an insight of what the work is like. First of all you should, as with any other profession, go into the music business with your eyes open if you don’t, then I’m afraid you will be fair game and you will be screwed and ripped off.

The number of people working as full-time musicians in the UK is relatively small, although many more work on a part-time basis. Only a tiny minority make it and by that I mean earn a good living. There is intense competition, and many people never achieve their ambition. Much of the work is based in London or other major cities, but there is a great deal of pub work up and down the country. A career as a musician could also be quite short lived, but this could be more down to the individual rather than anything else.

To achieve success in this very demanding business, individuals need a combination of outstanding talent, determination and luck. To start with at least, many musicians combine playing or singing music with another job which if you are lucky is related to the music business. You have to build a good reputation and as you do so your work and fees will improve and it is not unreasonable to earn, as a good established solo artist, £450 - £550 a week for four or five gigs, but this is not going to happen overnight. Nationally recognised minimum rates are set by the entertainment unions such as the Musicians Union and the appropriate employers’ bodies. Entertainment union members can access information about rates from their union.

Most successful musicians work long and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. Any spare time is often spent learning music and practicing. Recording work in a studio often takes many hours, and frequently continues late into the night. Then there is of course performing in the evening.

Travel is also part of a musician's life. The working environment could vary greatly, from hot or smoky pubs and clubs, to air-conditioned recording studios and theatres. Musicians might perform outside during the summer, in gardens or parks.

But this is only part of it, to be able to earn money in the first place, you do need skills and personal qualities. As a musician you will need:

There is also the opportunity to work abroad, entertaining holidaymakers on cruise ships and in holiday resorts.

The ability to read music by singing or playing can be an advantage for those who wish to pursue a career as a session musician.