Job Descriptions

Musician Job Description

What is the job description of a Musician? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Musician? What does a Musician do?

Job description of a Musician

A musician is an instrumentalist, singer or composer who creates and/or performs music. This can be recorded in a studio or performed live, either as a soloist or in a group of musicians. It may involve working as a salaried member of a group or could be in the form of freelance work for several organisations. Musicians usually specialise in a particular type of music although many now branch out into different genres and work in more than one area of the profession.

This is called a portfolio career. The job requires high levels of skill, expertise and dedication, especially since competition to work in this field is high. Most musicians do their job as they have a passion for music and a strong desire to perform.

This Musician job description example includes the list of most important Musician duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Musician profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Musician Duties and Responsibilities

Musician job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Seeking out and liaising with new venues in which to perform;
  • Learning new pieces of music to extend their repertoire;
  • Performing in concerts and participating in recording sessions;
  • Practising regularly;
  • Preparing for auditions;
  • Preparing for and attending rehearsals;
  • Setting up/tuning the instrument and other equipment as well as arranging for its transportation, if it is large;
  • Handling the administration of business activities such as promotion, handling accounts, negotiating fees and organising distribution of their recordings both offline and online, e.g. making their music available for sale on iTunes;
  • Maintaining the instrument;
  • Delivering educational work in schools, businesses and the wider community.

Musician Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Musician job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • A degree in Music or similar might be advantageous.
  • Superb musical talent, creativity, and drive.
  • A strong work ethic.
  • Great communication, time management, and interpersonal skills.
  • Willingness to travel and relocate if necessary.
  • Ability to act, dance, and play instruments recommended.
  • Industry experience is a plus.
  • A marketable personality.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Musician starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Musician job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Musician may also reference it in preparation for the interview.