Duties and tasks of a Musician

Musicians may perform the following tasks:

• study and rehearse musical scores prior to performances
• play music in recitals as an accompanist or as a member of an orchestra, band or other musical group, from score or by memory
• make recordings for sale or promotion on compact disc or online
• create accompanying videos for the music
• provide musical backing for television commercials, popular recordings, radio, television or film productions
• improvise, transpose, compose or arrange music
• play under the direction of a conductor.

Specialisations

A musician may perform a variety of tasks depending on their area of specialisation.

Jazz Musician

A jazz musician often recognised for their superior skills in improvisation. Their ensemble skills are similar to those required in chamber groups.

Music Arranger

A music arranger transcribes musical compositions or melodic lines to adapt and modify them for particular performance formats, such as orchestras, bands, choral groups or solo performance. People with these skills may proceed to a number of jobs, including music teacher, music director, conductor or record producer.

Classical Musician

A classical musician works to very high technical levels and develops a high standard of ensemble skills. Classical musicians must develop the ability to adapt to the demands of international conductors and soloists. They develop a knowledge of classical, opera and ballet repertoire, and may undertake additional training at music schools overseas.

Music Critic

A music critic is employed by media publishers to report on the performing arts. Local areas usually have part-time critics who report regularly on performances and visiting artists in the local media.

Ethnomusicologist

An ethnomusicologist studies music in its cultural context and seeks to understand the relationship between musical cultures. They may work as composers, performers, lecturers or researchers. They usually work within an academic institution such as a university, exploring, studying, researching and writing scholarly articles on music and musicians. Fieldwork in various regions of the world may be required, where they record music from a particular area, ethnic group or performing group.

Conductor (Music)

A conductor (music) conducts instrumental groups such as symphony orchestras and large bands. Conductors may audition and select members of a group. They choose music to accommodate the group's abilities and to suit different types of performance events. Conductors become familiar with the complete musical score, conduct rehearsals, instruct players on their performances and try to make the best use of each instrumentalist's talents. They conduct performances in which they control factors such as balance, rhythm, dynamics and timing to create an effect consistent with their own interpretation of the score.

Musicologist

A musicologist interprets musical history and style. They generally work as lecturers.

Date: 2015-12-11; view: 786