Description
Play one or more musical instruments in live, broadcast, and recording settings; interpret, rehearse, and create music to engage audiences.
- • Teach instrument-specific lessons or workshops.
- • Perform before live audiences in concerts, recitals, educational programs, and other events.
- • Perform solo or as part of ensembles, bands, or orchestras.
- • Interpret and adapt music using knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, tone, and technique to engage audiences.
- • Specialize in a family of instruments or a particular musical genre.
- • Follow conductors, bandleaders, or click tracks for cues and timing.
- • Memorize repertoire or perform from scores, parts, or lead sheets.
- • Sight-read musical parts during rehearsals and sessions.
- • Play from memory or by following written notation.
- • Practice technical exercises and study with instrumental coaches to develop skills and prepare repertoire.
- • Listen to recordings to learn pieces and refine style and technique.
- • Provide instrumental accompaniment for ballets, operas, musical theater, film, and cabaret.
- • Audition for orchestras, bands, pit ensembles, or other musical groups.
- • Seek out and learn new repertoire for live performance or recording.
- • Record music in studios or remote sessions.
- • Promote personal or group projects through media appearances and social platforms.
- • Research composers, styles, and historical context to inform interpretation.
- • Develop stagecraft, communication, and collaborative skills for live performance.
- • Transpose parts to alternate keys or adapt pieces to fit instrumentation and style.
- • Lead rehearsals or direct small ensembles.
- • Compose original music or create instrumental arrangements.
- • Arrange and edit music to fit project needs.
- • Improvise during rehearsals and performances when appropriate.
- • Work with managers or agents to find engagements and negotiate contracts.
- • Perform for television, radio, streaming, or film productions.
- • Rehearse individually and with other musicians to master repertoire and maintain skills.
- • Maintain instruments and performance equipment and coordinate setup and sound checks.
Related specializations
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Related Pathways
Arts, Entertainment, & Design
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Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
