Explore careers

Useful experience for musicians includes:

• playing and composing music
• performing to an audience
• participating in music competitions
• reading and interpreting musical scores
• private or community courses in music
• teaching music
• marketing or promotion work.

Musicians may do some or all of the following:

• play a musical instrument or sing to a high standard
• study and interpret music
• accompany singers and other soloists
• compose or conduct songs or instrumental music
• promote and market themselves or their band
• perform in public places such as bars, concert halls and clubs
• audition for parts in musical productions
• make or take part in recordings
• teach music
• research, learn and rehearse music.

Few opportunities for musicians

It is difficult to get paid, full-time work as a musician in New Zealand because the music industry is small.

Many musicians work in other jobs to supplement their income.

According to the Census, 1,398 musicians worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Self-employment common among musicians

Most musicians are self-employed, although they may have an agent. Musicians may be hired by companies or individuals to play at events such as concerts, festivals, parties or weddings.

Classical musicians, composers and conductors can work for orchestras, choirs or bands including:

• New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
• New Zealand Opera Chorus
• Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
• Orchestra Wellington
• Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
• New Zealand Army Band.

Other musicians may be hired to record or direct advertising jingles or incidental music for film, television and radio.

Musicians may move into music therapy, education, publishing, promotion, and production roles.

Musicians can specialise in a number of roles, including:

Composer

Composers create new music or rewrite existing music for bands, orchestras, singers, plays or films.

Conductor/Music Director

Conductors and Music Directors direct the performance of musicians in an orchestra, vocal/choral ensemble, band or musical performance.

Instrumental Musician

Instrumental musicians play one or more musical instruments as part of a musical composition.

Singer

Singers perform as soloists or as part of a group to entertain an audience.

Songwriter

Songwriters write music and lyrics for songs, either for themselves or others.

Musicians need to be:

• punctual and reliable
• able to work well under pressure and accept criticism
• able to work well in a team if rehearsing and performing with a group
• dedicated to practising
• able to keep time
• confident about performing in front of large groups
• persistent and determined
• good at working with people and building relationships
• willing to promote themselves to people such as club owners and agents.