music Working in Now on the internet Performers Technical Management Business wimusic

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1 Working in music Now on the internet wimusic Includes 17 reallife case studies covering: Performers Technical Management Business Performing Arts

2 Jobs which might interest you in the performing arts sector include: Actor/actress Choreographer Circus performer Composer: music Conductor: music Dancer Disc jockey Entertainer Lighting technician Make-up artist Musician: classical Musician: popular Promotions manager: music industry Prop maker Roadie Singer Stage manager Stagehand Stunt performer Theatre director Wardrobe assistant Check out further details about some of these jobs at Feedback We welcome feedback on Working in music. If you have any thoughts on the information in this booklet, or how it is presented, please contact VT Careers Management at We would like to thank everyone who helped to arrange the case studies for Working in music. Crown copyright 2004 Produced by VT Careers Management for Connexions. Extracts from this document may be reproduced for noncommercial education or training purposes, on condition that the source is acknowledged. ISBN:

3 Contents What is Connexions? It is an information, advice and support service for all young people aged to help them prepare for the future. What help can I get? You can get advice on courses, training and career paths you need to take. Or you might talk about something that is worrying you such as family relationships, health, housing or money. We can together find someone who can provide help and support. How can I get this advice? 2 Performers In person through a Connexions personal adviser who might be based at your school, college or reached at your local Connexions centre. By telephone, text, webchat or through Connexions Direct. This is a freephone helpline where you can talk to personal advisers for confidential advice and information seven days a week, between 8 a.m. and 2 a.m. Check out or look in the telephone book to find your local service. Or ring or text on for Connexions Direct. What is this booklet about? It is one of over 40 in a series covering many work sectors, subjects and careers. Each book contains a number of case studies showing young people in a variety of jobs. All telling you how it is including the good things and the bad. Each job shows you what qualifications you will need, what training you can get and how much you might be paid. Also, you will see which route each person took in getting that job. How can I find out more? Look on the website which contains background information on lots more jobs. You can talk to your Connexions personal adviser who will help you research more details. Or you can contact one of the organisations listed at the back of the book. Key to salary icons up to 12,000 12,001 to 17,000 over 17,000 This represents the typical starting salary for the job featured in the case study. Singer: popular Singer: classical Musician: popular Musician: classical Youth and community worker Disc jockey 10 Technical Composer: music Roadie Engineer: sound recording industry Piano tuner Software developer 16 Management Promotions manager music industry Royalties administrator Music agent 20 Business Store manager Music instrument maker/repairer Music therapist 24 Useful addresses

4 Working in music So you want a job in music? Musicians make music by singing or playing instruments. They perform in orchestras, groups and ensembles, or pursue solo careers. Most specialise in either classical music or in branches of popular music, including folk, country and western, jazz or rock and pop. Other areas of work include composing and conducting. What can I do to help me get a job in music? Whether you are set on a career in popular or classical music, or another branch altogether, it is important to develop an all-round interest in different forms of music. Listen to as much varied music as you can, and take every opportunity to attend concerts and performances of all kinds. Making contacts within the industry will help you develop your career. Many people start their career in the music industry at the bottom and work their way up. What opportunities are there? There are only around 130,000 people employed in the music industry in the UK, which makes this a very competitive area of work. The good news is that, although most opportunities exist within London, there is now increasing scope for a career in music throughout the UK. Can I still get a job in music even though I can t sing or play an instrument? Yes. This booklet only gives a snapshot of some of the opportunities available the sector offers an exciting range of varied jobs. For example, the branches of the Armed Forces offer training to musicians. Record companies have a range of job possibilities, including artists and repertoire, production, promotions, press office, marketing, sales and legal work. They also have less specialised jobs in administration, human resources, IT and accounts. Similar roles also exist within music publishing companies. What about TV and radio? Television and radio broadcasting offer a range of occupations involving music. Television includes large companies such as the BBC and smaller cable and digital channels. Within the BBC most of the musical jobs are in radio, working for national and local music radio stations. Competition for these jobs is especially fierce with many people applying for the small number of jobs available. Hospital or community radio can provide very useful additional experience for this work. Will I work regular hours? Working in music can often mean working in the evenings and at weekends as many gigs happen outside of normal working hours. Whether you are performing or helping to stage a live event you may be working mainly in the evenings, rather than during the day. For office-based jobs you will normally be working conventional hours. What about financial rewards? These can be limited as only a few musicians and singers, for instance, earn really high salaries. Self-employment is a feature of many jobs in music. When beginning your career in music, you could find that you have to take on other work to help supplement your earnings, especially if working as a performer. Freelance work and short-term contracts are common. 1

5 Performers Performing music is possibly one of the most demanding areas of all. The sheer hard work and constant practice needed to achieve success are essential, and this must be added to natural talent in equal measure. A career solely in performing is very unusual, and many musicians teach music as well as play an instrument or sing. Several years of training are required for many of the jobs featured here. Singer: popular Pauline Mayer is a lead vocalist for Shade Monkey a nine-piece combo which plays retro funk with a modern twist. Her work takes her to a variety of gigs around the north of England. She also works as a dancer with Opera North. How did you get into this type of work? I started dancing at the age of 15 when I began classes in contemporary dance, jazz and ballet. I really enjoyed being part of a group of people who came together through dance. At 18, I trained in drama and dance, and went on to the Rambert School in London. After that, I worked with several dance companies which involved music. Also, I took part in several film and TV productions as an actress. Eventually, I became more interested in singing as a career and was delighted when I joined the band as lead singer. What sort of music do you sing? We play serious funk with fast bass line, melodic saxophones and great break-beats. We do a take on the big band sound, and at the gigs where we play we have to get the crowds moving. What equipment do you use? I just use a microphone but the band has bass guitar, drums, guitar, alto saxophone, tenor sax, bongos and keyboard, and we are about to acquire a trumpet player. Because we have a DJ we also have turntables. Bands need a lot of sound equipment as well as instruments. We have to carry all this around with us when we play at gigs. What constitutes a typical day for you? No one day is the same. I am either singing, dancing, rehearsing or resting. In the entertainment business you tend to work when most people are at leisure, so I get time off during the working week and in the daytime. Pauline s route Weekend drama training at school. Dance classes. Dance training at the Rambert School. Experience in dancing, acting and singing. TV and film roles. Pauline s tips Get proper voice training as singing incorrectly can eventually damage your vocal cords. Explore as many singing styles as possible. Have a go at writing your own songs. Do you work regular hours? No, there is no such thing. I rehearse with the band once a week for three hours and also during the day when we have a performance that evening. For each performance, we have to travel to the venue, set up the equipment, perform, dismantle everything afterwards and then go home. On tour, we can be away for long periods, rehearsing during the day and playing or dancing at night. What about current training? There is little time or opportunity for further training at present as we are all busy in the band rehearsing, travelling and performing. In this type of work you must take advantage of any opportunity for training early in your career. Once you start performing regularly, you have to make time for further training. As a child, I started with drama and singing lessons at a local academy before receiving more structured training at drama school. Also, in some shows you can get extra singing and drama lessons from the coaches associated with the shows. What do you like best about your job? It gives me a real thrill to see a hall full of people enjoying themselves. I also enjoy jamming with like-minded people and developing new musical ideas. 2

6 Working in music Singer: classical What skills and qualities are needed? You need to have some talent in the first place, and the ability to develop musically. Also, you are often working in a group and need to get on with people. You are part of a team and must be prepared to learn from others and be willing to listen to advice and criticism. Musician: popular Dancer Disc jockey Teacher: music Payment is often made on a performance basis and varies enormously according to venue, audience size and band popularity. Minimum rate for a singer in a West End show is 320 a week for eight shows or around 65 for a single performance out of London. When starting out as a professional singer it may be essential to take on other part-time work until sufficient experience is gained. Some musical ability is essential and this should be developed as far as possible at school and in amateur groups before making a decision. Many pop stars started their careers at stage schools and there are large numbers of suitable courses available at colleges across the country. Courses can lead to a BTEC National Diploma and successful students will be able to continue their studies on to the BTEC HND in Rock and Pop music. There are no specific entry requirements other than music ability, backed by evidence of at least Grade 3 Associated Board of the Royal School of Music examinations. Megan Morgan is training to become a classical soprano singer at the Royal Academy of Music. Having already completed a degree in music, she is currently in the first year of a two-year Postgraduate Diploma in Performance. Megan also performs regularly as a soloist for weddings and funerals and at choral concerts. What made you decide to train as a classical singer? Singing and dancing have been very important to me since childhood, and I always knew that I wanted a career in music. Do you have a musical background? Yes. At the age of seven, I joined a church choir, which gave me a musical foundation and training. During secondary school I entered some music competitions and also began private singing lessons. After taking A level music, I studied for a music degree and then decided to work for two years in an office, to earn some money to pay for my future training and to allow my voice to mature. What does the course include? This course is a combination of weekly individual singing and coaching lessons, group classes and performance. Languages are an important part of a classical singer s training, including German and Italian. German, French and English songs are taught in special classes, where we also learn the historical context of the music. Movement and acting are also important parts of the course. Megan s route A levels in music, German and maths. BMus (Hons) Degree in Music. Administrative work. Postgraduate Diploma in Performance. Megan s tips Attend as many concerts and listen to as many recordings as you can. Join local musical societies and choirs to gain varied experience. Playing a musical instrument is a distinct advantage the piano is ideal. 3

7 Performers How much practise and preparation is there? I usually practise for about two hours each day, which involves warming up exercises, rehearsing my current musical pieces as well as learning new ones. Everything must be performed from memory, so I need to learn all the words. I also need to research the piece I am singing, which could include translating the words into English or researching the characters in the music to help me portray the right emotions. What personal qualities are needed to become a classical singer? Patience is one of the most important qualities, since the training takes so long and the voice also takes time to mature. Determination and drive are also vital, along with stamina to cope with the sheer hard work of practising and performing. Self-confidence is also important, along with the willingness to be self-critical of your work. In addition, you need good communication skills to ensure that your music appeals to as wide an audience as possible, and to get on well with other musicians. What do you like about classical singing? Singing is never mundane, and you carry on learning and developing throughout your career. Each week is different, and the work is great fun, especially as you are working with different people. Where do you see your future? I am already starting to get bookings for solo work with choral societies, and I would like to continue with this when I have finished my training. Actor/actress Entertainer Singer: popular Teacher: music The Incorporated Society of Musicians set recommended rates for solo performers. A singer performing as a soloist should earn a minimum of plus expenses for an evening concert (including a same-day rehearsal). Minimum rate for each singer in a choir varies from to , dependent on size, for a 2.5 hour concert plus same-day rehearsal time. Most singers take on other work such as teaching to supplement their income. It can take many years to establish a career as a professional singer. This is an exceptionally competitive job. Full training at a conservatoire (music college) is usual, particularly postgraduate study. Most professional singers continue to take private singing lessons throughout their career. Roy Johnson works as a session musician for many pop groups at gigs and in recording studios. His writing and playing skills have taken him around the world. What instruments do you play? I play bass guitar, keyboards and drums. It helps to be able to play a variety of instruments. Sometimes in a recording session I could be playing a number of instruments on a track, although not all at the same time. Where do you play? I play as a session musician at pop concerts and gigs around the world. I play a lot with bands in Germany and have toured with groups such as All Saints and 5ive. I am shortly going to Trinidad with a production of Carnival Messiah. GCSEs. Roy s route Various music courses and examinations. Work at dance school. Work with local bands. Roy s tips Study music theory to supplement your natural ability. Always be passionate about what you are doing. 4

8 Working in music Musician: popular What type of music do you compose? Mainly R&B, gospel and soul. Most of my compositions concentrate on a strong beat and rhythm. Also, I write jingles for TV and for various local commercial radio stations. How do you get your music played? I work out my music using drums, guitar and keyboard, making notes as I go along. I then record it onto a tape using a multi-track recorder, which enables me to play the different parts on top of each other like layers to build up the final track. The tape is then sent to a variety of publishing and production companies who try to place the music with selected artists or with TV and radio shows. How did you get into this job? I grew up in a musical family, singing gospel music in church and trying out various musical instruments. After leaving school, I became involved with a variety of young music groups and bands, eventually deciding to turn professional and earn my living playing and composing music. Do you work regular hours? No. I work unusual hours depending upon the people I am working with. On some days, I may have to travel to rehearsals or to late night gigs. On others, I may be at home working on my music. I am usually working when most people are enjoying themselves in the evening. What are the pros and cons of the job? I get a lot of pleasure out of making music and even more satisfaction when people get enjoyment from my work. I meet a lot of interesting people and get to play with them as part of their backing group of musicians. The big disadvantage is the amount of time I have to spend away from my family. What skills and qualities are needed for work as a musician? You must have musical talent not just ability but something that develops naturally on which you can work. You must be hard working, determined and persistent in the face of disappointments and failure. Teacher: music Singer Stage manager Session musicians are paid at a variety of rates negotiated by the Musician s Union. Hourly rates can vary enormously up to 500 a session. Minimum gig rates are set at around 60 for a three-hour engagement. Many musicians supplement their earnings from other work. Formal study from GCSE/S level is recommended. This will enable you to learn the fundamentals of reading and writing music as well as playing instruments. There are a variety of NVQ/SVQs available at college and music schools and study can lead to the BTEC HND in rock and pop music. 5

9 Performers Musician: classical Sian Evans is a cello player with the Ulster Orchestra in Belfast, a symphony orchestra with 65 players. She has a permanent contract with the company to play at weekly concerts as well as overseas tours, and also plays the cello for a string quartet. What is a normal week? Rehearsals usually take place three to four times a week, ending with a weekly concert. As well as performing, I teach two private students each week, and run music workshops in schools for children with special needs. I am also involved in Live Music Now, a community project which brings music into prisons, hospices, and residential homes. How often do you practise? Many hours each day. I need to spend a lot of time practising my cello and learning the music, as I have not been a professional musician for long and have not yet had time to build up a playing knowledge for a wide range of musical pieces. What about rehearsals? Before the rehearsal I look at the music and work on any particularly difficult fingering and bowing. After the rehearsal I practise again, bearing in mind the tempo and rhythm suggested by the conductor. We work with several different conductors, and they often interpret the music in different ways. The Ulster Orchestra is also contracted to do work for the BBC, and we often perform new music, such as commissions by local contemporary composers on BBC Radio Ulster and Radio 3. This includes rehearsals and making recordings for the BBC, which are either broadcast or recorded for the archives. What hours do you work? On average I work about 38 hours a week (plus travel), although this could be more or less depending upon the work I am doing. I occasionally perform at weekends. A rehearsal can start at 10 a.m. and last until 6 p.m. An evening performance lasts for up to three hours. However, on performance days we may only have a short rehearsal in the afternoon. What skills do you need? An extensive training in music is essential I started to learn the piano when I was four years old, the cello at eight and the saxophone at twelve. The ability to get on well with people is essential, and when playing you need to blend in with the other musicians in your section. You also need stamina, as the work can be physically demanding. Sian s route Specialist music school. A levels in music, English and French. BMus Degree at music conservatoire. Part-time cello teacher. Trial with the Ulster Orchestra. Permanent contract with the Ulster Orchestra. Sian s tips Look to join a local youth orchestra. Listen to as much music as you can, attending a wide range of live concerts wherever possible. Practise as much as you can and get a good teacher. 6

10 Working in music Youth and community worker What attracted you to this career? I attended a specialist music school and have always loved music. When I was 17, I decided that I wanted to become a professional musician, and I had the support of my teachers. What do you like about your job? I love playing good music with a good conductor. Feedback from the audience is important, so you can tell if it has been a good performance. Lucky Moyo works as a music education and outreach officer for Music for Change an organisation that promotes respect and understanding between different cultures and traditions using the medium of music. Musician: popular Music therapist Teacher: music Conductor: music Composer Many orchestral players, particularly in London, are contracted on a freelance basis. Regional orchestras often employ permanent staff. Starting salaries are around 20,000, rising to 25,000 with experience. Section leaders may earn between 25,000 and 36,770. In London, freelance players could expect to add 10,000 on these salaries. Classical musicians need extensive formal music training. The first part is normally a specialist degree course in a music college (conservatoire), or a degree in music at a university followed by a postgraduate qualification at a conservatoire. Most orchestral players have been playing at least two instruments since childhood. There is great competition for posts, and this varies according to the instrument you play. You would be unlikely to find employment with an orchestra without extensive experience of performing. The Armed Forces also offer training. Lucky s route Professional musician. MA in Arts Management. Education and outreach officer community music. Lucky s tips Learn from those already in the field find out how they got where they are. If you are working for yourself ensure you have all-important business skills such as how to deal with income tax. What is your role? I work with many different groups of people, from young children to adults, using music from an African tradition to create and develop an awareness of other cultures and backgrounds. What does your job involve? I visit community groups of all kinds, including primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, to deliver musical workshops. Increasingly, I am also being asked to deliver musical sessions as a part of company training programmes for staff. The main instrument I use is my voice, although I also use traditional African instruments including drums and shakers, such as a dry pumpkin. I encourage the people I am working with to use their voices and bodies as an instrument, and to find their own music within themselves. 7

11 Performers Disc jockey How do you work with young people? Within schools, I often deliver musical sessions to encourage the children to deal with various issues that may be affecting them, such as bullying. We usually work towards a performance at the end of the workshop, which everyone participates in and enjoys. I enjoy going into a school and seeing the children s attitude change during a workshop. At the beginning they look at me as a stranger, but often by the end they don t want me to leave and ask when I can come back again! Children are great fun to work with. Do you work on your own? Much of the time I deliver workshops on my own, but I sometimes work alongside other musicians or staff in schools, particularly if I am delivering a workshop to children with special needs. What skills do you need for this type of work? Musical ability is obviously important, but people skills are also essential. These can be developed through training and working as part of a team. How did you get into this type of work? At school, I started up an African music group which played at parties and community events. When I left school the group developed, and I travelled throughout the world performing as a musician in front of the Queen and Nelson Mandela. As a musician, I had given many workshops and enjoyed the experience of using my gifts to provide others with an insight into music. The opportunity arose to join the company and concentrate on community work. What do you like about your job? I have always been interested in education, and I also enjoy working with the community in choirs, youth centres, as well as art-based training. Musician: classical Musician: popular Music therapist Teacher: school Many community musicians are freelance, and are often paid on a daily basis. They may negotiate their pay with the organisation they are working for. Pay can vary tremendously. Some commercial organisations offer a day rate of around 125 for an established community musician. Those employed full time by a community organisation, such as a private company or funded by a local government or Arts Council grant, would expect a starting salary of around 20,000. Good musicianship is essential, with the ability to create and play music. Good communication skills are needed for working with all types of people. Voluntary work, work experience and part-time jobs can help to develop these skills. Various universities offer degree and diploma courses in music and community. Art Council-funded projects, local education authorities and various community ventures offer opportunities. Miss DJ Shah works as a commercial DJ in Ice a night club in Swansea where she plays chart and dance music to an audience of year-olds. Once she becomes more established, Shah hopes to attract more gigs abroard. How do you know what discs to put on? Keeping the audience happy is vital, and I obtain feedback from them about which tracks to play next. I use my intuition to determine the mood of the audience, sometimes changing the music to raise the tempo. At the beginning of the evening the crowd may be chatting rather than dancing, and I decide which tracks to play to help develop the mood. What equipment do you use? The mixing console is provided by the venue, although I always bring along my own collection of CDs and vinyl singles. Each month, I buy about six vinyl singles (some of which are limited edition dance tracks), and two special DJ-only CDs. What hours do you work? I have a residency one evening each week at the club, where I work from 8.30 p.m. until a.m. I also work for another club about twice a month. During the day, I work for a community music organisation, Total Music Wales, where I act as a DJ. In addition, I work for a record company in my own time, finding new talent. 8

12 Working in music What skills does this work require? An outgoing personality is vital, as well as a good musical ear and a steady hand. You need a wide knowledge of musical styles, which can be developed through listening to different radio stations. A calm, levelheaded approach is important. Being able to sing is an advantage. Why did you decide to become a DJ? Music has always been in my blood and I have already had three hits in the dance charts. I was always singing, dancing, entering talent shows and listening to music when I was younger. Once I tried out a DJ console, I was hooked and realised this was something I wanted to do for a living. Are there any challenges? DJs work in an intensely competitive market, although there has been a breakthrough recently for women, with female DJs enjoying much more success and popularity. Where do you see your future? I plan to market myself and would love to expand my career to include other areas of the UK as well as abroad. A DJ management company has also approached me recently which will open other doors. GCSEs. Shah s route BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts. Professional singer. Chair of community arts organisation. DJ. Shah s tips Ensure that you market yourself properly to clubs with a sample CD, biography and good photographs. Approach community organisations that offer DJ workshops and courses. Having your own equipment helps. Music technologist Musician: popular Singer Entertainer Engineer: sound recording industry Engineer: sound theatre Most DJs are freelance and selfemployed, and often have other jobs to supplement their earnings. The pay can be low to start with, although with experience you could earn per session. Very experienced top DJs may earn 1,000 or more a session. Formal academic qualifications are not needed to become a DJ. You will need a love of music and experience of DJ skills. Singing ability can be an advantage. Community organisations sometimes offer suitable training. City and Guilds 7755 DJ skills courses are available. Other relevant courses include the BTEC National Diploma in music technology (DJ Technology) and BTEC National certificate in music technology. Independent collages run DJ courses as well. 9

13 Technical Music technology involves working with musical instruments and sound technology. Some work involves the building or repair of instruments. Other work uses technical sound equipment, for example, to create sound effects in music production, film, television, theatre or radio. Composer: music Roxanna Panufnik is a composer of classical music, working in her own home on a self-employed basis. She has composed a wide variety of music including works for orchestras, choirs, religious and educational use. What is your role? I compose classical music for concert situations such as opera and ballet. I also compose music for professional and amateur players to perform together. How do you compose your music? Performers or music organisations approach me to commission work, sometimes two years before the work is to be performed. The first stage is to research the concept for the music. I recently composed a ballet score, for which I researched Ancient Greek music and dance forms as the story is based on Greek mythology. After this, I sketch out some thoughts, rhythms, structure, form, melodies and harmonies on the piano. Once these ideas are more concrete, I input the music into my computer which turns this into a musical score, using a specialist notation program. When do you work with the musicians? I regularly meet with the commissioning musicians so that they can listen to the work I have already done. They ensure that it is technically possible to play the music I have composed. I have to bear in mind the pitch ranges and balance of sound between various instruments, and their physical limits, such as how far they can stretch their fingers or play without breathing. What is your daily routine? I compose in the mornings, and during the afternoons I attend meetings, rehearsals or deal with correspondence. I set myself minideadlines, to ensure all the work is completed on time. It takes me about a month to produce five minutes of my best music. What skills and qualities are necessary for this job? You need to have lots of ideas, which must be channelled and structured. A high level of concentration is essential, along with self-discipline and organisational skills. You will also need a musical knowledge and training, and a love of composing. What attracted you to this work? My father was a composer, so I was brought up in a musical environment, playing various instruments. I started to learn the violin, and began playing my own music. Later, I applied to study composition at a conservatoire (music college). What do you like about the job? I love sharing a musical goal with other musicians and working together to bring these ideas to life. Working with children in schools is very enjoyable, as they provide a different audience for my work. Roxanna s route Professional examinations in guitar, piano, harp, and flute. Conservatoire (music college). Degree at the Royal Academy of Music. Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music. Television researcher music programmes. Composer. Roxanna s tips Study at a musical institution, even if this is part-time. Try to obtain work in a related field, such as music education or media, for an all-round perspective. Be able to write clear and persuasive letters and CVs, and be coherent and concise on the telephone. 10

14 Working in music Roadie Conductor: music Musician: classical Teacher: music Engineer: sound recording industry Music publisher Librarian Composers are generally self-employed and often supplement their income with other jobs such as teaching. The British Academy of Composers & Songwriters publishes fee guidelines for composers. A solo work will attract a fee of 240 for each minute of composition, rising to 685 a minute for a full orchestral score. Training in music, ideally from a conservatoire (music college) or a university is the first step. Some undergraduate courses emphasise composition. Postgraduate courses are also available. Join organisations such as the Society for Promotion of New Music. You may be able to put on a production of your own music. Del Paterson is a roadie for touring musical groups. He helps to set up and pack away all the musical instruments and sound equipment after a gig. Some groups only need one roadie while others, putting on a complex show, may employ hundreds to undertake specialist work using sophisticated and complex technical equipment. What does your job involve? My job is to set up all the production equipment for a touring band. This can include organising any display material that is used on stage. For small groups, I will be responsible for driving, loading and unloading the bus or van we use to get to the venue, setting up and maintaining sound equipment, lighting and stage design, rigging up electrical wires and setting up video, computers and other media. Sometimes, I also have to tune and maintain the instruments and look after the catering arrangements for the band. What equipment do you use? Mainly fork-lift trucks and cherry pickers, which are the hydraulic lifting mechanisms for installing lights on mobile towers and scaffolding. These may be telescopic up to a height of 25 metres. I also use normal electricians hand tools for wiring. GCSEs. Del s route NVQ Level 2 in Vehicle Maintenance. LGV/PSV licences. Joined a touring band. Del s tips Be sure that you will be comfortable working away from home for long periods of time. Be prepared to work long hours and do any kind of job. Ensure that you are computer literate. Who are your clients? I am self-employed and work with any band or group who require my services. I have worked with some well-known groups such as Texas and Simple Minds, and others who are on their way up. Much of the work is at summer festivals and concerts around the UK. 11

15 Technical How did you get into this job? I was working as a motor mechanic and had a friend with a band who suddenly got a record deal. They needed a roadie urgently and offered me the job. I took it and have done the job ever since. It is good because I am using my mechanical and engineering training but in different areas. What constitutes a typical day for you? It is very hectic on the road. I start at 7 a.m. inspecting the tour vehicle before starting to load the catering, lights and sound systems. I drive to the venue, set up all the equipment, do the show and then dismantle and reload the van after the show. I use the tour bus to sleep and rest before moving on to the next town and venue to start all over again. It is very strenuous work. What about training? Apart from various mechanics courses I took when working at the garage, I had to take driving tests to obtain Large Goods Vehicles (LGV) and Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCV) licences. I have done short courses in sound work and audio console operating as well as health and safety, specifically on manual handling. What hours do you work? They can vary greatly. On tour, it is a mix of long and short days, depending on the itinerary. Long days may be from 6 a.m. until 3 a.m. the next morning. However, the short and rest days compensate to average things out. Also, I don t work between the tours. What are the pros and cons of the job? I like the travelling, meeting different musicians and seeing other parts of the world. It is also very well paid when you become known and have a good reputation for efficiency. The main disadvantage is being away from home for three or four months at a time. Stage manager Lighting technician Engineer: sound theatre Sound technician Income depends on the degree of technical skill and volume of work undertaken. Many roadies work freelance on contracts for each tour. Unskilled roadies can earn around 12,000 a year, rising to 20,000 and more with audio or electrical skills. Those with technical skills and experience can command at least 30,000. Roadies may also receive living allowances. Roadies employers include pop and rock bands at all levels of fame and fortune. The work is almost always short-term typically a roadie might be taken on for a three-month tour, with no guarantee of further employment at the end of it. There will be more chance of employment if you have obtained some electrical or sound engineering background or qualification. There are many suitable courses available at local colleges and range from NVQ/SVQ Level 2 and BTEC/SQA awards to college diplomas. What skills and qualities are needed? You must have a serious interest in technology and electronics, and an interest in music. You must be physically fit, able to work calmly under pressure and get on with a wide range of people. You must also be able to understand the needs of performers. Driving ability and appropriate licences are essential. Claire Lewis is currently an assistant engineer at a recording studio based in south-west England. The studio has four recording suites and produces tapes covering a variety of music types. What is your role? My job is to assist the sound engineer during recording sessions in the studio, working alongside the musicians and technical staff to ensure that everything runs smoothly. I am first in at the beginning of a session and last out at the end. What does your job involve? I look after all the tapes that are used to record the music. This involves ensuring that the right information is written on each tape, and that they are properly stored in the tape library. At the beginning of a recording session I find out how the engineer wants the studio to be set up, plug up all the microphones and set them up in the right positions, making sure the multitrack tape machines are ready. The musicians usually bring their own instruments, but, sometimes, I set up additional equipment in the studio, such as effects (FX) units. Do you operate the sound console? Not often, but I set it up according to the needs of the engineer. Sometimes, I work alongside and get the opportunity to record the music. This is done using a multi-track recorder and specialist digital audio recording software. 12

16 Working in music Engineer: soundrecording industry GCSEs. Claire s route National Diploma in Audio Engineering. Junior in a Jingles House. Assistant engineer in a large recording studio. Claire s tips Working in a recording studio involves unsocial hours. Audio engineering diplomas provide a useful background and technical knowledge. Be prepared to write lots of letters to recording studios asking about possible junior vacancies. What other duties do you have? Looking after everyone during a session is my job, from getting snacks for the musicians, to making sure the engineer and producer have everything they need. At the end of a session I clear up, which involves unplugging equipment, tidying the cables and vacuuming the console. What skills do you need? You need to work quickly, always thinking ahead to work out what may be needed during a session. A polite, friendly and calm approach is essential, along with good organisational skills. What are your working hours? I can often work for several days without a day off to complete a job. Session days involve long hours. But for every session day, I get two days off. What sort of personal qualities are needed? You need to be a good organiser with the ability to plan ahead. The right personality is very important, as you have to be able to get on with everyone, and keep calm under stress. Stamina is vital, to cope with the long hours. An interest in a wide variety of music is also necessary, along with a good musical ear. The ability to play an instrument has a small advantage, although this is not essential. What do you like about your job? I love the variety and the irregular hours I could never work nine to five! Meeting so many different people and recording such a range of music is really enjoyable. I love seeing and hearing a song being built up. Seeing a record you have worked on in a music shop is very satisfying. Where do you see your future? Very few assistants stay at this level forever. They are usually working towards an engineering or producing position. I hope to become a sound engineer, build up my reputation and become freelance. Sound technician Film/video and audio tape assistant Music technologist Musician: popular Roadie Producer: radio Studio juniors could expect to earn a starting salary of between 10,000 and 12,000. This could rise to around 20,000 for an assistant engineer with four years experience. At this stage it is quite common to work on a freelance basis, with a daily starting rate of around 100. Experienced engineers could earn between a day. Competition for jobs is extremely fierce. Experience gained in a community studio can be an advantage. Some people start by helping out at studios on a voluntary basis getting to know people in the business who help find them employment. The Association of Professional Recording Studios (APRS) accredits various relevant courses. (see Useful Addresses). Other courses include the BTEC National Diploma in Music Technology, City and Guilds and private courses. 13

17 Technical Piano tuner Chris Molloy works as a selfemployed piano tuner and repairer in the Birmingham area, having trained at the Royal National College for the Blind. What do you do? I fine-tune grand and upright pianos in people s homes, schools, music colleges, hotels, concert halls and BBC studios. Making repairs to acoustic pianos is also part of my job, as well as real piano mechanisms found in some electronic instruments. I repair broken hammers or strings, and damaged or missing key covers. For this I use tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, cutters and other specialist equipment. How do you know a piano needs tuning? Each note in the high (treble) section of a piano has three strings. All these must be tuned perfectly, so that they sound as one note. I then ensure that all the notes of the piano are at the correct pitch. When the piano makes a jangly sound, you know that it needs tuning. This should take place every six months. Concert pianos for professional orchestras and performances on the TV and radio need to be tuned on the day of the performance. I use a traditional tuning fork which, when struck, sends out the same note wherever you are. Describe a typical day? I usually repair or tune about four pianos a day, which involves travelling some distance by public transport or using a taxi under the Government s Access to Work scheme, as I have a visual impairment. Sometimes, I am asked to inspect pianos for prospective buyers and arrange sales. One day a week I work for a music college in Birmingham, maintaining and tuning all their pianos. GCSEs. Chris s route Three-year piano technology course. Certificate in Stringed Keyboard Instrument Manufacture and Design. National Diploma for visually impaired piano tuners. Self-employed piano tuner/repairer. Chris s tips Get experience using tools such as screwdrivers under supervision. Metal construction sets or model making can be a fun way of achieving this safely. An interest in music and the ability to play the piano are a great advantage. What skills are needed for this work? You do need a good ear. The ability to play the piano is a great advantage, and the customers benefit from this. The ability to deal with different people in a helpful and courteous manner is essential, including the occasional difficult customer. Why did you choose this career? I have played the piano since I was 12. Whilst studying music at school I was fascinated by the inside workings of the piano, and I knew that I would enjoy this job. What do you like about the job? I love meeting people and no two days are ever the same. There is great job satisfaction when a piano has been properly tuned. Customers then gain confidence in your work and make recommendations to other people. Where do you see your future? I want to stay within the domestic market of piano tuning and repair. However, I would also like to develop my work with concert halls. Organising piano hire is another area I might branch into. 14

18 Working in music Musical instrument maker/repairer Musician: classical Musician: popular Engineer: mechanical Most piano tuners are self-employed. It can take between two and seven years to establish a customer base and a fulltime income. The fee for fine-tuning a piano ranges from 35 to 50. On average, a tuner would do between four and six jobs a day. After two years in the business you could expect to earn 15,000, rising to around 25,000 after another five years. Salaries for those employed in piano shops could range from 10,000 to 20,000. Full training is essential. The work is equally open to visually impaired and sighted people. There are no formal academic entry requirements for the VIEW (Association for the Education and Welfare of the Visually Impaired) National Diploma for Piano Tuners. Practical skills and a musical interest are an advantage. Good communication skills are important. Software developer James Larcombe works as a music software developer for Sibelius a computer technology company which produces highly specialised music notation software for composers and musicians. How would you describe your role? My role is to work as part of a team developing new features for the company s music software programs. I also fix bugs or problems in existing software products, which may have been identified by our own testers or customers. What does your job involve? A recent job involved working on a program for guitarists, where our team was asked to develop an on-screen fret-board display, enabling the correct guitar fingerings to be displayed in order to play certain notes or chords. I program the computer to do this work using a language known as C++. What sort of skills and qualities do you need for your job? Professional skills in computer programming and software coupled with a good knowledge of music theory. The ability to work well in a team is also very important. What are your working hours? I usually work eight hours a day starting at around 9.30 a.m. Occasionally, we have to work longer hours if we are approaching a deadline. James s route Resolving problems reported by our users or the testers we employ is a very important part of my work. The testers try to make the software go wrong, so that when the product is eventually released you can be confident that it will be as error-free as possible. Who do you work with? I work closely with two other developers, and we form part of a larger team of about twelve people. I also work alongside the project manager, features manager, marketing and other technical staff. A levels in maths, further maths, physics and history. Work experience in a community recording studio. Degree in maths and computer science. James s tips Aim for a computer science degree that offers a broad-based and theoretical training. Develop musical understanding and interest in a wide range of music. Also look at job opportunities within digital audio software. 15

19 Technical Promotions manager Matt Connolly is a plugger. He is head of TV promotion for Fleming, a company that specialises in getting the music of their client artists played on radio and television. What attracted you to this career? Music and computing have been longstanding interests, and this job provides the ideal combination. I play the piano and several other instruments, and I play in various musical groups in my spare time. What do you like about the work? This work is very creative, and it is really satisfying to know that I am helping composers and musicians in their work. I enjoy the problem solving, and combining my interest in IT and music. The job is also very varied. Computer games designer Computer scientist Internet/web professional Multimedia designer Music technologist Product developer: IT Graduate trainee software developers often start on around 18,000, rising to around 35,000 with experience. Project managers and team leaders may earn 60,000 or more. A degree is normally essential, in a related discipline such as computer sciences or maths. An interest in music is also beneficial. A music degree can also provide a useful background, although knowledge and experience in IT and relevant programming languages would also be necessary. Most music software companies also ask for proven commercial experience within IT, which could be obtained by entering a company in a more junior position such as testing software. What does your job involve? We represent music artists by getting them placed on TV shows to help promote their latest single, album or forthcoming tour. Artists usually have agents who arrange gigs or shows for their clients, but promoters are needed to maintain regular contact with TV and radio stations to ensure maximum coverage for clients. I am also responsible for getting promotional videos placed on TV channels such as MTV, The Box and other music programmes. The more publicity we can get, the more demand there is for the record. Sales in the record shops dictate how far up the charts the release will go. GCSEs. Matt s route Various sales and selling courses. BBC Radio. Working as a plugger. Matt s tip It s who you know that counts in this industry, so develop and maintain good contacts. 16

20 Working in music Every music performer needs help to make it centre stage. Talent alone doesn t get you a hit record unless people know who you are, listen to your music and buy your records. These are just a few of the jobs helping performers to hit the big time. Public relations manager Events and exhibition organiser Marketing manager Arts administrator Fundraiser Promoters can earn anything between 20,000 and 100,000 per annum. Some companies pay commission based on how many times a specific record is played. Who are your clients? Singers, bands, groups and instrumentalists. Artists of every type need promoting if they are to break into the upper levels of radio or TV. Currents clients include Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, DJ Sammy, Dionne Warwick and Fast Food Rockers and in the past, we have worked with Backstreet Boys, Ant & Dec, Damage and many others. How do you promote them? For unknown bands and singers, I listen to their music tapes, hear them in the studio or gig and then decide if they are good enough to be promoted. If so, I arrange for them to sign a contract with our organisation and I will then use my contacts to ensure that their singles or albums are played as often as possible. How did you get into this job? I worked with BBC Radio 1 and built up a lot of contacts within the industry and with record company staff. Previously, I had some experience in sales and promotion while working for a newspaper group. What is a typical day for you? Each day is varied, but a day in the office involves a lot of phone calls to TV producers and researchers. Out on the road, I usually accompany bands to TV shows, briefing them and generally looking after them. Do you work regular hours? No, my hours vary. Most jobs in the music industry fall into that category. Some days I may work in the office during normal hours, but another day could involve starting very early for a breakfast TV show and finishing late at a music gig that night. What do you like about the job? I like the enormous variety that comes with the job, the travel sometimes abroad and the free CDs! Also, the opportunity to meet and work with pop stars and up-andcoming new bands. What skills and qualities are needed? An ear for music is essential. I chose this work because I love music. Good communication skills and an ability to identify promotion opportunities are essential. Sales skills are important, as is the ability to develop good relationships with your regular clients. Some musical background is essential and this can be obtained by experience or by working with a radio or TV company. Many graduates get jobs within record companies and then work their way into their chosen department such as A&R, Marketing and Distribution. There are large numbers of suitable music courses available at colleges across the country. They usually include general musicianship, aural/listening skills, performance projects, songwriting, improvisation, sight reading, music business skills, study skills/applied IT skills, music technology and recording techniques. They can lead to BTEC HNDs in relevant subjects. 17

21 Management Royalties administrator Mark Dean works as a European royalties administrator for EMI Music Publishing. Royalties are payments the writers receive when their music is played or performed in public by other artists. What are royalties? These are payments which are due to artists when their music is played in public. There are many different kinds of royalties, depending on whether this music has been played live in a public place or from a CD, cassette or video, for instance. When music is played in a film or as a backing track to an advertisement, the artist and composer receive a royalty payment. For instance, artists get payment when their music is used as ring tones on mobile phones. How do you pay the artists? Each day I receive a batch of paper documents from our European offices, which detail all the royalty payments I must record. I use a computerised system to ensure the right money is received and logged onto the system at the right time. Each batch of papers has a special identification code that I use to open the appropriate file. I then need to enter in the right amount of money for that royalty with the correct country code. We deal with many different countries in Europe, all of which use Euros as their currency. Each month a payment is then made to all the artists based on the royalties received. What is your working environment like? Each day is really busy, with most of the time spent using the computer. Within my team there are three people doing this job, supervised by a manager and an assistant. We all help each other out if the work gets very busy, and if there is a quiet moment, we help out the UK team with their work. I work a normal 36-hour week. What sort of personal qualities do you need for this work? An eye for detail is essential, as accuracy is extremely important. There are certain things to look for within all the paperwork I receive, and it is really important that I don t miss anything. The ability to work in a team is also vital, as we all work together in an open-plan office. Well-developed IT skills are also very important as you need an in-depth knowledge of spreadsheets and databases. What made you choose this type of work? After leaving school with A levels, I decided to work in an office, gaining experience in a financial environment. I have always been interested in music and I heard about a special recruitment agency that handles jobs in the music industry. I was fortunate to be offered this position which combined my skills, previous experience and interests. What do you enjoy about the work? There is tremendous satisfaction in getting all the work completed and meeting the tight deadlines. Working for a music company also brings occasional perks, including free CDs and concert tickets. Mark s route A levels in communication studies, accounts and sociology. Accounts clerk in local authority finance department. Bank clerk and cashier. Mark s tips Try to find a job that involves something you are really interested in you are far more likely to enjoy going to work. Take every opportunity to study for qualifications that may help you. Brush up on your IT skills, such as spreadsheets, databases and wordprocessing. 18

22 Working in music Music agent Administrative assistant Clerk: general Promotions manager: music industry Salaries will vary, according to your role and the type of music publishing company you work for. In a large company, junior roles normally have a starting salary of around 16,000 in London. You will need to demonstrate an active interest in music and the role of the songwriter/composer. Practical experience as well as formal musical education or training is important for the majority of vacancies that occur. You will usually need at least five GCSE/S grades (A-C/1-3) including English and maths, although some posts may require A levels (or equivalent) or a degree. Good communication skills are also essential. Emma Sweetland works as an artist manager in her own company. She has five classical musicians on her books, mostly conductors and solo instrumentalists, and is responsible for managing all aspects of their careers. What does your job involve? I market and promote the musicians, helping them to find the right engagements at the right time to help further their career. This involves creating a development plan for each musician which involves finding the right orchestra or musician s group for them to work with. It is important that the company they play with has similar music tastes as well. A levels. Emma s route Receptionist and marketing assistant at a record company (gap year). Degree in Music. Work experience whilst at university with an artist management company. Artist manager in agency. Partner in own company. Emma s tips Try to obtain work experience with an artist management company send letters to a named contact. Develop your knowledge of classical music, and foreign languages. How do you do this? Initially we meet to discuss which musicians, orchestras, opera houses or festivals they have already worked with. Establishing their musical interests is also very important, as well as the countries they have worked in. What advice do you give? I might suggest that they work with more regional orchestras in the next two years, and then aim for orchestras abroad, perhaps in Japan, the Far East or Australia. Regular meetings with the artistic administrators of orchestras and music promoters are important, both to find out their future plans and to represent my artists. Sometimes, I may be called on to advise on the specific pieces of music to include on an orchestra s play list, or which conductor to put with which soloist musician. What hours do you work? I work from Monday to Friday, starting at 9 a.m. and usually finishing by 7 p.m., although I often attend concerts in the evening and at weekends. 19

23 Management Store manager What personal qualities and skills do you need for this work? A passion for classical music, alongside an in-depth knowledge, is essential. You will also need excellent communication skills to enable you to develop lots of contacts in the industry. I have a degree in music, which is a great advantage, though not essential. Languages, such as German, Italian, French and Spanish, are a distinct advantage. What do you like about your job? I love meeting like-minded people all over the world. I also enjoy the contact with the artists, and contributing ideas for adding different pieces of music to a musician s play list. Being so close to the world of performing is exciting. What challenges exist in the job? There is always the threat that another company may poach an artist you have spent years working with. It can also be difficult to find an artist a suitable position at the right level. Establishing the respect of musicians is also a challenge, as well as helping them to understand my role. Where do you see your future? I hope to grow and develop this business, to take on more artists at an even higher level, and to develop other complimentary projects. Conference organiser Promotions manager: music industry Public relations manager Events and exhibition organiser Marketing manager Arts administrator There are no set scales for this work, and the pay can be low at the beginning of your career. An assistant artist manager might earn between 13,000 and 19,000, rising to 40,000 with experience. A music degree is not essential for this work, but most people are graduates now. Work experience is essential. This is a highly competitive field of work where initiative and drive are essential qualities. You will need to enter this work in a junior capacity and work your way up. John McNally is music store manager for a branch of HMV in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, selling a wide range of CDs, DVDs, videos, audio games and related products. After joining the company at 18 as a sales assistant, John worked his way up to his present position in five years. What do you do? My job involves looking after a staff of twelve people, as well as managing the store to ensure that it is fully stocked at all times. I aim to create an attractive environment for our customers as well as a happy and motivated staff. Recruiting new staff is another of my responsibilities, which includes reading application forms and conducting interviews. I use Head Office manuals to organise on-the-job training for all staff, as well as supervising trainees who have joined as Modern Apprentices. How do you keep the store fully stocked? With the help of my assistant manager and team leader, I order stock on a daily basis using a computerised system, to ensure that the stock levels always meet company guidelines. In addition, we have to make sure that all our customers know we have all the latest records from the day of release. This includes arranging the chart walls and A-Z displays of CDs in an attractive way, and assembling eye-catching promotions for our customers. 20

24 Working in music You don t have to play or sing at a professional level to work in music. There are plenty of opportunities where you can mix your interest in music with other skills in the workplace. What other duties do you do? Weekly staff meetings are held to discuss budgets and sales figures, and to make sure that everyone is informed about events in the music or film industry such as the Brit Awards or the top ten musicals. This helps us to provide well-informed advice for our customers about their purchases. GCSEs. John s route Sales assistant in a fashion store. Sales assistant HMV. Team leader Fast Track to Management training. Assistant manager. Manager. John s tips Work hard in the retail industry and you will be rewarded. Dedication and initiative go a long way. Expect to work long hours and to provide a very high level of customer service. What are your working hours? I work long hours, starting some days at 8 a.m. and finishing other days at 6.30 p.m. I work late nights on a rota basis, and work every Saturday and alternate Sundays, although I get time off during the week. During our busy times, such as sales and Christmas, the hours can be longer. What skills and personal qualities do you need for this work? You need to be very aware of everything that is going on around you, and, you must be able to prioritise during busy periods. The ability to learn from your own mistakes is essential, and you must be willing to take occasional criticism from senior management. What do you like about the work? I get a real buzz when the store is busy. There is also a great sense of achievement when the store achieves good sales levels and the staff are really well motivated. What challenges do you face in your job? Christmas is our busiest time, when I must make sure that the stock and presentation meet the highest levels, and that staff are in the right frame of mind. Customer services manager Office manager Sales assistant Shopkeeper A trainee manager of a multiple retailer might start on around 14,000-18,000, which could rise to 24,000-28,000 after several years experience. A retail assistant might start on around 10,000, which could increase to 16,000-18,000 with experience. Benefits such as discounted products, pension and bonus schemes are often available. Some companies ask for formal academic qualifications such as GCSE/S grades including English and maths. Some retailers offer Modern Apprenticeships (Skillseekers in Scotland) to young people aged Retail management training schemes will sometimes need A levels/h grades or HNDs/degrees. However, it is often possible to work your way up within a store without lots of academic qualifications. A passion for music and excellent knowledge of products such as CDs, DVDs and games is essential. Previous retail experience or work with customers is usually necessary. 21

25 Business Music instrument maker/repairer Louise Caruthers runs her own workshop called Strung Out Guitars in Glasgow. With her business partner, she repairs and makes guitars and also sells secondhand and vintage guitars in the attached retail shop. What does your job involve? I serve customers, repair guitars and sell the instruments. The types of repairs necessary can be very wide-ranging, since instruments made from wood can develop lots of problems. Guitars are affected by temperature and humidity, and need regular servicing. I may need to make adjustments to the set up of the guitar, as it will be difficult to play if the strings are too high or low. On a daily basis, I also need to ensure that the shop is clean, tidy and well maintained, complying with all health and safety regulations. What repairs are made to a guitar? Sometimes, the guitar neck has moved forward and I need to remove the neck and change the angle. If a guitar has been dropped, quite substantial repairs may be necessary if the neck or body has been badly damaged. This can involve gluing parts back together and sometimes adding reinforcements. Restoring old guitars is also part of the work, and it is important to find replacement parts that are in keeping with the instrument s age. Making the guitar look as if it has never been repaired is the aim. Do you use specialist tools and equipment? I use traditional hand tools such as sharp chisels and planes, as well as a band saw for cutting large pieces of wood. I always wear a mask for the repair work. Louise s route Highers (A levels in England). BMus Degree in Music. National Certificate (NC) Stringed Instrument Repair. Saturday job in a violin shop. Higher National Certificate and Diploma in Music Instrument Technology. Shop assistant, followed by supervisor in guitar repair shop. Self-employed guitar maker and repairer. Louise s tips Try to get a job in an instrument repair shop, even if part-time, to help you find out if you are suited to this career. Take every opportunity to improve your skills and to develop your knowledge of the business. Do you work alone? I work closely with my business partner, and we take it in turns to work in the shop and the workshop. I spend a great deal of time with customers, in order to establish the necessary guitar repairs. What are your working hours? The shop is open six days a week including every weekend. I start work at 10 a.m. and work until at least 6 p.m., although I often work during the evenings if I need to finish a job. What do you enjoy about your job? Guitars are very personal to the owner, and there is great satisfaction in knowing you have done your best. I am also getting paid for something that I enjoy! What personal qualities do you need? Patience is the most important quality, and if you make a mistake, you have to be prepared to do the work again. Dealing with customers also requires tact and diplomacy. What attracted you to the job? I have always been interested in music, playing the flute, piano and guitar. I took a degree in music, after which my careers adviser suggested getting involved in making the instruments I played as well. Although I had never touched a piece of wood before, the idea appealed. 22

26 Working in music Music therapist What challenges do you face? It is important to keep up with changes in the industry, such as new methods of guitar construction, new technology and electronics. Some electronic components can be difficult and time-consuming to repair. When you are establishing your own business the pay can be very low to start with. Cabinet maker Furniture restorer Music technologist Piano tuner There are no set salary scales for this work. Self-employment and part-time work is common, and the pay can be low whilst establishing a reputation. Part-time makers/repairers might earn between 4,000 and 10,000. This could rise to between 15,000 and 20,000 for fulltime workers. Well-known makers and repairers could earn around 30,000. Full training is essential. Formal academic qualifications are not always needed for the initial training courses. Practical ability and an interest in the work are essential. Courses include: City and Guilds Certificate in Instrument Making and Repair SQA National Certificate and Higher National Certificate in Stringed Instrument Repair and Making. BTEC National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and degree courses in Musical Instrument Technology. Some specialist colleges offer courses in musical instrument repair and restoration. Simon Leech works as a music therapist at Bristol Music Space. He uses music to help children and adults with their emotional, social and physical development. Many of his clients have special needs such as autism, learning or physical disabilities. How do you organise the therapy? A range of instruments are set up in a room, including drums, cymbals, small percussion such as shakers, scrapers and bells, a xylophone, whistles and a guitar. Sometimes a piano is also available. We usually start with a hello song, which I might sing leaving some space for the child to contribute by playing an instrument or making vocal sounds. For example, if they start to play an instrument, I may accompany them by improvising on the guitar, piano, other instruments, or by using my voice. Do you only work with children? No. I also help adults with communication difficulties, and the role is broadly similar to the work I do with children. As well as the musical sessions I also write up clinical notes and reports. I sometimes contribute to statements of special needs, and undertake music therapy assessments for children who are moving schools. Who do you work with? In the music therapy session I usually work alone with the child, and occasionally alongside a parent. But I am part of a wider team of educational psychologists, teachers, and other specialists such as art therapists. Simon s route A levels in sciences and maths. Maths Degree. Masters Degree in Music Technology. Performing musician specialising in percussion. Community musician with adults and children with physical disabilities. Diploma in Music Therapy. Simon s tip Work experience or voluntary work with the elderly will help you decide if you would enjoy this career. 23

27 Business Further information What do you do in a normal week? I visit various nurseries and schools during the week, usually spending half a day in each. In an average morning, I see about three children for 30 minutes each, leaving me time for setting up, writing notes, and liaising with staff. I work three days as a therapist, usually from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For the rest of the week I am a professional musician. What skills and personal qualities are needed? You need to be a proficient musician on your main instrument, and it helps to play guitar or piano as second instruments. As well as musical skills, the ability to listen and to establish empathy with your clients is vital. The work can be emotionally draining, so an awareness of self and others is very important. Why did you decide on this career? Through playing in a group I discovered how powerful music can be enabling communication and establishing connections. I had also worked extensively using music technology alongside adults with physical disabilities. I have also played the piano and guitar since childhood. Musician: classical Musician: popular Play therapist Teacher: music Youth and community worker The Association of Professional Music Therapists suggests that newly trained music therapists usually start on the Senior II scale earning 18,970. This rises on an incremental basis to 24,160. A department head is paid up to 28,495. Postgraduate training in music therapy is essential. Music therapists need a high level of practical musicianship and most have a degree or diploma in music. The minimum age for training is 24. Experience of working with people with special needs is a great advantage. You will also need the right blend of personal qualities for the work, such as sensitivity, emotional stability and a high level of motivation. Further information Further reading (Some may be paid for) You ll find other examples of jobs and more information in other booklets in the Connexions Working in series i Working in performing arts Working in TV, film & radio Working in computers & IT Working In retail Working in schools & colleges Books Access all Areas: a BPI guide to Working in the Music Industry (BPI) Careers in Music (Kogan Page) How to Succeed in the Music Business (Omnibus Press) Music Education Directory (BPI) Music Education Yearbook (Rhinegold) Performing Arts Courses (UCAS Trotman) Q&A: Music (Trotman) Magazines Classical Music Gramophone Music (BBC) Music Tech Music Week Musical Opinion Music Teacher Sound on Sound The Singer The Stage (newspaper) Useful addresses General Association of British Orchestras 20 Rupert Street London W1D 6DF p info@abo.org.uk i Arts Council England i BBC Recruitment Services PO Box 7000 London W1N 7AH i BBC Parents Room advice on music careers i 24