Musician

A musician performs for the purpose of entertaining. Some musicians work are also composers who write music for other musicians or for the television, radio, film, theatre, advertisements, computer games and other inductries where music is needed.

The nature of musicians’ work can vary considerably, depending on the field of specialisation:

Composers: write or improvise musical compositions, thus translating their own creations of melody and harmony into musical signs and symbols for others

Music performers: study and rehearse music scores carefully until they can be played perfectly before appearing in public as soloists, accompanists or members of orchestras. Performers might also be required to tune instruments to the proper pitch and may play from memory or from sheet music.

Conductors: study the selected music and prepare to conduct a band or orchestra.

Music teachers: give lessons either at a training institution such as a school or privately.

Musicians may specialise in the type of music played, such as classical or popular music. They may also specialise in the type of instrument or instruments played. Some musicians perform solo while others play in a group or orchestra. Some musicians specialise in teaching.

Personal Requirements

musical aptitude and ability and enjoy music
creative and versatile and have initiative
manual dexterity
willing to spend many hours practising
physical stamina and be able to concentrate for long periods of time
self-disciplined and patient
willing to travel sometimes

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course

Each institution has its own entry requirements.

Grade 6 or 7 in Practical Music, according to the examinations laid down by UNISA, the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music, or the Trinity College of Music, is also required.

What to Study

Study of an instrument should begin at an early age, through private lessons or through school.

Degree: BMusic, BA Music or BMusic Musicology - UP, NMMU, UNISA, UFS, US, NWU, UCT, UV, RU, Wits.

The BMus degree takes 4 years to complete and the BA(Music) degree takes 3 years to complete. Musicians interested in teaching careers can combine educational training with music. by following a BMus(Ed) degree.

Diploma: N.Dip: Music - TUT The duration of these courses is 3 years full-time study.

Certificate: Popular Music - SW Gauteng TVET
Various bands provide in-service training provided that the person can play an instrument and read music. An audition would be necessary for admission.

No special licensing is required as only well-trained and qualified musicians would be considered for teaching posts in schools, universities of technology, colleges, universities and conservatories. Musical career opportunities for qualified and talented people are also offered by the National Symphony Orchestra in Johannesburg, and the Durban and Cape Town Orchestras. The Councils for Performing Arts also offer good opportunities for such musicians.

Employment

National Symphony Orchestra, Johannesburg, and the Durban and Cape Town Orchestras
military bands of the defence force, police, prisons services
provincial councils for performing arts
television, broadcasting and film companies
symphony orchestras and other musical ensembles
recording companies
colleges and universities, as lecturers
restaurants
self-employment, in own band or group or on a freelance basis

Further Information

South African Society of Music Teachers
Executive Officer
South African Society of Music Teachers
Postnet Suite 21
Private Bag X025
Lynnwood Ridge, 0040
Tel. 082 673-0532
http://www.sasmt-savmo.org.za/

Getting Started