Whatever your musical genre, you'll need a high level of musical skill and talent. Though you do not need a degree for all forms of music, in some fields it is expected, for example classical music.

You could study for a degree or postgraduate award in:

• classical music
• music composition
• music performance
• popular music
• popular and commercial music

You could do this at a university or a conservatoire. You'll usually specialise in one main instrument and study a second instrument.

Some music degrees focus more on music theory than performance, so research the courses carefully to make sure they're right for you.

At audition you'll usually be asked to perform several pieces of music of different styles. You'll also need to talk at your interview about your your artistic influences and your musical career aims.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or 3 A levels including music, or equivalent qualifications
• grade 8 in your main instrument
• to pass an audition
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You could take a college course to get professional training and the opportunity to perform. Subjects available include:

• Level 2 Award for Music Practitioners
• Level 2 Diploma in Music for Practical Performance
• Level 3 Diploma in Music Technology
• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production

You may need to pass an audition to get on to some courses.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Enter talent competitions, music festivals and events to get yourself known.

For example, the BBC runs an annual competition for 12 to 18 year olds across the UK who create their own original music.

You may be lucky and get talent spotted. You could increase your chances by showcasing your music on:

• networking websites
• social media
• music blogs
• demo recordings to send to recording companies

The Musicians' Union has more details on how to promote yourself.

The BBC Introducing programme could be a way to get your music heard on the radio, if you're an unsigned musician.

Many musicians teach themselves. Some start learning an instrument from an early age. This might be with a private music teacher or training provider.

You can take graded music exams in lots of types of instruments including:

• woodwind
• strings
• percussion
• piano
• vocals

Find out more about graded music exams from:

• the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
• Rockschool

Armed forces careers

There are opportunities to train as a musician in the armed forces.

Find out more from the:

• Army
• Royal Air Force
• Royal Navy

You'll need:

• persistence and determination
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• knowledge of the fine arts
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• active listening skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

In your day-to-day duties you may:

• compose, learn and rehearse music pieces
• take care of and set up your instrument for performances
• prepare for and attend auditions
• perform in front of a live audience
• take part in recording sessions
• create 'demo' recordings to promote your music
• engage with your audience through social media and website content
• arrange concerts and tours or deal with a manager or agent who does this for you

You could work in a theatre, at a music venue or at a recording studio.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.