Private Lessons

• Musicians usually hone their skills from an early age by taking private lessons from local artists. Private lessons vary in price. In 2010 they usually ranged around $15 to $20 per hour. Teachers can be found by consulting with local music stores, school music teachers and the classified ads. Private lesson instructors specialize in a particular area, so students can take lessons on a specific instrument or in voice. Private lesson instructors can also help students learn important skills like music theory and sight reading. Sight reading means playing the music when reading it for the first time.
  
  

Formal Training

• Musicians can obtain formal training in their area of expertise by attending a college of the arts and majoring in music. Students can choose from studying music with a concentration in their particular instruments, music composition, music production and music theory. Students may also focus in music education, which will provide them with formal training in music and prepare them for careers as music educators, thus improving their career opportunities. Music production is also a good choice for the musician who wants a better chance of traditional employment. Students may also choose to pursue graduate study. With a graduate degree in music, it may be possible to teach college classes in music.
  
  

Experience

• Music is a craft, so experience is really the best form of education. If you want to pursue a career as a musician, the best way of ensuring your success is to practice your instrument every day, on a regular schedule. Taking private lessons or gaining formal training will teach you technique, but that technique and your quality of sound will only improve with practice. Music is not an easy career choice. It requires patience and dedication. You can look for opportunities to build your resume by playing as entertainment in hospitality venues and other entry-level opportunities like theme parks. Music gigs will almost always require an audition, unless the client is familiar with your work.
  
  

Professional Development

• Professional development is an important part of being a musician. Stay in touch with other musicians, especially those in your field. Learn from the best. Read up on technique and theory. Musicians can also engage in continuing education by engaging with professional societies of musicians and nonprofits dedicated to musicians, such as Artistshouse Music, a nonprofit organization that supports musicians in developing stable careers. Professional societies, such as the American Federation of Musicians, can provide invaluable resources to help musicians learn the ropes of the music industry, including successful financial planning and information on music unions.