Musicians and Singers
Analytical text 5133 - Musicians and Singers
Type of work
This unit group includes musicians, singers and teachers of vocal and instrumental music.
For the full and official description of this occupation according to the National Occupational Classification, visit the NOC site.
Examples of Occupational Titles
- accompanist
- church organist
- guitar player
- instrumentalist
- musician
- music teacher
- opera singer
- percussionist
- recording artist
- rock singer
- singer
- vocalist
Outlook
Job prospects in this occupation are fair.
(Update: january 2011)
Over the last few years, the number of musicians and singers has increased significantly. This increase is attributable to the rise in consumer spending, the growing popularity of music and singing lessons, and the introduction of new modes of distribution. Noting a cap on this trend, it is expected that the number of musicians and singers should increase only slightly in the coming years.
Sources of employment
Job opportunities will result mainly from the relatively high turnover rate in this occupation. Although the positions for teachers and salaried musicians are quite stable, the number of musicians and singers who leave this occupation because of job insecurity is nevertheless high. Other jobs will also become available because of the need to replace musicians and singers who will be retiring and, to a far lesser extent, from employment increase.
Like many other occupations in the arts, multiple employment is common. In fact, many people hold a variety of jobs during quiet periods, and their income from activities in this occupation alone is often not enough to make ends meet. Finally, some musicians and singers will leave this occupation for other occupations in the arts, such as administrative positions, or to become producers (see 5131), arrangers, composers and conductors (see 5132), or managers in the performing arts (see 0512). People who have the right training can also access jobs as college instructors (see 4131) or university professors (see 4121). Note also that multiple employment is frequent within the occupation as well. For example, a salaried musician for an orchestra may also work as a freelance musician for receptions or shows, and teach music privately or at a school.
Labour pool
A number of jobs will be available for graduates of college music programs, and university programs in particular. For example, a university degree in music is usually essential for people applying as professional musicians for symphony orchestras, and is often required for teaching positions in music schools. Other jobs will be filled by experienced musicians and singers from the relatively high number of unemployed in this field, or by those holding temporary jobs until they land jobs or contracts as musicians or singers. Other positions will be filled by immigrants who meet the occupational requirements. In 2006, the percentage of immigrants in this occupation was slightly higher than in all occupations (13% compared with 12%). Finally, some jobs will be filled by self-taught musicians and singers who may have taken private training that does not necessarily lead to a recognized diploma. An indication of this phenomenon is only half of the people in this occupation held a post-secondary degree in the visual and performing arts (including music and voice) in 2006, according to census data.
As can be seen, this occupation attracts many candidates. It is an occupation that conveys a positive image while also providing creative satisfaction. Competition is nevertheless fierce, and can be seen in many different aspects. For example, according to 2006 census data, approximately 49% of all musicians and singers earned an employment income of less than $10,000 in 2005, a proportion that is between two and three times higher as that for all occupations (20%), despite a much higher level of schooling.
The labour market situation for graduates of college and university programs also reveals the high degree of competition in this occupation. According to the Quebec Department of Education, Recreation and Sport's Relance survey, most graduates with a diploma of collegial studies (DEC) in professionnal music and song techniques usually decide to continue their university education. The small minority who find education-related jobs must get by on a salary that is much lower than the average salary of graduates of technical programs. In fact, this training appears to be used more as a way to access university music programs than to access jobs as musicians and singers. Despite these misleading results, the number of new students in this program increased by appriximately 60% between 2000-2001 and 2007-2008, going from approximately 160 to 255.
According to the same survey, the labour market situation for university graduates in music is better, but is still not as bright as the situation for the average university graduate, with respect to both the education-related job placement rate and salary. Moreover, a high proportion of these related jobs are in instructing or teaching positions. This observation is not very surprising since this program allows students to obtain a teaching license.
Industries
According to census data, in 2006 approximately 56% of musicians and singers worked in the performing arts, spectator sports and related industries, divided in independent performers (34%) and in performing arts companies (22%). About 37% of them worked in fine arts schools, including voice and music teachers, own account. A significant number also worked for religious organizations (5%).
Trends
The pattern of employment in this occupation depends on trends that influence performing arts, spectator sports and related industries, the number of performances of music and French song, voice and music teaching and technological change.
Performing arts
Until 2005, employment in this occupation benefited from the growth in consumer spending in the recreation sector. The share of consumer spending in recreation (after taxation) rose from 5.4% in 1982 to 8.3% in 2005, then edged down to 7.4% in 2007. A large portion of this spending has helped employment in the performing arts industries. Note that this is the largest occupation in this industry. According to 2006 census data, almost 20% of the jobs in this industry were held by musicians and singers.
Despite the growing competition from different types of home entertainment (video games, proliferation of specialty channels, videos, etc), the performing arts industry has seen definite growth over the last few years. The huge popularity of the many festivals held in Quebec has definitely contributed to this rise. This trend is expected to continue in the next few years.
Performances of music and French song
According to a study on the performing arts in 1989-1990, 1993-1994 and 1997-1998 conducted by the Quebec Department of Culture and Communications, the number of performances of music and French songs and has increased slightly during this period. More recent data from the Institut de la statistique du Québec indicated that this trend continued from this period to 2009, but seems to be levelling off. The huge popularity of the many festivals held in Quebec has definitely contributed to this rise. However, musicians and singers in Quebec face fierce competition from foreign artists in this area and in record sales.
Voice and music teaching
Although the rise in the number of concerts has been fairly weak in the last few years, there has been a very clear increase in the number of musicians and singers who teach, according to census data. About 37% of them worked primarily as teachers in 2006, compared with 28% in 1991. These teaching jobs include positions in music schools, as well as musicians and singers who give private lessons, but not positions as music and voice teachers with school boards, CEGEPs and universities (see 4141, 4131 and 4121, respectively). This trend in the education sector should continue to benefit musicians and singers over the next few years.
Technological change
The use of electronic means to produce music tends to decrease the demand for both studio and live musicians. The decreased demand for studio musicians is explained primarily by the digitalization of music; the increasing use of synthesizers and pre-recorded music is the main reason for the decline in demand for live musicians.
Distribution of music over the Internet
The growing distribution of music over the Internet has opposing effects. On the one hand, it is more difficult to collect royalties, historically the main source of income for musicians and singers. This is a growing medium, and that growth has caused sales of recordings on physical media (CDs, cassettes, vinyl records and videos) to plummet, yet there is no offsetting growth in the sale of digital albums. According to data from the Institut de la statistique du Québec, the number of digital recordings sold was 13 times higher in 2010 than in 2005, whereas the number of recordings on physical media was down 35%. The total number of albums on physical media and digital album equivalents (in our calculations, 10 unit sales constitute one album equivalent) decreased more than 20% during the period.
Meanwhile, distribution of music over the Internet makes albums - especially albums by new artists - far more accessible. Many artists now rely more on tour revenue and especially sales of tour merchandise (t-shirts, caps, etc.) than on sales of CDs and digital recordings to pursue their craft. However, for the moment it is difficult to provide an accurate evaluation of the long-term impact of these opposing trends.
Considering all these factors, the number of musicians and singers is expected to increase only slightly over the next few years.
Employment characteristics
Since many musicians and singers must hold several jobs at once to make ends meet, it should be noted that the "Characteristics" section of the "Statistics" figures cover only persons who worked mainly as musicians or singers in the 2006 census week or during the reference weeks of the (monthly) Labour Force Survey (LFS). They do not pertain to the many musicians and singers who worked in other occupations at this time.
The data for these people are included in the occupations that they held at the time of the census. In addition, the data on annual employment income ($21,674) covers only the 20% of the people in this occupation who worked full-time and full-year in 2005. The average employment income of those who did not work full-time and full-year came to $13,342. Note that this income includes amounts earned from jobs in other occupations in the year before the census. Furthermore, they are often paid fees, which makes them ineligible for employment insurance benefits when they are not working. Moreover, more than half (53%) of musicians and singers were self-employed in 2006, a proportion that is five times higher than for all occupations (11%).
Another indication of the job instability in this occupation is that approximately 59% of musicians and singers worked mainly part-time in 2005 compared with 21% for all occupations. Also, women held approximately 39% of the jobs in this occupation in 2006, a proportion that has declined slightly since 1991 (43%). Among salaried teachers, some seasonal unemployment exists from June to August. Thus, the number of employment insurance claimants is between four and ten times higher in August than between September and May.
Requirements
Except for the academic requirements, being able to work in this occupation depends essentially on the individual characteristics of candidates. The most important skills are without doubt creativity, talent, perseverance and originality. Good general cultural knowledge is also essential. Music and voice teachers must also have the skills and interest to impart knowledge, and have very good communications skills. An ability to negotiate and promote one's own accomplishments improves the chances of success.
Education and Training
To enter this occupation, music training at the college or university level or private lessons is a major asset. The Diploma of College Studies (DEC) in Professional Music and Song Techniques and especially a bachelor's or master's degree in music are the most applicable training programs.
Professional classical musicians and singers usually require a university degree in music. This degree is often also required for teachers at music schools.
Musical talent and ability, as demonstrated during an audition, are important hiring criteria, and can in some cases compensate for academic training..
Useful References
- Quebec Musicians' Guild
- Union des artistes
- Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN)
- Le Mouvement pour les arts et les lettres
- Quebec Department of Culture and Communications
- Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec
- The Canada Council for the Arts
- Conseil québécois des ressources humaines en culture
- Conservatoire de musique et d'art dramatique du Québec, music:
Important Considerations
It is expected that the number of musicians and singers should increase only slightly in the coming years.
This occupation attracts a large number of candidates. Consequently, many musicians and singers must get by on a very modest income and hold more than one job to make ends meet.
Statistics 5133 - Musicians and Singers
Main Labour Market Indicators
| Main Labour Market Indicators | Unit Group 5133 | All occupations |
|---|---|---|
| Employment, average 2008-2010 | 6,700 | 3,881,300 |
| EI Claimants in 2010 | 20 | 109,850 |
| Average Annual Growth Rate 2011-2015 | 0.6% | 0.8% |
| Annual Employment Variation 2011-2015 | 45 | 32,500 |
| Annual Attrition 2011-2015 | 100 | 71,750 |
| Total Annual Needs 2011-2015 | 145 | 104,250 |
Employment Distribution by Gender
| Employment Distribution by Gender | Unit Group 5133 | All occupations |
|---|---|---|
| Males | 61.0% | 52.7% |
| Females | 39.0% | 47.3% |
Employment Distribution by Age
| Employment Distribution by Age | Unit Group 5133 | All occupations |
|---|---|---|
| 15 - 24 years | 13.2% | 14.1% |
| 25 - 44 years | 52.7% | 45.1% |
| 45 - 64 years | 31.4% | 38.8% |
| 65 years and over | 2.7% | 2.0% |
Employment Distribution by Status
| Employment Distribution by Status | Unit Group 5133 | All occupations |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 41.0% | 79.2% |
| Part-time | 59.0% | 20.8% |
Average Annual Employment Income
| Average Annual Employment Income (Full-Time, Full-Year) |
Unit Group 5133 | All occupations |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time, full-year | 20.4% | 53.2% |
| Average income | 21,674 | 45,157 |
| 0-19999$ | 63.3% | 16.5% |
| 20000-49999$ | 25.8% | 52.4% |
| 50000$ and over | 11.0% | 31.1% |
Employment Distribution by Highest Level of Schooling
| Employment Distribution by Highest Level of Schooling |
Unit Group 5133 | All occupations |
|---|---|---|
| Less than high-school | 6.5% | 14.1% |
| High-school | 20.4% | 21.9% |
| Post-secondary | 30.7% | 43.1% |
| Bachelors | 42.5% | 20.9% |
Employment Distribution by Region
| Employment Distribution by Region | Unit Group 5133 | All occupations |
|---|---|---|
| Abitibi-Témiscamingue | 0.5% | 1.8% |
| Bas-St-Laurent | 1.7% | 2.5% |
| Capitale-Nationale | 9.3% | 9.1% |
| Centre-du-Québec | 1.7% | 2.9% |
| Chaudière-Appalaches | 3.3% | 5.4% |
| Côte-Nord-Nord du Québec | 0.5% | 1.7% |
| Estrie | 2.8% | 3.9% |
| Gaspésie-îles-de-la-Madeleine | 0.3% | 1.1% |
| Lanaudière | 2.6% | 5.8% |
| Laurentides | 6.6% | 7.0% |
| Laval | 3.6% | 5.0% |
| Mauricie | 1.9% | 3.1% |
| Montérégie | 11.3% | 18.7% |
| Montréal | 49.7% | 24.1% |
| Outaouais | 3.0% | 4.7% |
| Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean | 1.2% | 3.3% |
Self-employment
| Employment Distribution | Unit Group 5133 | All occupations |
|---|---|---|
| Self-employment | 53.4% | 11.2% |
Immigration
| Employment Distribution | Unit Group 5133 | All occupations |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration | 13.4% | 12.2% |
Main Areas of Employment
| Main Areas of Employment | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Arts, Entertainment and Recreation | 55.7% |
| Independent Artists, Writers and Performers | 33.9% |
| Performing Arts Companies | 22.0% |
| Other Schools and Instruction (Music and Singing Schools included) | 36.8 % |
| Religious Organizations | 5.0% |
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