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Classical musician apprenticeships

Creative and media

Classical musician apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course
  • applying directly
  • specialist courses run by private training organisations


    • University

    You'll need a high level of musical skill and talent. To develop these skills, you could get a degree or postgraduate award in: 

    • classical music 
    • music composition 
    • music performance 
    You'll need to train at a university or a music college, often known as 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.

    You'll usually need: 

    • 2 or 3 A-Levels including music, or equivalent qualifications 
    • a Grade 8 in your main instrument 
    • to pass an audition 
    • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study 
    Direct Application
    To apply directly to work as a classical musician you'll usually need to have learned at least one instrument from an early age and taken graded music exams. It will also help to have studied music theory.

    Other Routes
    Many musicians start learning an instrument from an early age with a private music teacher or training provider. The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music offers qualifications and graded music exams. There are opportunities to train as a musician in the armed forces. You should get as much experience as you can of performing in public. You could do this by joining a youth or community orchestra, and by entering competitions. 

    The BBC Introducing programme could be a way to get your music heard on the radio, if you're an unsigned musician. It's common for musicians to showcase their music on networking websites, social media or send a demo to recording companies. The Musicians' Union has more details on how to promote yourself. 

    Professional and industry bodies
    You could join the Musicians' Union or the Incorporated Society of Musicians for access to training, events and networking opportunities.

    Classical musician apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need:

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

    Classical musician apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    In your day-to-day duties you may: 

    • learn and rehearse music pieces 
    • look after your voice and instrument 
    • set up your instrument before performances 
    • perform in front of an audience 
    • prepare for and attend auditions
    Working environment
    You could work in a hotel, at a music venue, in a theatre or at a recording studio. Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

    Career path and progression - Classical musician apprenticeships

    With experience, you could progress in an orchestra to principal player or section leader. You could move into conducting, or start your own ensemble.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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