How to Become A Musician In South Africa

A musician is a person who composes, conducts, or performs music.

What Does a Musician Do?

A professional musician trains in the field of music to perform solos or with others for audiences and recordings. Professional musicians may play in rock or jazz bands or classical orchestras, or they may work as music teachers, either for a school or as a private instructor.

What is a Professional Musician?

Professional musicians are gifted individuals who earn a living through their musical performances, either individually or with a group of other musicians. They not only write music and play instruments, but they sometimes sing songs.

Does age matter music industry?

Your age only matters if you make it matter. The music industry functions just the same as any other business. You can become successful at any age as long as you have a strong work ethic, dedication and a lot of value to offer.

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.

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.

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.

The following chart provides an overview of the education, job outlook and average salary in this field.

Degree RequiredBachelor’s degree preferred
Education Field of StudyMusic theory, musical performance, music history
Key ResponsibilitiesObtain bookings and perform musical arrangements to audiences; record and market music; compose music and write lyrics
Job Growth (2018-2028)0% growth (for all musicians and singers)*
Median Hourly Wage (2018)R 425.43 (for all musicians and singers)*

Below are steps to Become A Musician In South Africa

Step One: Research the Career Duties of a Professional Musician

Depending on your talent and versatility, you might excel in one or more areas of musicianship. You might play brass instruments such as the trumpet or trombone, string instruments like the guitar or violin, and a variety of others.

By becoming a composer, you can create music for television, radio and operas. This can be done with pen and paper, or through the use of computer software.

Step Two: Learn To Play an Instrument

You can follow the path of many professional musicians and begin playing instruments during your youth. Joining a school band or one formed by a group of talented acquaintances are some options. You could even work with an experienced musical tutor. This is how you gain expertise and performance experience, as well as stage presence.

Step Three: Study at a Conservatory

Music conservatories provide special training for young aspiring musicians and other performing artists. Studying at a conservatory gives you the opportunity to perfect your skills while learning to communicate your love of music to others.

Step Four: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Music

An undergraduate music program can offer further training in music history and theory. In fact, if you’d like to become a director of music or a composer, you will find that a bachelor’s degree is often required.

By attending one of the several hundred schools that have been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, you ensure that you receive the best education possible. You must audition to enter this program as well

Step Five: Market Your Talents

Once you have embarked upon your career as a professional musician, you can steadily increase your popularity by performing at new venues and learning new songs. You can also enlist the aid of a manager or agent to facilitate contact with music executives who can help your career.

What qualifications do I need to be a musician In South Africa?

Musicians often obtain an Associate’s of Fine Arts, or an Associate’s of Arts in Music, the degree to set the foundation of their career. The degree program teaches a student about music theory, music history, and composition. Students also practice instruments and train their ears to hear mistakes in the music.

How do I get started as a musician In South Africa?

The following are steps you can take to pursue a career as a musician:

Decide what type of musician you want to be.

Pick an instrument.

Take music lessons.

Practice on a regular basis.

Join a band.

Record your music.

Don’t give up.

Is musician a good career?

The highest level of professional musicians can earn a healthy salary, either as solo artists, session players or as part of a group or band. Other benefits include: Making a contribution to the artistic community. Making industry contacts that can help advance your career in other performance areas.

Does age matter music industry In South Africa?

Your age only matters if you make it matter. The music industry functions just the same as any other business. You can become successful at any age as long as you have a strong work ethic, dedication and a lot of value to offer.

Is it too late for music In South Africa?

Sure, most professional musicians started when they were young. But neuroscientists and music teachers alike say it’s never too late. And it turns out, the biggest hurdles aren’t stiff hands or an aging brain. For adults, the desire to play an instrument is often awakened by a great piece of music.

Do musicians need a degree In South Africa?

You generally do not need a degree to become a musician; persistent, life-long training is usually how individuals develop the skills needed. While not essential to a career in music, formal training may help you improve your skills and increase your chances of landing a job as a studio musician or orchestra member

What is the salary of a musician In South Africa?

The average pay for musicians according to Pay scale is R 1098.27 per hour. However, this incorporates all work that surrounds the gig and shouldn’t be the gig rate itself. Our recommended rates are.

Is being a musician a South Africa?

Musicians perform, compose, conduct, arrange, and teach music. Musicians usually play either classical, popular (including rock and country), jazz, or folk music, but many musicians play several musical styles. Musicians, singers, and related workers hold approximately 249,000 jobs in the South Africa .

How much money do musicians make an hour In South Africa ?

The average wage for a musician in the South Africa is around R 416.82 per hour