How to become a musician or singer
Official title: Musicians and singers
Also called: Singer, Musician, Pop singer, Folk singer, Lied singer, Rock singer, Blues singer, Opera singer, Gospel singer, Concert singer, Recital singer, Street musician
Musicians and singers perform with orchestras, choirs, opera companies and popular bands in establishments such as concert halls, lounges and theatres and in film, television and recording studios. This unit group also includes music teachers who usually teach in conservatories, academies and private homes.
Main tasks
- Musicians
- Play one or more instruments as soloists or as members of a musical group before audiences or for recording purposes
- Singers
- Sing musical arrangements as soloists or as members of vocal groups before audiences or for recording purposes
- Teachers of music or voice
- Teach technique, interpretation and music theory to students through private or group lessons
- Musicians and singers usually specialize in specific genres of music such as classical, country, ethnic, jazz, opera or popular music
How to become one
Musical training from a university or college or through private instruction is usually required. Members of orchestras and other professional classical musicians and singers usually require a university degree in music. Musical talent and ability, as demonstrated during an audition, are important hiring criteria. Membership in a guild or union related to the occupation or type of performance may be required.
Ways in
- University: Creative Arts & Design degrees, Offered by 18 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $32,867 a year The middle half earn $10,900 to $46,000.
- About 29,700 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 33,100 are projected by 2033. (+11.4%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a musician or singer?
Musical training from a university or college or through private instruction is usually required. Members of orchestras and other professional classical musicians and singers usually require a university degree in music. Musical talent and ability, as demonstrated during an audition, are important hiring criteria. Membership in a guild or union related to the occupation or type of performance may be required.
How much does a musician or singer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $32,867 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $10,900 to $46,000.
Is a musician or singer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2033, from about 29,700 to about 33,100 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a musician or singer?
Not always. 57% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Creative Arts & Design degrees.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03