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Arts, Entertainment, & Design · Performing Arts

Musician or singer: years of lessons and practice; a music degree (by audition) for classical and opera

Musicians and singers typically need no postsecondary education, but they need extensive training and regular practice, usually starting young with private lessons and school classes. Classical and opera performers may earn a bachelor's or higher degree; applicants typically submit recordings or audition in person.

For: Dedicated performers who practise every day and can keep auditioning after rejections.

See the roadmap Musician & Singer guide

Route 1: Lessons, practice and performing Typical

Most musicians and singers start young and keep training throughout their careers.

  1. Start here

    Private lessons and school classes

    BLS
    Musicians and Singers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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  2. As you advance

    Music camps, festivals or fellowships

    BLS
    Musicians and Singers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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  3. Career

    Auditions, promotion and often an agent or manager

    Advancement means becoming better known, finding work more easily and earning more for each performance.

    BLS
    Musicians and Singers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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  4. Goal

    Professional musician or singer

    BLS
    Musicians and Singers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
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    21 Oct 2026
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Route 2: Bachelor's in music theory or performance Classical, opera

To be accepted, applicants typically submit recordings or audition in person, and sometimes must do both.

  1. Start here

    Years of lessons and practice

    BLS
    Musicians and Singers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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  2. Exam gate

    Recordings and/or a live audition

    BLS
    Musicians and Singers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
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  3. About 4 years

    Bachelor's in music theory or performance

    Music history and styles, instrumental and vocal technique; voice programs may include diction.

    BLS
    Musicians and Singers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
    View source

  4. Optional

    Master's in fine arts or music

    BLS
    Musicians and Singers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
    View source

  5. Goal

    Orchestra, opera or classical performer

    BLS
    Musicians and Singers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
    View source

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Every step links to the official page it came from (regulators, licensing boards, the law), checked 21 Oct 2026. State and city licensing rules change: confirm with the board where you will work before you pay any fee. Education Margdarshan does not recommend paid courses. All careers →