51122 – Musicians and singers
TEER 1Occupations usually requiring a university degree
Lead statement
Musicians play one or more instruments in orchestras, opera companies and popular bands in establishments such as concert halls, lounges and theatres and in film, television and recording studios.
Main duties
- Play one or more instruments as soloists or as members of a musical group before audiences or for recording purposes.
- Sing musical arrangements as soloists or as members of vocal groups before audiences or for recording purposes.
- Teach technique, interpretation and music theory to students through private or group lessons.
Employment requirements
- Members of orchestras and other professional classical musicians and singers usually require a university degree in music.
- Membership in a guild or union related to the occupation or type of performance may be required.
- Musical talent and ability, as demonstrated during an audition, are important hiring criteria.
- Musical training from a university or college or through private instruction is usually required
- Musical training from a university or college or through private instruction is usually required.
Example job titles
instrumental musician · instrumentalist · musician · percussionist · street musician · singer · vocal soloist · vocalist · baritone · soprano · tenor · alto · music teacher - musicians · music teacher - private, conservatory or studio lessons · voice teacher - music
Wages (per year)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $32,867 | $32,867 | $74,500 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | — | $34,229 | — |
| Nova Scotia | — | $35,128 | — |
| New Brunswick | — | $34,000 | — |
| Quebec | $33,109 | $33,109 | $88,000 |
| Ontario | $37,561 | $37,561 | $63,200 |
| Manitoba | — | $38,800 | — |
| Saskatchewan | — | $34,747 | — |
| Alberta | $32,867 | $32,867 | $82,000 |
| British Columbia | $37,929 | $37,929 | $76,000 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.