Musician career

Ringapuoro

Musicians play music or sing for live audiences and in recording studios. They may also write, arrange and conduct music.

Musicians play music or sing for live audiences and in recording studios. They may also write, arrange and conduct music.

What would you do as a Musician?

Musicians

  • usually work irregular hours including evenings and weekends
  • usually work in recording studios or live music venues, and may travel nationally and internationally
  • may work in noisy and dark conditions
  • need to be creative, work well in a team and under pressure

Tasks

  • perform music live
  • rehearse in groups and bands
  • practise playing instruments
  • record music
  • read sheet music
  • teach others songs and musical pieces
  • tour nationally and overseas
  • transport and set up musical equipment

How can you become a Musician?

You need experience to become a musician and a qualification may be useful.

You need

  • experience in singing or playing a musical instrument

You may need

  • a relevant tertiary qualification in performing arts
  • examples of your work

If you're in school

You usually need NCEA Level 3 to do the study or training for this job.

Studying this at the University of Waikato

View all qualifications

Study our Bachelor of Music and choose a pathway in Music Performance, Music Education, or Music and Arts. You'll rehearse and perform at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts.

To develop your practice further, you can continue with our Bachelor of Music with Honours.

View all qualifications

Musician FAQs

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to help with the cost of studying at Waikato. Options are available across a wide range of subjects and study levels, including scholarships for new students, current students and specific areas of study.

Find a scholarship

QS ranking

QS World University Rankings 2027

Waikato is ranked equal 293rd globally, placing us in the top 1.5% of universities worldwide, and 2nd in New Zealand by citations per faculty.

Contact us

School of Arts

School of Arts, The University of Waikato, Ground Floor, J Block, Gate 1, Knighton Road, Hamilton

International Enquiries

Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5pm