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Musician

If you can spend hours with a guitar, dombra or piano and you naturally pick your favourite songs apart into parts, a career as a musician might suit you. Musicians perform, compose and record music, play on stage, in orchestras and ensembles, or work in studios. It is creative work, but it is also daily practice: without regular training, skill does not grow.

Musician

Keep in mind that being a musician is not only about being a star on a big stage. Many people build careers as teachers, arrangers, sound engineers or composers for film and games. If you are ready to practise every day, take feedback calmly and learn from others, music can grow from a hobby into a real profession.

What the job involves

  • Practises an instrument or voice every day
  • Learns new pieces and prepares concert programmes
  • Rehearses with an ensemble, orchestra or band
  • Performs at concerts and events and records in studios
  • Teaches, writes arrangements or composes original music

Skills you need

  • Musical ear

    Helps you hear pitch, rhythm and harmony accurately.

  • Discipline

    Regular practice matters more than occasional inspiration.

  • Stage confidence

    Lets you stay calm in front of an audience or an exam panel.

  • Teamwork

    In an ensemble you need to listen to others and blend into the shared sound.

  • Self-promotion

    Today it helps a musician to run social media and find places to perform.

Who it suits

Personality types

Strong intelligences

  • Musical
  • Bodily-kinesthetic
  • Intrapersonal

UNT subjects to take

Where to study

In Kazakhstan, music education often starts at a children's music school. After grade 9 you can enter a music college, such as the Tchaikovsky Almaty Music College. College study usually lasts about four years, and the entrance exams check your instrument or vocal skills, your ear and your knowledge of music theory.

For a bachelor's degree you take the compulsory UNT subjects plus creative exams in your specialty, and the programme lasts four years. Musicians are trained at the Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory in Almaty, the Kazakh National University of Arts in Astana and music faculties of teacher-training universities. The earlier you start serious practice, the easier admission will be.

Outlook

In Kazakhstan, musicians work in philharmonic societies, theatres, orchestras, folk instrument ensembles, music schools and colleges, recording studios and the events industry. Many combine several paths at once: performing, teaching and writing music to order. Competition is strong, so solid technique, a personal style and the ability to find an audience online are especially valued.

Frequently asked questions

Which UNT subjects do I need to become a musician?

For music specialties you take the compulsory UNT subjects and creative exams instead of profile subjects. Check the exact creative exam requirements on the website of the university you choose.

Can I become a musician without going to music school?

Yes, but to enter a college or university you will need serious preparation in your instrument and music theory. You can start lessons with a teacher as a teenager too.

Where can a musician work besides the stage?

Musicians teach, work as arrangers, sound engineers and accompanists, and write music for advertising, film and games.

Is this career right for you?

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