What does an Orchestra Musician do?
For many classically trained musicians, landing a permanent position in an orchestra is the dream. Or perhaps it's because, in many ways, the orchestra is one of the last pure temples of musical worship in existence. In a world where being employed full-time solely to play and perform music is an absolute rarity, the orchestra harkens back to an older time, when patrons of the arts would support musicians out of nothing more than a deep appreciation for their craft.
At a Glance
The trajectory toward becoming a tenured orchestra musician requires a lifelong commitment starting in early childhood, followed by rigorous pre-professional training at experienced music conservatories or university performance programs. Most orchestra musicians start their professional careers soon after earning a bachelor's or master's degree, usually from a conservatory music performance program. Many begin by working in community and regional orchestras, honing their craft while simultaneously auditioning for more prestigious orchestras, where paychecks and the average level of playing are higher. Auditions are a major part of every orchestra musician's career. Section leader positions are especially coveted as they provide opportunities to perform solos and are generally higher paid than other positions.
Gaining employment in this field is strictly meritocratic and relies on winning a "blind audition." Open seats across international orchestras are highly regulated and publicly posted via industry databases like International Musician (the official AFM publication) or Musical America. For an orchestra musician just starting out, auditions, networking, and freelance work provides opportunities to perform with orchestras.
- High-level instrumental performance
- Orchestral repertoire
- Excellent sense of tempo, dynamics, and phrasing
- Music theory
- Reading music notation
- Collaboration
The Consummate Team Player: High emotional intelligence and humility; the willingness to subordinate personal artistic eccentricities for the collective blend of the ensemble.
Becoming and remaining an experienced musician requires a high level of discipline and dedication. In addition to an strong work ethic, aspiring orchestra members need patience, tenacity, confidence, and the ability to perform at a high level under immense pressure. On a personal level, being collaborative, accommodating, and friendly can help orchestra members thrive in the tight-knit work environment that is an orchestra.
The scheduling profile of a full-time orchestra member is highly structured but non-traditional. A standard week is organized around "services"—a catchall union term that encompasses both group rehearsals and live concerts. Major symphonies typically run a 40-week season, averaging about eight services (around 20 on-the-clock hours) per week. Performances dominate weekends, evenings, and major holidays. The field of orchestral work is vast and varied; full-time members of top-tier orchestras might spend 20 hours or more per week performing and rehearsing.
