Musician / Music Professional
Canada has produced some of the world's greatest musicians - a passion-driven career with many paths.
Musician / Music Professional Salary in Canada
Musician / Music Professionals in Canada earn about $35,000 at entry level and around $120,000+ in senior roles.
- Entry level: $35,000
- Senior level: $120,000+
Income varies enormously. Orchestral musicians, music teachers, and music industry professionals have more stable incomes.
About the Career
The music industry is highly competitive - music education, composition, music therapy, and production are more stable paths than performing.
Job Outlook
Competitive demand. The music industry is highly competitive - music education, composition, music therapy, and production are more stable paths than performing.
How to Get There
- 4-yr BMus (Bachelor of Music) - performance, education, composition, or production focus
- Time to career: 4 years post-Grade 12
Degrees That Lead Here
- Music – Audition-based - academic average requirements are lower but performance level is critical
Key Skills
- Performance & Technique
- Music Theory & Composition
- Recording & Production
- Stagecraft
- Self-Promotion & Networking
Typical Employers
- Symphonies & orchestras
- Recording studios
- Music labels & publishers
- Schools & private teaching
- Theatre & live venues
High School Roadmap
- Take music class seriously. Join school band, orchestra, or choir. Practice your instrument daily.
- Find a private teacher for your primary instrument. Enter local music festivals and competitions.
- Research music program audition requirements at McGill, UofT, and UBC - all require auditions.
- Prepare rigorously for auditions. McGill Schulich School of Music is Canada's most prestigious.
Top Universities for This Path
- McGill University – Montreal, QC
- University of Toronto – Toronto, ON
- University of British Columbia – Vancouver, BC
- University of Alberta – Edmonton, AB
- University of Manitoba – Winnipeg, MB
Insider Tips
- McGill's Schulich School of Music and UofT's Faculty of Music are Canada's most prestigious music programs.
- Music therapy, music technology, and music education are more stable careers than performance.
- Many professional musicians in Canada combine teaching, performing, recording, and music industry work.