Musician
Plays instruments, writes lyrics and performs music.
Overview
A Musician is someone who plays instruments, writes lyrics, and performs music. While all musicians are artists, all artists may not necessarily be musicians.
Where they work
- Film and Television industry
- Radio and Broadcasting industry
- Music companies
- Schools across India
Work environment
It is not a desk job. You may be required to travel frequently as a musician. Part-time work and contractual jobs maybe available. Work hours may be flexible. Shift system maybe available. Entrepreneurship: you can choose to be a freelance singer or give personal lessons.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You want to join a course in Fine Arts
- You like to play instruments or sing
- You are a creative person
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in any stream.
- 2Complete Bachelor's in Music or related subject
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's and then opt for Master's in the same or related field to earn a license as a Music instructor or teacher.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The various relevant courses are offered by the Department of Fine Arts. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara, Gujarat
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- University of Delhi, New Delhi
- Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra
- Annamalai University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Visva Bharati University, Bolpur, West Bengal
- Mumbai University, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- The True School of Music, Maharashtra
- Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Vishwakarma University, Pune, Maharashtra
- KM Music Conservatory, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Shankar Mahadevan Academy, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Lovely Professional University (LPU), Jalandhar, Punjab
- Jain University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali, Rajasthan
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Instrumental Musician
- 2Master Instrumental Musician
Expected income
₹14,000 – ₹50,000 per month depending on experience
These figures are taken from NCS and are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Singer
An artist or performer who sings professionally, with or without accompaniment.
Sound Recordist
Operates the equipment that records sound on a shoot — placing mics and running the recorder.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream, Arts.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to creating.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Annapurna Devi — Born as Roshanara Khan, Annapurna Devi is regarded as one of the most celebrated surbahar (bass sitar) players of all time. She was given the name Annapurna by former Maharaja Brijnath Singh of the former Maihar Estate, which reportedly was a testament to her musical talent. Annapurna Devi continued to provide music lessons for free, tutoring many to-be legendary musicians. Her father and guru, Allauddin Khan, steered her towards playing the surbahar — an instrument whose deep voice, meditative quality, larger size and difficulty in mastery make it extremely rare, even among aficionados. In 1977, the Indian government granted her one of its highest civilian awards, the Padma Bhushan; in 1991, she was given the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the highest prize given to performing artists in India.
Source: a personal interview, as credited on the printed card — no public page to link to.
This profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 129 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/musician-salary-SRCH_KO0,8.htm
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The source link printed against this profile points to an article about a theatre artist, not about Annapurna Devi, so no link is reproduced here.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.