The performing musician is often a member of a band, or he/she is hired to contribute his/her skills and talents to a project. Skills including the ability to sight read, improvise, and professional demeanor distinguish the successful performing musician.

The studio musician may also be a member of a band or a hired musician for a project that requires a certain player's or singer's expertise and skill. Such a project may include jingles for TV, radio, or the Internet. As with the performing musician, necessary skills for the studio musician include the ability to sight read, improvise, and display professionalism and strong musicianship.

The band leader or performing soloist must use both his/her business sense and his/her musical strengths to create his/her career. The LA Music Academy offers classes that equip students with the fundamentals of effective business skills, including accounting, contracts, marketing, and promotions. Having this background enables the band leader or soloist to know the protocol when negotiating with producers, other band members, record companies, management, and venues.

Accompaniment performers for musicals, touring projects, and television shows fall into this category. Reliability, flexibility, and preparation are crucial to keeping these much sought after gigs. Often times, these careers entail a good deal of recording.

Cruise ships, resorts, and nightclubs all have musicians that are contracted to perform for typically a minimum of three months. Sight reading and professionalism are amongst the most crucial skills required by these employment situations. As a member of a floor show band, a musician can be expected to travel a good amount. Travel and living expenses (room and board) are often covered by the employer. Many musicians choose this option for half a year at a time, and then they have enough money saved to support themselves for the remainder of the year.

- Backup singer
- Rehearsal Musician
- Instrument Demonstrator for Retail and Musicians
  (for example: at the NAMM show)