Disc jockeys (DJs) select and play pre-recorded music for many different audiences. However, most professional DJs do much more than just playing music. They are also responsible for mixing tunes, forming beats and creating the right ambience for the audience with their music choice, whether playing in a club, at a private function or on the radio.

DJs can use various formats, including vinyl, CD or digitally stored music, and a range of equipment, such as turntables, mixers, microphones and amplifiers.

Popular musicians play in bands, as solo musicians or as session musicians. They may be involved in a range of music, including rock, pop, jazz, country and western, folk, world or easy listening music.

They sing and/or play one or more musical instruments. They might also include dance and movement as part of their performance. They may compose their own work, use material written by someone else or perform covers (versions) of other musicians' work.

A music conductor is the person that leads an orchestra, chorus, opera company, ballet or other musical group. The conductor sets the pace of the music so that all the performers can follow the same rhythm. He or she needs to understand all aspects of the music, including tempo, musical pitch and the overall balance of harmonies.

Classical musicians perform, compose and/or conduct music. They might play an instrument or sing in live performances at concerts and theatres, or attend recording sessions to produce CDs or backing tracks for adverts, TV, radio and films. This may also involve them writing new material for a specific event.

Professional singers perform in front of an audience or make recordings for broadcast, CD or download. They may sing as a soloist, work with a group, or sing in a choir. They might also do session work for backing tracks, adverts and films.

A typical week might involve:

The role

Music promoters generate publicity for live music events or pop stars. Their role includes:

• writing press releases to publicise a client's music or tour

•     organising publicity events such as media interviews and personal appearances

• listening to new acts and deciding whether to offer them a contract

The performing arts sector covers the mediums of acting, dance and music, when they are carried out in front of an audience.

The obvious careers within this profession are those of the performers themselves – the actors, dancers and musicians.

However, there are a host of other people who work behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of a production.

Within music there are also conductors and managers. In dance, choreographers will create routines for the show that they are working on.