ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the findings of a study designed to extend understanding of the performance and non-performance skills and attributes required by classical instrumental musicians to achieve sustainable practice. Longitudinal analysis of careers in classical, instrumental music necessitated the participation of a representative sample of musicians from age eighteen years to sixty-six years onwards, and a range of experience from new practitioner to highly experienced. Almost 70 per cent of musicians had engaged in informal education and training or professional development, the most common being performance tuition and teaching skills. Performance was the second most common activity for musicians, but it was the most common form of informal education and training. The issue of graduate tracking was raised by both educators and practising musicians, with the point made that graduate data collections do not measure employment outcomes for those in protean careers.
