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Meet Tom and find what it's like to be Kylie's drummer. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.

Whether you are playing for 10 or 10,000 people, knowing you are having a little effect on their day - that never gets old.
  • Tom has been working with Kylie for ten years and currently splits his working time between Kylie and Will Young

  • Drumming has been part of Tom's life for as long as he can remember. He started playing in school, then in pubs and clubs. Step by step he progressed from working with a just-signed artist, to drumming with a more established artist doing their first headlining tour, until he eventually started to work with Kylie

  • "It's hard to break into the industry", Tom admits, "but don't let that stop you doing what you want to do"

  • "If you love it, do it and keep doing it!" is the advice Tom has for anyone considering a career in this industry.

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A drummer can also be known as a musician. Musicians create or perform different types of music, from classical to pop and rock.

What to expect if you want to be a musician

  • Musician average salary: Variable.
  • Musician typical working hours: 34 to 36 hours per week. Be prepared for long and unsociable hours at times.

What qualifications do you need to be a musician?

You could get into this role via a university course, a college course, applying directly or specialist courses run by private training organisations.

Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the for the latest information and all the qualifications needed.

For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: , , and .

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Work experience can help you make informed decisions about your future career.

Find out more


Find work experience placements with Workfinder.

Tips and advice
Help with interviews, writing a CV and all things work experience related.

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