Performing Artist (recording artist/group)
Performing artists specialize in the performance of music, either
original or cover material. Their performing skill defines their marketability. The performing artist may work as a solo act with or without backing musicians, or be packaged as a group. 

Vocal/Instrumental Soloist
A vocal/instrumental soloist is similar to a performing artist, and may perform in much the same capacity. But this artist may also work as a contracted performer with a group or in a recording situation. A soloist may be hired by an orchestra, church group, or a recording ensemble, for example. When performing as a
contracted soloist, he/she has a responsibility to rehearse and perform the selected music as directed by the group or project leader. 

Session Musician
The session musician may be known as a studio musician, a session player, a sideman or woman, a freelance musician, or a backup musician. The main responsibility of the job is to back up the leader of a group in the recording studio, or possibly during live performance, and to play in the manner that the leader of the
group or the producer wants it played. He or she must be responsible, reliable, and easy to get along with, in addition to being a good musician. It is important to know how to sight read and be familiar with a number of different styles, and to be proficient in more than one instrument. Session musicians are usually hired by a contractor and paid an hourly fee set by the union (AFM).A session musician may work on various types of projects, including television and film scores, records, demos, jingles, or industrial gigs.

General Business Musician
A general business musician may work as a free-lance artist or perform with a general business group. These groups maintain a widely varying repertoire to allow them to perform in almost any situation, including weddings, bar mitzvahs, private parties, corporate functions, and dance clubs. GB musicians cover
material by well-known recording artists in many different styles, and tailor their repetoire to clients' expressed desires. Many general business gigs may be formal dress occasions, so tuxedos
and formal dresses are a necessity. The largest amount of work can be found in performances of this type, and pay is generally very good. A general business band may work through one or more booking agencies, and/or book themselves.

Orchestra/Group Member
An orchestra/group member plays a supporting role in a musical group as an instrumentalist. Musical skill, reading, and doubling ability are important qualities to develop, especially in the orchestral environment. Also important is the ability to play with a group, and to prepare and know the material before rehearsal.
The responsibility of the orchestra/group member is to follow the directions of the group leader and perform prepared music, in performance and recording situations.

Background Vocalist 
Background vocalists back up other singers or musicians on recordings, in jingles, on television commercials, or in live performance. They may work full-time or on a free-lance basis, or travel with a performing act, holding responsibility for learning repertoire and attending rehearsals. Background vocalists must
be versatile and flexible; those performing on recordings, jingles, or television/radio will need the ability to read music quickly and record it quickly with a minimum of errors. Harmony and improvisation abilities are a plus as well.

Floor Show Band
Floor show bands work in nightclubs, hotels, resorts, cruise ships, cafes, bars, and concert halls putting on show for patrons. They not only perform, they entertain. Show groups may perform many different types of music in their act. Show groups must have pizzazz, and usually involve extensive planning and rehearsal to appear professional at all times. Floor show groups may work in one place for two or three weeks before moving on to the next gig, and they travel frequently. 

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