Sonic Artistes specialises in connecting talented musicians with opportunities to work at sea. We offer roles for both reading musicians (those proficient in sight-reading music) and non-reading musicians (those who play by ear or perform without sheet music). Our aim is to provide a range of opportunities for musicians of varying skills and experience.
Absolutely! We welcome applications from non-reading musicians with strong performance skills and the ability to adapt to different musical settings. Whether you’re a soloist or part of a group, we’ll work with you to find the right role.

Roles We Offer

Formal qualifications are not required. However, we look for professional musicians with experience in live performance. Our selection process is determined by showreel submission, interview and auditions. Reading musicians should have strong sight-reading skills, while non-reading musicians must demonstrate adaptability and solid performance abilities.
Experience performing live in professional settings, such as concerts, hotels, or events, is highly valued. For non-reading musicians, the ability to adapt to a range of styles and situations is essential.

Experience and Qualifications

Performing at sea is an incredible opportunity to showcase your talent, travel the world, and connect with diverse audiences. Life at sea does require adapting to a ship’s schedule, being away from home for extended periods, and living in shared accommodations. However, the experience is rewarding and provides unique career-building opportunities.
Contracts typically range from four to six months, depending on the employer. You’ll receive details about your specific contract during the offer stage. We sometimes have shorter contracts available, so it’s worth checking with us.

To work at sea, you’ll need to provide:
• A valid passport
• An ENG1 Medical Certificate (to confirm fitness for work at sea)
• A Seaman’s Discharge Book
• MMR Vaccination Certificate (Depending on itinerary you may be required to get additional vaccinations)
• Visas - these are based on the passport(s) you hold and the itinerary a contract will take.
Contracts typically range from four to six months, depending on the employer. You’ll receive details about your specific contract during the offer stage. We sometimes have shorter contracts available, so it’s worth checking with us.

1. Possible Outcomes
- We’ll contact you if your submission aligns with our current needs.
- No response within 2 weeks? This indicates either:
  - No immediate match between your profile and our opportunities.
  - No suitable openings are available.
(Even in these cases, we may still reach out if we see exceptional potential—see “Our Collaborative Approach” below.)
2. Response Timeline
- Typical review period: 3 business days
- During peak periods: Up to 2 weeks
We prioritize thorough evaluations over rushed decisions. If you don’t hear from us by the 2-week mark, this indicates the outcomes above.
3. Our Collaborative Approach
If your demo/portfolio shows unique promise (even if it’s not an exact fit), we may:
- Offer tailored feedback to strengthen your work
- Suggest skill-building resources
- Flag future opportunities aligned with your growth
We offer comprehensive support, including guidance on document compliance, preparation for life at sea, and tips for success in your role. Our team is here to assist you.