This article considers four learning biographies from professional musicians. Each musician holds a different portfolio career and is from a different age category. The key questions I ask are: "How does one learn as a musician?", "What knowledge, attitudes, values and artistic skills are necessary to function effectively and creatively as a contemporary musician?", and "What is the necessary framework of lifelong learning in music education?" My findings are analysed in the light of lifelong learning for musicians with a focus toward teaching and learning.