Three notes with bow out (6)
I believe the answer is:
retire
'bow out' is the definition.
(bow out can mean to retire or leave something)
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
(Other definitions for retire that I've seen before include "Stop climbing the ladder" , "Give up working and go to bed" , "Finish employment" , "Conclude employment or go to bed" , "go upstairs?" .)