Any Professional Musicians On This Forum?

[clicknext]

I'm seriously considering going into music because I love it so much. If you're any kind of musician, what do you do and if you don't mind the question, about how much do you make? The only thing stopping me from plunging straight in is that most, actually almost all musicians seem to not make enough to get by with just music. So what do you think? Good area to get into or a dead end?

 

[thirdlegstump]

I'd say, if you aren't already technically talented in music to make a living as a session player or a high end studio engineer/producer, forget about it. Working at McD's will pay far more.
1 in a million says you'll make it if you're lucky. Tell me something..what can YOU do right NOW? I'm being a hard ass because music business IS hard ass and I've seen way too many guys getting burnt out and ending up killing their future because of drugs and alcohol problems.
I play guitar like a maniac and played in various bands over the years. Hell, I even went to the same high school as the guys from The Strokes. I quit the whole band thing because there's really NO future in it. Being a computer geek and fixing your neighbors dying Compaqs for $50 an hour will make FAR more money than being in music...unless you're in that miniscule 1/1000000 percentage.

 

[clicknext]

hmm, thanks for the reply; I know music is a hard business... but what about playing an instrument in an orchestra or something like that? Symphonic music... maybe even end up getting a permanent spot in an orchestra?

 

[thirdlegstump]

==> Well I asked in my first reply..what can you do musically right now? <==
Do you play an instrument?

How good are your ears and memory for harmony and melody?
Can you listen to a complex piece of music and disect each and every instrument
and actually memorize every single note and their rhythms in real time?
Can you come up with your own melodies and harmonies that
actually fit the musical context and style of the music while it is playing in real time?
(without practice or rehearsal)

These things actually do not require any musical training..it's something that you're
born with or have to quickly develope and is essential if you really want to get into
'serious' music...meaning session work, jazz and even classical. Music is another
'sense.' Also you gotta develope ridiculous technique on your instruments to even
tap into those genres..something that'll require you to practice 4-8 hours a day,
everyday.

Remember those crazy 80's guitarists that played really tasty million notes per second
guitar solos? Many of them still have jobs today simply because they were serious
about music at the time and have the necessary chops and musical ears to do anything
they wanted. Many of them sit behind mixing consoles or are playing invisibly behind
pop singers like Celine Dion (barf!)

But whatever man, I'm not here to preach or anything. Do what you want to do..just be confident and don't get stuck in a genre that is 'technically' limited. (ie: punk, rap, classic rock etc.) Learn jazz and classical as well as instrumental rock and progressive stuff.

 

[amcdonald]

Originally posted by: deathkoba
I'd say, if you aren't already technically talented in music to make a living as a session player or a high end studio engineer/producer, forget about it. Working at McD's will pay far more.
1 in a million says you'll make it if you're lucky. Tell me something..what can YOU do right NOW? I'm being a hard ass because music business IS hard ass and I've seen way too many guys getting burnt out and ending up killing their future because of drugs and alcohol problems.
I play guitar like a maniac and played in various bands over the years. Hell, I even went to the same high school as the guys from The Strokes. I quit the whole band thing because there's really NO future in it. Being a computer geek and fixing your neighbors dying Compaqs for $50 an hour will make FAR more money than being in music...unless you're in that miniscule 1/1000000 percentage.

Um, I'd say the Strokes found a future in it. I'm only in IT as a backup plan in case my music career/band doesn't take off. As far as symphonic bands are concerned, you make very little money and you have to be very good to make that much.

 

[fonzinator]

During college, I would have considered myself a semi-pro musician. All through college, my band averaged 3 gigs a week, sometimes more, sometimes less. At one point, we made a cd and went on tour for a summer. We hit the road for 2.5 months, drove 14,000+ miles, and played around 60 gigs. I'd be happy to give you any details regarding any of this. I'm currently seeking to lead worship at a church/tour as a full-time vocation. However, those doors are not there for me at the moment. My band is no longer around - several went to Nashville to pursue music there, while others pursued different careers.

Here's my advice: Unless you are totally established as a musician, you can't just drop everything and say, "I'm going pro." Keep your day job for now. Play on the weekends and evenings. If you find yourself being able to financially/life-style justify going full-time into music, then give it a shot. I can tell you...the life-style is not an easy one. Being on tour for that long, with 7 people in a 7-passenger beater van, was not what'd I'd call "fun". Yes...it was the adventure of a life time, and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything! But, the van needs gas, mouths need fed, ect - financially it is not easy. The stress on you emotionally and physically is very high. Count on having little privacy. A moment to myself was a golden tresure while on the road.

There's lots of expenses and you need money to cover them. If you're going into music for the money, save yourself the heart-ache and quit now. Most likely, you'll barely be in the black financially. Starting out, you'll probably be in the red. When you first start, be prepared to play gigs for next to nothing. Plan on barely covering your expenses and that's about it. I've worked food, lodging, ect. into many a contract instead of receiving cash. Until you build a fan base, count on barely scraping by. If you have a day job, you can really help yourself out here.

I never signed any deals with a label. I'd seen many friends get burned by labels and I didn't want to go down that road. Consider being independent or working with a booking agency instead of a label. I could write on an on about this topic. Hope all this helps.

 

[johnjohn320]

I'm a professional musician-sort of. I'm still in high school, but my job is music, I get paid to play gigs, accompaniments, teach, etc. I'm still not "in the biz" obviously, though.

All I can say is if you really love music, you'll find a way to do it, and get paid enough to earn a living doing it. While I'm still young, I want to do music for a living, and as such have done a TON of research into it. I've talked to and worked with countless numbers of professional musicians who have given me advice on how do to go about doing music for a living. If you'd like me to pass some of this info on, let me know, I'd be happy to do so.

Don't think about the $$$ right now. If this is what you see yourself doing, you can do it, and the money will come. Maybe not performing alone, maybe not one specific thing, but you can find a way to do music and make a living off of it.

 

[Bulk Beef]

I have a nine year old check from BMI for $2.17 hanging on my fridge, so I guess that makes me a professional.

 

[Wag]

I'm seriously considering going into music because I love it so much. If you're any kind of musician, what do you do and if you don't mind the question, about how much do you make? The only thing stopping me from plunging straight in is that most, actually almost all musicians seem to not make enough to get by with just music. So what do you think? Good area to get into or a dead end?

As a career? Yes, dead end. As a hobby, avocation, what-have you? If you love it, do it- just make sure you have someone willing to support your habbit, because you sure as hell aren't gonna make a living at it.

 

[Semidevil]

all my teachers play in an orchestra, and they complain that "they dont make enough money," that's why they have to end up teaching music in like 3 different schools a day. so that says something.

 

[johnjohn320]

Originally posted by: Wag

I'm seriously considering going into music because I love it so much. If you're any kind of musician, what do you do and if you don't mind the question, about how much do you make? The only thing stopping me from plunging straight in is that most, actually almost all musicians seem to not make enough to get by with just music. So what do you think? Good area to get into or a dead end?

As a career? Yes, dead end. As a hobby, avocation, what-have you? If you love it, do it- just make sure you have someone willing to support your habbit, because you sure as hell aren't gonna make a living at it.

Guys, I PROMISE you, I've done a lot of research into this, probably more than you, and a career in music IS very plausible, and you can make DECENT money if you just know how to plan things.

The original poster needs to be more specific about what he does (and what he wants to do), before I can give specific advice. But don't shoot someone's dreams down without knowing what you're talking about. I've dedicated about the alst 4 years of my life to figuring out a way to become a professional musician and doing everything I can to make that path realistic for myself. I don't say it to brag, but I've got the support of professional musicians telling me "you're all set kid, you're gonna do it." IT CAN BE DONE.

EDIT: If it seems like I'm up on a soapbox, I apologize, I guess I am. There are very few things I know A LOT about, and this is one of them. I've dedicated my entire life for so long to this one goal. I know what I'm talking about.

 

[thirdlegstump]

I think a good serious answer would be..

Dress up like Britney and do some teeny bubble gum pop!

 

[NorthRiver]

When I was a kid, I played the Sax and Violin. I was really good, and my instructor got me an audition with the youth philharmonic. I didn't go because I thought that I would look like a geek to everyone

I am so sorry that I didn't go. If you want to do this, I say go for it. Everyone has dreams, and who cares about money, as long as you like what you do!!!

 

[clicknext]

Originally posted by: johnjohn320

Originally posted by: Wag

I'm seriously considering going into music because I love it so much. If you're any kind of musician, what do you do and if you don't mind the question, about how much do you make? The only thing stopping me from plunging straight in is that most, actually almost all musicians seem to not make enough to get by with just music. So what do you think? Good area to get into or a dead end?

As a career? Yes, dead end. As a hobby, avocation, what-have you? If you love it, do it- just make sure you have someone willing to support your habbit, because you sure as hell aren't gonna make a living at it.

Guys, I PROMISE you, I've done a lot of research into this, probably more than you, and a career in music IS very plausible, and you can make DECENT money if you just know how to plan things.

The original poster needs to be more specific about what he does (and what he wants to do), before I can give specific advice. But don't shoot someone's dreams down without knowing what you're talking about. I've dedicated about the alst 4 years of my life to figuring out a way to become a professional musician and doing everything I can to make that path realistic for myself. I don't say it to brag, but I've got the support of professional musicians telling me "you're all set kid, you're gonna do it." IT CAN BE DONE.

EDIT: If it seems like I'm up on a soapbox, I apologize, I guess I am. There are very few things I know A LOT about, and this is one of them. I've dedicated my entire life for so long to this one goal. I know what I'm talking about.

Right now I play tenor trombone at my school in Concert Band and Jazz Band. Right now Trombone is the only instrument I play, but I'd like to start learning others too, most likely brass. I'm also in Concert Choir and Jazz Choir and I like that too, but don't think I have much talent in singing. I'm planning to start learning piano this year, but it's probably too late to be any good. Sooo... right now what I'm thinking about is going to university and playing Trombone...

I'm also interested in computers, but not as much. That's where I think I'll end up going, though. :/

 

[AlienCraft]

Been there , done that.
I am still employed in the music business,although not as a musician. The musicians I know all make 2 to 3 x what I do daily and I manage to gross over $60k annually without going on too many tours. If you're good, you'll get work. What kind of work depends on you. You can get a teaching degree and teach. Private lessons will earn you more than working in a public school. Being good will allow you to take gigs with the local union for travelling Broadway shows, etc.
The dream of writing the next "hit song" will always be there and actually, you should write as much as you can. You never know when you will write that hit. One good song can be the final paycheck you need to make. How you manage your money will be of paramount importance. Spending it partying is not a good idea.
If you're smart and good, you can come up with a good enough band to be hired for corporate parties and such and those gigs PAY $$$$.
BTW, I play guitar, bass, cello, viola, piano and I can program synths and do MIDI. I am an engineer/producer/stage tech.
Good luck to you.

 

[Doggiedog]

My sister in law went to Julliard and was the top pianist in her country at one time. She barely makes ends meet as a piano teacher.

 

[Chris A]

Everyone has dreams, and who cares about money, as long as you like what you do!!!

So true..

 

[AreaCode707]

My dad was a pro jazz pianist for 13 years. He ran a talent agency at the same time, to pay the bills. He booked everything from the Russian River Jazz Festival to cruises to county fairs. He worked with artists like Brubeck. It meant he was working every weekend evening and every holiday, and constantly worried about money. It was never enough to get by on by itself. He said that it got to the point where it was such that he no longer enjoyed the music. He released an album on a good label and it sold well, but the label folded and he never got much money from it.

He went into technical recruiting in '95, I believe, and made a much better living there. He still takes an occassional gig, and plays at church, and plays what he wants when he wants, and enjoys it much more.

Here's a nice little joke that he says is a pretty accurate representation of a musician's life.
---------------

Dear Band Leader:

We look forward to your performance at our daughter's wedding. If you
don't mind, we would like to request a few of our favorite songs. Please play
these during the reception:

A Keith Jarrett composition from his solo series. Please arrange it for
full ensemble in the key of B but nothing in 4/4 please.

Mahavishnu Orchestra, "Dance of the Maya" and please have the guitarist
play John McLaughlin's solo from the live performance Nov. 16, 1972 at
Chrysler Arena. My wife and I were at that show and we liked his use of
polyrhythms.

One of John Coltrane's duets with Pharaoh Sanders. Our guests love high
register tenor saxes.

We thought a little Stravinsky right after the toast would be nice. So
please play "The Rite of Spring." We like a tempo of about 1/4 note = 93
and transpose it down 3 half-steps - it will be so much more appropriate
for this occasion in the slightly lower register.

Then for the candle lighting ceremony, please play Frank Zappa's "The
Grand Wazoo." The original key of B flat, would be fine but my cousin Jeannie
would like to sing the baritone sax solo in the key of D - she has kind
of a high voice.

When my new son-in-law takes off the garter, please just a little of
Varese's "Ionization." It's such a funny piece, we think it would go
over real well. Much better than "The Stripper."

And for the bride & groom's first dance, please slow things down a bit
by doing Barber's "Adagio For Strings." It's so much better than "We've
Only Just Begun" or the "Anniversary Waltz."

When my wife and I join in the first dance, could you segue to Thelonius
Monk's "Ruby, My Dear" - it's in honor of my wife's grandmother whose
name was Ruby. It would mean so much to the family.

Thanks for all your help. Depending on the outcome we'll certainly be
happy to recommend your band to our friends.

We'll have your check for the fee of $250 (minus our expenses in contacting
you of $12.50) by the end of next month: we're a little short as the young
lady doing the balloon arch wanted her $1,850 in advance and the DJ had
to be paid up front his $2,500 as normal. Our daughter assured us that your
love of music was greater than your need for money, and that you would
welcome the exposure you would get from playing this wedding.

Before you leave, please feel free to ask the caterer for a snack sandwich
and a soda (the bottles are returnable or you can pay the deposit to the
butler). Please use the back entrance to avoid disturbing the guests."

 

[Wag]

EDIT: If it seems like I'm up on a soapbox, I apologize, I guess I am. There are very few things I know A LOT about, and this is one of them. I've dedicated my entire life for so long to this one goal. I know what I'm talking about.

And I don't? There are plenty of us who have studied music for years, have worked to prefect our art, and yet can barely eek a living out of it. I'm sure I'm not the only one in this thread who's followed their dream, but knows there's little or no money it it.

I'm a good Jazz/Blues musician. One of my teachers, a harmonica prodigy who teaches at Berkly School of Music here in the Boston area, makes his living mostly by doing commercial work (listen for him the the Kraft Mac & Cheese "When you're smiling" commercials). He is one of the best jazz harmonica players in the world, right up there with the greats like Toots Thielmans, and yet there are times when he can't get a gig.

Such is the life of a Jazz Musician.

 

[johnjohn320]

Originally posted by: Wag

EDIT: If it seems like I'm up on a soapbox, I apologize, I guess I am. There are very few things I know A LOT about, and this is one of them. I've dedicated my entire life for so long to this one goal. I know what I'm talking about.

And I don't? There are plenty of us who have studied music for years, have worked to prefect our art, and yet can barely eek a living out of it. I'm sure I'm not the only one in this thread who's followed their dream, but knows there's little or no money it it.

I'm a good Jazz/Blues musician. One of my teachers, a harmonica prodigy who teaches at Berkly School of Music here in the Boston area, makes his living mostly by doing commercial work (listen for him the the Kraft Mac & Cheese "When you're smiling" commercials). He is one of the best jazz harmonica players in the world, right up there with the greats like Toots Thielmans, and yet there are times when he can't get a gig.

Such is the life of a Jazz Musician.

You told him "it is a dead end job, you WILL NOT make a living out of it." That's simply not true. I don't want to get into a big argument about, I just don't think you should discourage people like that.

Let's face it, the music business can be cutthroat and risky. Becoming a music major (even music education) isn't nearly as comfortable or secure as going into say, CS or Business. But good lord, if you've got the passion and the talent, go for it! Be smart, have back-up plans. I'm going to double-major in piano performance and music education. I'm also going to take a number of Computer Science courses if I can. You can't put all your eggs in one basket, that's true. But to tell someone that they will never ever make it in the music world, without even hearing them, or even knowing what the do or want to do, that's just ludicrous!

Interesting point, the state of Illinois is so desperate for music teachers right now, that if you teach music in one of their public schools they'll give you $20,000/year toward grad school, plus your normal paycheck.