Varied gigs

[BryanM]

I've only just recently started playing seriously, working daily on my technique and learning to sight-read and such. I was wondering what everyone's opinion on playing out with as many outfits as possible is? I pretty much do 5-6 open stage jams a week, including everything from a mostly black jazz club to a country bar in the boondocks, and play with two bands, but I don't have aspirations to really play out with a band. I think my ultimate goal is to be a session musician and just play as much as I can. Do you think it will help or hurt playing such varied techniques and styles with limited focus?

[jackthestripper]

the more music you play the better.

[HaVIC5]

I think thats the best thing you could possibly do if your goal is to get the most work as possible as a session cat or freelancer. Being not only technical proficient but significantly experienced in as many genres as possible will hold many doors open for you down the road.

[Marcury]

Originally Posted by jackthestripper

the more music you play the better.

Originally Posted by HaVIC5

I think thats the best thing you could possibly do if your goal is to get the most work as possible as a session cat or freelancer. Being not only technical proficient but significantly experienced in as many genres as possible will hold many doors open for you down the road.

+1 to both.

Play as much as you can. Practice and learning is crucial but IME live playing really gets your chops together. Just make sure that your time is solid!

[BellBottomBlues]

Playing with live musicians, particularly good musicians, is infinitely better than sitting at home practicing. Play out as much as you can, play as many styles as you can, don't let up.

To get a studio job as a session player you're going to need to audition each and every time until your name gets big enough where your volume of work speaks for you. Its important to maintain playing with musicians in a live setting to keep your chops up. It also allows people to get to know you, who might want to hire you out, and more often than not puts some more money in your pocket.

[Michael Case]

I agree with everything said. Versatility is the key to freelancing.