I kinda feel like I'm practicing for nothing right now

[clay10]

I think I'm a pretty good bass player based on how long I have been playing and my teacher has given me some pretty good compliments. I would like to make the bass my proffesion and occupation but I'm not sure if that will like gimme enough money for a living... I don't want to teach or something like that I'd rather be in a popular band(probably not gonna be thaat popular) or something like that so I'm wondering if someone could give me hope and tell me what some things I could do with the bass because I've been practicing a whole lot and the chances of me joining a good band are one in a thousand. If I get another occupation then playing the bass would be a waste(I don't care about getting all those compliments and I don't like playing by myself).

[bikeplate]

HI

So you dont want to play unless you are guaranteed a living or becoming a star? Is that what you are saying?

In other words, not gonna even try?

Interesting

"it is better to have loved and lost, then to not have loved at all!!"
(dont know who said it so I put it in quotes, LOL)

Think about it

Rob

[spencer]

Keep bass as a hobby. You don't have to be as great as people thing with all their fancy technique to play in a band. Just have fun and find a good job that allows hours off untill you find a band. When you find a band make sure you get along with everyone and number one you have FUN. Then you guys might get gigs.

For me when I can't play with a band I just grab a bunch of CD'S and hook em up to some loud speakers and just jam. I actually have tons of fun jumping off of things doing weird moves. Yea I know im weird.

[jonny 290]

Whatever your love is, don't make a career out of it.

I loved and had great fun with computers as a kid, till I got a job working on them. now I hate them and can't wait to get home and get away from the PC.

On the bass tip - I'm a terrible bass player (super beginner), will never ever go on stage in a proper band, may get a total of ten people in the world to download my mp3's, but I'm playing for myself and myself only, and so far the audience approves.

Originally Posted by clay10

I think I'm a pretty good bass player based on how long I have been playing and my teacher has given me some pretty good compliments. I would like to make the bass my proffesion and occupation but I'm not sure if that will like gimme enough money for a living... I don't want to teach or something like that I'd rather be in a popular band(probably not gonna be thaat popular) or something like that so I'm wondering if someone could give me hope and tell me what some things I could do with the bass because I've been practicing a whole lot and the chances of me joining a good band are one in a thousand. If I get another occupation then playing the bass would be a waste(I don't care about getting all those compliments and I don't like playing by myself).

Play/Practice with others for the joy of playing Bass and making music. Fame and fortune may or may not come but if you really love Bass it shouldn't matter. Best of luck to you in finding a good band to play with.

George

[SnakeAnthony]

I'm somewhere similar.

I'm 15, a freshman in Highschool. Music is my thing. Its what I do, its what I love. Not just bass, but guitar, piano, vocals, Bass is just what I love doing the most, and what I consider myself the best at.

I want to go to collage and study music (theory, as well as music production), and my goal is to make money playing music. But often I come upon those feelings of doubt, watching so many people try and not succede. But in reality, its just something you have to try, and if you fail, try again. Regardless of how good you are, the music buisness is going to kick your ass for a long time, its just the nature of the beast.

And the cool thing about music, is how many oppourtunities there are. For an upfront investment of $4-5,000, you could afford to build a home studio. This would not only save you the cost of recording yourself and your band in someone else's studio, you could charge others to record there. Find work in professional music studios if the home studio isn't an option. Search out for runs as a studio bassist. If need be, teach some lessons while you work your way through it.

You just gotta look at it as though there's more room for some success, if just any at all, then there is room for failure.

[spade2you]

As much as I love bass, I don't know if I'd want to rely on it for money. I don't know too many professional musicians that can order the top notch gear without rare chance of endorsements.

Where I'm located, the only chance of making ANY money is playing generic covers in a cover band. In that realm, you do what you're told and the odds of standing out in the band is slim because the siner and lead guitarist usually get all the glory. Even then, most of those guys gotta teach a lot of lessons to put food on the table.

[mlowe]

Music is sometimes like junk food, people want it knowing that it's crap. There are so many awesome musicians out there that sadly have trouble getting gigs. In one sense each to their own and music is all about taste and variety, but on the other hand we are forced to listen to some real disposable junk.

I remember watching a documentary about jazz musicians and seeing this jazz veteran saying "if you love your music the money will come anyway". That comment has never left my mind.

I also remember readin about Marcus Miller having his old neighbourhood friends say he got a lucky break. Like it couldn't have been his talent and years of practice......

Robert Trujillo from Infectious grooves and now metallica was bagged for being a crap bass player, personally I think he's one seriously killer player. Maybe even too technically good for metallica.

The only thing that stops people reaching their goals is fear, lack of commitment or thy don't really want it.

Every bass player in the world was average at some stage.

The only thing stopping you is your desicion to do it or not do it. Take a look at Tal Wilkenfeld, only playing for a few years and now kicking it out.

[Dr. Cheese]

Originally Posted by clay10

I think I'm a pretty good bass player based on how long I have been playing and my teacher has given me some pretty good compliments. I would like to make the bass my proffesion and occupation but I'm not sure if that will like gimme enough money for a living... I don't want to teach or something like that I'd rather be in a popular band(probably not gonna be thaat popular) or something like that so I'm wondering if someone could give me hope and tell me what some things I could do with the bass because I've been practicing a whole lot and the chances of me joining a good band are one in a thousand. If I get another occupation then playing the bass would be a waste(I don't care about getting all those compliments and I don't like playing by myself).

I don't know how much you read TB, but when you are not practicing, check out the personal information, websites, and Myspace pages, of the players who post here. There are a bunch of very successful players who post here, and you need to see the various ways they make a living through the bass. Another hint, don't knock teaching. The number of great bassists (I mean really famous) who teach will likely surprise you.

Finally, getting in a successful band is great, but it is likely the least likely route to music success. Practice, get your skills together, meet musicians, and study the industry. That way you will have a much better idea of what your options in music can be. Also, if you are academically inclined get in college. A good, formal education never hurt anybody.

[spade2you]

Speaking of going to school for music.....

Not that I'm bashing doing that, but I know a lot of people who liked music, but not enough to be motivated enough to put up with the abuse of being a music major.

Without serious grants or scholarships, it can be hard to pay off the expensive student loans with a great income after graduation.

Most of the music majors I know end up teaching lessons and playing in cover bands....or working at Wal-Mart.

[Swift713]

I've been playing for 24 years. I've been in a few bands, never made money, and done some studio work for friends for free. I get frustrated, thinking I'm going nowhere. Sometimes it's hard to stay inspired with no venue and no band. On the other hand, sometimes music is the only thing that keeps me "sane." Music wants to be heard it's true, but expression cannot depend on an audience. We were all raised in this environment of popular culture where a select few artists are household names but before a couple hundred years ago musicians were predominantly anonymous and most people played for themselves and their families.

[chris_nairn]

Don't stress so much. If you like playing, play. Get to be the best you can be or you will have no chance of making it a profession. If it never becomes your profession that's ok. Do what you have to do to make it a possibility and don't give up playing if you love it!!!

This may or may not be helpful but James Murphy(LCD Soundsystem) is now 36 or 37. He only got signed a few years ago and is now becoming a pop star. He never gave up. He lived the only way he thought he should and that was constantly working on his craft and touring non-stop. It is now paying off for him. You might not want to go about it that way but it can be inspirational to think about. I wish I had done that.

I quit playing for a number of years and now I am right back playing and my playing has suffered. I have forgotten tons of theory, I don't have the endurance or the dexterity or even the patience I used to. Plus, my hands now cramp from playing. I am practicing quite a bit these days and hopefully I can get back in top form. If you love it don't let this happen to you.

And remember you can play bass no matter what you do for a profession. Some guys are into golf, bowling or poker. Your thing can be to play in a band during your free time.

Good luck.