Anyone make their living by playing music only?

[RyRob813]

Want to go to college for music performance, bass guitar primary instrument. Parents naturally are leery about if I'm really going to be able to make a living from playing music, and I'm not entirely sure myself.

I'm not too big on the idea of teaching, I just like performing way too much. From the current students and mentors of mine I've talked to so far about this issue, what I've gathered is that in order to make any kind of living from playing music, the most important thing is networking- the more people you know in an area's music scene, the more calls you'll get for more jobs. I have very good organizational and social skills, so meeting people and getting my information across is never really a problem for me.

Does anyone here make their living soley by playing music? If so, are there any other points to this kind of lifestyle I should know about? And also, where do you work/gig, and how did you get to that point? Is there anything I can do while in college to prepare for life after graduation?

Also, if all goes well I hope to attend McNally Smith School of Music in Minnesota, and my private instructor has told me to plan to stay in that area after I graduate. Is anyone familiar with the area's music scene, and if so, above questions apply here too!

Thanks!!!

[tycobb73]

I would think majoring in business and getting a good teacher would serve you better. No one asked Mke Dirnt where he went to college. I used to take lessons from a guy who graduated from Berkley (sp?). He plays in a local band that on its own can't support itself. At least with a business education you'll be wiser in the business side of being a musician.

[fretless Bob]

i dont know how many of us work just gig and record to earn our living but i bet there are tons that work in music related jobs, a buddy of mine works in a studio, he started off just being a go-for but now he engineers plays on tracks, gigs 2 or 3 times a week, and he gets loads of sub gigs from his job.


Dave

[justabass]

Full time for 10 years...But this is a great part of the country to do it.

[ryco]

A recommendation I would make to you would be to learn to sing lead if performance is your goal. The more skills you can lend to live band situation the more work you'll have available to you. Also it's more enjoyable to be in bands if you have some say in the songlist and singers have the most say because, obviously, they're fronting the tunes. At least learn strong backup vocal skills if you aren't comfortable with lead vocals.

My wife and I both made our living playing in bands for years. She played in cover bands for years and was able to make a very good living. Her skill set was lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keys as well as the ability to show others their vocal parts. I played in cover bands for a few years but lacked the vocal skills, although I could sing backups and hold parts. It was a little frustrating not being able to bring in songs I liked because I couldn't sing lead. Also I only play bass and I lost a lot of opportunities for being so specialized. We made enough to buy a house and live very comfortably.

The last years I wrote and toured in original bands which was artistically challenging and satisfying, but the financial rewards weren't as stable. Feast and famine. The bands never broke big, but I learned a lot. Did a fair amount of studio work and had some adventures.

A couple of options as a performer are to move to a large metro music area; LA, NY, Nashville and try your luck. The more music opportunities around the better your chances at getting into professional music situations - studio work, touring or finding ppl to form a like-minded musical project.

Or you can stay local and make a living playing covers. Or you may want to form a band. If you want to form and original band there are lots of things you can do to increase your viability. You can work for promoters and agents doing posters and odd jobs. You can get together with other bands you like and set up shows. You can work for other bands or sound and light companies as a roadie. Just keep your fingers in the musical pie. Hang out at shows and meet other musicians and techs. Go to shows and introduce yourself to other players. Get known. Get a reputation as good player. Jam a lot with others.

Lifestyle tips would include not getting too wasted. Get plenty of good sleep and exercise. Eat semi decent. Work hard, play hard. Don't feel you have to try every substance or drink 'til you puke just to fit in. Know your limits. By all means have fun - just use common sense. My thought was always to ask myself "How is the decision I'm making now gonna effect my tomorrow?". Will I feel good enough to practice or write or play well or am I only gonna feel well enough to get through?

And don't dis teaching. My wife and I retired from daily professional playing and moved away from the big city (I told you were comfortable!) and all that. With my wife's skills she has set up a very successful teaching situation in this small town. She turns away as many students as she has. We were both surprised how many ppl want to learn music or have their kids learn. And she can name her own price, work as much or as little as she wants. And she loves her students and finds teaching very rewarding.

Sorry this post is so long, but you asked a lot of questions and I'm trying to give you as much info as I can think of for all your points.
The stuff that has served me well and observations as what you may want to avoid.

[RyRob813]

Hey guys, thanks for all the feedback, much appreciated.

I actually phrased my question wrong. What I should've asked was if anyone made their living through the music bussiness only. I'm definetely not totally opposed to teaching. I'm only opposed to being a music teacher in a school. As far as just giving private lessons, yea, that's definetely something I'd do.

So what I gather is that the main things performers that aren't huge rockstars do to make ends meet would include- Producing, Roadie, studio work, soundman work, teach, and do session playing for recording artists.

These are actually all things I've thought about. I'd love to go on the road and tech bass, that'd be a blast. You're still on tour, right? I'm not too hip with the new recording equipment, but after taking some tech courses in my last year in high school and then in college as well, I should know enough to get into that a little bit. I'm actually also probably going to minor in Music Business or Production, both areas I've heard have a little more cash opportunities. Session playing is also something I'd like to. I love playing, I love recording.

So would I be safe in saying it's definetely possible to make a living (just for myself for probably a good while,) while not straying too from from the music business?

Thanks again for the feedback!

[AlembicPlayer]

I work in the music business and play in three projects.
For me, using ALL of my skills is what it takes for me to pay my way since none of the bands I'm in are paying the bills. I am a sound engineer, guitar/bass and backline tech. I have house gigs and go on the road as well. It's fun and keeps me in the flow of the business. I've made solid contacts in the business and thru my work ethic, have been given many cool opportunities.
The way I look at it is like this...
I serve the muse, either by playing(channeling) the music, OR i assist others in that process. Either way, I'm doing what I was meant to do and having a fun life. And yes, It pays my way

good luck on your quest!!

[RyRob813]

Originally Posted by AlembicPlayer

I work in the music business and play in three projects.
For me, using ALL of my skills is what it takes for me to pay my way since none of the bands I'm in are paying the bills. I am a sound engineer, guitar/bass and backline tech. I have house gigs and go on the road as well. It's fun and keeps me in the flow of the business. I've made solid contacts in the business and thru my work ethic, have been given many cool opportunities.
The way I look at it is like this...
I serve the muse, either by playing(channeling) the music, OR i assist others in that process. Either way, I'm doing what I was meant to do and having a fun life. And yes, It pays my way

good luck on your quest!!

And I'm ready! Thanks for the feedback, it's nice to hear that people actually are living this lifestyle!

[Yooper Bass]

I think it's cool that you are considering McNally Smith I am as well. My mother's family all lives in the St. Paul-Minneapolis area. My cousin went to McNally Smith, he dropped out as a soph. but after he gets a teaching degree he will be going back. His stories about it was that it was a totally awesome experience. He talked about how his guitar knowledge absolutely exploded during his first year. He also said it was really easy to find great musicians in the school to form a band. At McNally Smith there are no tests, the gigs that your professors get you are the tests, you practice with your band but you also have to take the normal math, reading etc. at a seperate college not far away.

Staying in the area after college would be very important because you had 4 years to establish yourself in the music scene.

Minnesota doesn't have an explosive music scene and certainly isn't a music mecca such as LA, NY, Nashville, etc. But the sister cities are both very large and it isn't dog-eat-dog in terms of getting gigs.

I would also say that networking is one of the most important things about being successful as a musician. It's good that you have no problem with that because that makes life a litle easier.

I hope I helped and if there are any more questions I can always ask my cousin, but I don't live in Minnesota, I live in Wisconsin, so it might take awhile to get the emails and such, rather then just seeing him.

[Dave Martin]

My living is all music related, though no longer strictly from playing music. I play live gigs and do session, but I also engineer, produce own a studio, and run a small record label. Oh - I also write equipment reviews for a couple of the audio magazines....

And to help my cause, please feel free to check out the label's projects at: http://cdbaby.com/group/cuppajoerecords There are a couple of different styles of music...

[John Wentzien]

ME___ but I sure aint gettin' rich---took a lot of years of struggle to get there....You've got to do what ever it takes to support your "music habit"..

[Stumpy]

If you are going to study music performance take the extra classes and get your Ed degree at the same time. You will be able to work right after college and still do what you love.

Have you thought about the fact that you will be learning Double Bass as well. In fact most schools make you learn dbl bass and you get to play the electric from time to time.

Pros:
1. You get to teach (share what you know) full time
2. The school year, most places, is about 187 days a year
3. You get all of the holidays that you did as a student
4. Full bene's
5. Work all day in music and get paid for it
6. If you get your degree in certain states your credential will cross over to nearly ever yother state without an issue

Cons:
1. It is hard work getting through both programs
2. You have to jump through a bazillion hoops to get through
3. It costs more because of the ed stuff...
4. You have to learn all of the instruments

Now if your folks are helping with the $$$ you just go as an music education major because you will have nearly all the same benes of the perf degree without most of the pressure.

At the schools I have checked into the music ed major is require to take all of the same theory classes, performance classes, lessons, etc. and they DO NOT HAVE the pressure of being the very best that there is and ... yahdah.

Just a thought.

[RADUB1]

Hey guys...just my input here. I have seen a lot of people say to go the larger "Mecca's" of music to try to make it (Nashville, LA, etc.) From my experience, that is not the best advice. Remember, if you go to Nashville, you become one-in-a-million trying to make it. Its all about supply and Demand...and eventhough there is a TON of Demand...there tends to me be more than adequate supply, andmost willing to play for next to nothing. I have a dear friend in Nashville who is arguably, one o fthe best drummers in the US (IMHO) and is struggling to make ends meet. In those cities, it is about WHO you know, not what you know. If your only desire is to be a "Pro-Musician" and be able to pay the bills by playing music, you have a much better chance in a smaller market than in a larger. That is just my observations and I am sure there are people here who know a helluva lot more than me. Good luck with your choice!

[Matt Dean]

I played full time pro until I was 31... but only had to support myself. When I found myself with a family, I soon found myself back in school learning a new trade. I don't know if its any easier now to break into the big time, but in the late 70s and early 80s, I found it hard to break through to the big time.

[thebige]

Originally Posted by RADUB1

Hey guys...just my input here. I have seen a lot of people say to go the larger "Mecca's" of music to try to make it (Nashville, LA, etc.) From my experience, that is not the best advice. Remember, if you go to Nashville, you become one-in-a-million trying to make it. Its all about supply and Demand...and even though there is a TON of Demand...there tends to me be more than adequate supply, and most willing to play for next to nothing. I have a dear friend in Nashville who is arguably, one of the best drummers in the US (IMHO) and is struggling to make ends meet. In those cities, it is about WHO you know, not what you know. If your only desire is to be a "Pro-Musician" and be able to pay the bills by playing music, you have a much better chance in a smaller market than in a larger. That is just my observations and I am sure there are people here who know a helluva lot more than me. Good luck with your choice!

+10

Case in point.

There is a bass player who lives in Lincoln Ne, (Andy Hall) who is a Jazz monster that could probably go toe to toe with anybody out in those "Mecca's". My bass teacher asked him a while back why he didn't go to one of those places to make it. His response came down to this:

Lincoln is a nice place to live (a medium - smallish city with a small town feel) and...

Lower cost of living,
Lower Cost of living,
Lower Cost of living

Oh, did I mention lower cost of living...

Gigging dollars go a lot further out in the heartland than in one of those "Mecca's". From what I hear he's doing fine just with gigs.

E

[RyRob813]

Originally Posted by Matt Dean

I played full time pro until I was 31... but only had to support myself. When I found myself with a family, I soon found myself back in school learning a new trade. I don't know if its any easier now to break into the big time, but in the late 70s and early 80s, I found it hard to break through to the big time.

This is a big factor for me. I know everyone over 30 here is gonna say I'll change my mind, and it is possible, but honestly I'm a loner. My parents have thoroughly scared me out of marriage for most of my life, and kids are great...as long as I can give them back. So as far as I can see, for at least the next 10 years or possibly more, I'm only going to have to worry about myself.

As far as going big time goes, it's hard to say weather or not I'm really going to try to "make it" right now. If I get hooked up with guys with similar musical interests as me who have some killer tunes then absolutely, but if that doesn't happen, no huge loss.

[ryco]

Originally Posted by RADUB1

I have seen a lot of people say to go the larger "Mecca's" of music to try to make it. From my experience, that is not the best advice. ...you have a much better chance in a smaller market than in a larger. That is just my observations and I am sure there are people here who know a helluva lot more than me. Good luck with your choice!

I know there are no absolute guarantees in music, as well as the rest of life.

Having said that. I have two aquaintances, who hardly played bass at all, that DID move to a major music metro area and are now full fledged pop stars. How'd they do it? They hung around the scene, went to shows, met like minded cohorts and got lucky. Did they practice a ton, learn theory, play out a lot? No.

Did they live the lifestyle, hang at shows, almost die as a result. Yes.

It doesn't help just to move there. You have to network and PROMOTE yourself.

I don't tnecessarily recommend this method, I didn't do it, but it is possible. They got the money - I learned how to play and write. I wouldn't trade one for the other*.

My point is by hanging around a big music scene and getting your face out there you can increase your chances of [insert label here].

You don't have to become a big time star to make a very comfortable living in the music biz though.
Either way, it really helps to get out there and promote yourself and your skills no matter what your endeavor.

* It's interesting to me that even though they achieved a lot financially and have all the time in the world, I don't think they took lessons or have shown any musical improvement live since thier bands first became famous. That floors me! I don't even know whether or not it is them actually playing on their albums. If I had that kind of time and bread I'd be pestering every studio pro I could find. That, to me, would be such a great opportunity! To each his own, I guess. No sour grapes from me!

peace out

[ric1312]

Originally Posted by RyRob813

Want to go to college for music performance, bass guitar primary instrument. Parents naturally are leery about if I'm really going to be able to make a living from playing music, and I'm not entirely sure myself.

I'm not too big on the idea of teaching, I just like performing way too much. From the current students and mentors of mine I've talked to so far about this issue, what I've gathered is that in order to make any kind of living from playing music, the most important thing is networking- the more people you know in an area's music scene, the more calls you'll get for more jobs. I have very good organizational and social skills, so meeting people and getting my information across is never really a problem for me.

Does anyone here make their living soley by playing music? If so, are there any other points to this kind of lifestyle I should know about? And also, where do you work/gig, and how did you get to that point? Is there anything I can do while in college to prepare for life after graduation?

Also, if all goes well I hope to attend McNally Smith School of Music in Minnesota, and my private instructor has told me to plan to stay in that area after I graduate. Is anyone familiar with the area's music scene, and if so, above questions apply here too!

Thanks!!!

I have guitarist buddy who went to music school and makes his living between teaching and playing in a few different bands with paid gigs.