Ive always considered moving to NYC, but the reality of it always seemed overwhelming, especially compared to the rather comfortable existence Ive managed to carve out for myself here in Denver. But Im increasingly frustrated by the lack of opportunity for my own musical and career development; to few venues, no interested audience, to many BS musicians. Theres not really anyone here that I want to study with that I havent already, and pretty much the came thing can be said about playing (not that there arent much better players here then me, by any means, but most of them got there stuff together elsewhere.) Anyway, Im sure I dont have to justify why moving to NYC is something any serious musician should consider (especially those with a largely jazz based background).
Perhaps some of you already there could enlighten me as to whats its like as a bassist there and alleviate my concerns, Ill be more apt to give it a go. I have a few specific questions:
1. Is it possibly to make a living on the bass without being a name player like Harvie S or John Patitucci? Is there really any sort of professional class of musicians who can make a living in such an expensive city? Or do you all have day jobs?
2. The word out here is that typical gigs in NYC pay about the same as they do here ($75-100 for a club date, maybe $150-250 for a private event). Im sure there are gigs that go way beyond that in NYC, but things you can do on daily or at least weekly basis.
3. How do you get to your gigs? I can see taking the bass alone on the subway but what if you are doubling on electric or need to bring an amp, even a small one? Are musicians some of the few NYers that have cars and actually drive into Manhattan to play gigs? I have never had a satisfactory answer on this, so let me know what you do.
4. Is it possible to teach privately? I found a huge hole in the teaching field for myself here in Denver and consider myself an ideal teacher for almost any student on electric or acoustic bass, but with so many great players around in NYC why would you want to study with someone who wasnt seriously established? Or are there lots of students for all?
Any other advice very seriously appreciated, pros or cons. Talk me into staying here, it would be so much easier. Also, if the basses and I can crash on your couch for, say, the first two years, that would really help as well.
Perhaps some of you already there could enlighten me as to whats its like as a bassist there and alleviate my concerns, Ill be more apt to give it a go. I have a few specific questions:
1. Is it possibly to make a living on the bass without being a name player like Harvie S or John Patitucci? Is there really any sort of professional class of musicians who can make a living in such an expensive city? Or do you all have day jobs?
2. The word out here is that typical gigs in NYC pay about the same as they do here ($75-100 for a club date, maybe $150-250 for a private event). Im sure there are gigs that go way beyond that in NYC, but things you can do on daily or at least weekly basis.
3. How do you get to your gigs? I can see taking the bass alone on the subway but what if you are doubling on electric or need to bring an amp, even a small one? Are musicians some of the few NYers that have cars and actually drive into Manhattan to play gigs? I have never had a satisfactory answer on this, so let me know what you do.
4. Is it possible to teach privately? I found a huge hole in the teaching field for myself here in Denver and consider myself an ideal teacher for almost any student on electric or acoustic bass, but with so many great players around in NYC why would you want to study with someone who wasnt seriously established? Or are there lots of students for all?
Any other advice very seriously appreciated, pros or cons. Talk me into staying here, it would be so much easier. Also, if the basses and I can crash on your couch for, say, the first two years, that would really help as well.
