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can i live from music?

I

Ingratil

Jun 13, 2011
81
1
#1
So I'm 15 and have been playing bass for a little less then one year, but I have e big doubt, can I realistically make enough money from bass to live?
and is studying music in the university a good idea? Or should I just keep it as a hobby?

Thanks
 
#7
my opinion, if you really want to make money in music is to go to school for business or law. Learn how to sell yourself, your music, and entertain an audience. Learn how to read and write contracts.

You don't make a lot of money just on the basis that you are a good musician (in the avenue you want to go at least).
 
#8
There is not a solid 'yes' or 'no' answer that us strangers on the Internets can give you. It's possible to make a living playing bass full time, but you would need to meet at least some of the following criteria: market yourself well (especially if wanting to be studio sesson bassist), have top level talent or at least be entertaining if not so talented, be willing to play a wide variety of styles, live in an area where the music scene has paying opportunities, be willing to teach lessons and/or classes, gain advanced skills in studio production, sing well, be careful about contracts, learn other instruments in addition to bass, get lucky with right band like Michael Anthony did, etc.

College would probably be most useful if you plan to teach music. Otherwise, it's a toss up.

Personally I chose a career in engineering/science since there is demand beyond the supply of people. That way I could be creative and record weird music in my free time without worrying about the marketability of any of it. On the other hand, a full time musician can have some creative freedom and 'anything goes' side projects as long as the gigs that pay are taken seriously.
 
#12
You can make a living playing music with some talent and luck. I live in a rural area and there aren't a hell of a lot who make it from just playing gigs. Those who do seem to have multiple bands they play with and many of these supplement their income by teaching as well. I would imagine it is a little easier in bigger cities, but I would bet that the competition for quality (high paying) gigs is brutal.
 
#13
Another thing to think about are benefits. I am 47 and have been playing for a living for years, but have no retirement fund, or health insurance. Huge things to consider when you are heaving health issues. If I were to do it all over again I would have gotten a degree in music eduacation and performed on the side. But weigh all options and keep an open mind.
 
#14
AwkwardLoudness said:
There is not a solid 'yes' or 'no' answer that us strangers on the Internets can give you. It's possible to make a living playing bass full time, but you would need to meet at least some of the following criteria: market yourself well (especially if wanting to be studio sesson bassist), have top level talent or at least be entertaining if not so talented, be willing to play a wide variety of styles, live in an area where the music scene has paying opportunities, be willing to teach lessons and/or classes, gain advanced skills in studio production, sing well, be careful about contracts, learn other instruments in addition to bass, get lucky with right band like Michael Anthony did, etc.

College would probably be most useful if you plan to teach music. Otherwise, it's a toss up.

Personally I chose a career in engineering/science since there is demand beyond the supply of people. That way I could be creative and record weird music in my free time without worrying about the marketability of any of it. On the other hand, a full time musician can have some creative freedom and 'anything goes' side projects as long as the gigs that pay are taken seriously.
Click to expand...

You can not go wrong with educating yourself on the instrument. At 15, I would get private lessons, and cover things other that how to play the latest song from your most favorite group. To get paying gigs, you will need to be versed in multiple styles -as mentioned above - as well as in reading music and chord charts. If you decide to go the college route, you will then have the foundation you will need to do your auditions for college. A good teacher will know about this preparation process.

At your age, get involved with as many groups as you can at school: jazz band, pit orchestra, even some marching bands have bass players in their Front Ensembles. Do something other than just rock bands. You always hear jokes about bass players that "have no time"...this comes from playing alone, or just one style of music too much. You can't replicate the skills you will learn by playing with other people in different situations anywhere else

The other thing about lessons/college/playing in many different ens. etc is that you will make connections that will elevate you to the next level. You will get gigs with other non-bassist musicians who can be referels to other gigs/buisness opporotunities.

It is up to you to to decide how serious you want to be, and also to define "success". I make a living doing music, but I am not "rich" in the mainstream American way. Most people would say I was poor, but I live in a safe neighborhood, I eat, I have friends, and I get to play every day of my life through teaching and gigs. I redefined "success" and happiness to what I do, not what I have...
 
#15
I think the best is to keep it more then a hobby, less then a life. Maybe Minor in music at a university, and take something else. Take lessons and learn as much as you can, play as much as you can and never stop.

The problem is as a sessionist, i doubt you will be able to make that a living until you have been doing it long enough to be known for it, so until then you'll have to have some other flexible job.

I would think something half and half would be best for the first decade or so until your well known, and then you can choice which half you like best.
I mean you can always form a rock band and become famous, that happens. But i know lots of guys in 'signed' bands, and they all still have jobs because you cant tour all year every year, and you don't really make that much money to live off of.

Good luck!
 
#16
My son has a degree in music; he plays seven days a week and teaches part time. He has no insurance or benefits. Where I live a guy who drives a community bus part time makes more than my son (much more) and has benefits.

My son's wife also has a music degree and stars in a show on the Pittsburgh stage. She is only able to pay the interest on her college loan and has barely made a dent in the principal after a few years of payments.

Together they can barely afford to get by and there is no home ownership in their near future.

I'm not saying that you can't make a decent living off music, it's possible. But it's a tough business and you have to go into it with your eyes open.
 
#18
Peanut butter?
My buddies who make a living in music all have music degrees and
teach college/university Berklee ETC. full time.
I tried years ago and ended broke.
You have probaly heard this before"There is no money in the Arts"
Bass hobbyist.
 
#19
5StringBlues said:
What's your position on Ramen noodles?
Click to expand...

+1

And when you want to splurge you choose anything you want from the McDonalds dollar menu.

When I was younger I made my living for two years by playing the bars around Washington and Oregon. I had a lot of fun, drank way too much, and after two years had nothing in the bank and had my fill of Top Ramen. I still play now and then but prefer writing & recording. Both of which I do for me and not money. You have to decide how much you want to do it. You can make a living at it, but for most of us not much of one.
 

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