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I am making the big move. Advice

8

89JazzMan

Sep 10, 2009
77
0
Various
#1
I know you guys hear this all the time. I apologize if I beat a dead horse with any of these questions.

I am making the jump to try and play bass for a living. I know I have a long and difficult road ahead of me. These questions are not about the playing or the gear.

1. I do not have a major city or genre in mind. I want to work as a bass player no matter what genre or town. Do any of you have any suggestions as to what cities or towns would be best for this sort of situation.

2. I am completely aware that I will have to have a non music job to pay the bills. (I am currently a 26 year old band director with a mortgage, a car, all that good stuff...so I am not completely clueless) How are the job markets in cities or surrounding areas?

3. What (unless I am way off here) would you include in a press packet or resume? I have a lot of experience gigging with jazz groups and colleges but really nothing that says "Wow this guy played with...insert name drop"

4. I have a passion for this instrument and how it can move people that may not even realize what they are hearing. I always have. That is stated by a ton of people but I cannot see myself being anything other than a bass player. I have been playing for 12 years now and the more I learn...the more I want to know. I have to know. I don't want to be famous or rich...not in the least...Is playing this wonderful instrument really at this point a smart career move?

I thank you so very very much for any information. I would also be very interested in online lessons if you give them or even a few e-mail swaps just to pick your brains. I have so much respect and questions and awe for what you players do.

Is it all up to luck and breaks or do you make your own luck?
I have a work ethic...I just don't know where and how to start.
 
#3
I'll answer some, others can help:

1) LA/Nashville/NY/Seattle/SF/Chicago/Portland in that order. My opinion only.
2) dunno, really
3) not sure, never done one
4) The only smart career move to make is one that is driven by passion and ambition.
 
#4
Well, I would say to not limit yourself to the idea of having to move somewhere else to work. I do a consistent amount of work locally where I am, travel, and sometimes even do "eSessions" from the little town I live in. I'm sure there is more to be had for me in LA, but no one there knows me from Adam a this point (yet!!) I hasn't been terrible for me to become a bit of a big fish in a small pond, and then become a big fish in another small pond, and another, etc...
 
#5
Moreso, kind of point being, you get "there" by always being a guy that people like to work with, and you never know what "little guy" is gonna hook you up with a bigger job!! All of my national connections to artists and producers and cool people have all come from the smallest of unexpected conversations.
 
#7
Thank you all so much for the replies and information!!! I am so happy that this forum exists so that all who love the bass can share their knowledge. I only hope that one day I can help a young wet behind the ears bass player myself.

I cannot thank you enough. I would enjoy thousands of more responses!!!!!!
 

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