Zakeya
What do I need to do to become a successful musician?
I like playing my saxophone and would like to be a famous musician one day. But the problem is I don't know what to do or where to start to become a successful musician. I'm also looking for ways to better myself in my playing skills, mostly vibrato. This will help me a lot. #music #musician #saxophone #personal-development
7 answers
Roberto Vergara
Roberto’s Answer
I like playing my saxophone and would like to be a famous musician one day. But the problem is I don't know what to do or where to start to become a successful musician. I'm also looking for ways to better myself in my playing skills, mostly vibrato. This will help me a lot.
Hi, Listen to your favorite saxophone players to find where your heart and sound is.
Try San Gets, Coltrane, Michel Breker, david sanborn.
I can send you my sound experience to listen what my sound is like in All Instruments, covering attack vibrato bending the notes expression plus more.
My website is not available now, I am building one soon.
Do you have an e mail I will send some tracks for you..
Practice a lot but you have to know what are you practicing, so you don`t waist time, play with everybody that you can.
Success will come accordingly.
Okay thanks for the advice. I think I will be fine listening to other saxophone players and practice more. I don't think sending me any tracks is necessary. Again, I really appreciate your help!
Zakeya
Julia Vaughters
Julia’s Answer
Find a college near you and inquire about lessons. You'll either find a qualified teacher there or get good referrals. Then learn as much as you can. Practice, and get as much playing experience as you can across genres. Reliability and flexibility are key.
Good luck!
Paul Bordenkircher
Paul’s Answer
Find out who is the best person in town on your instrument. Take lessons from them. The idea is if he/she is that good, they always have more work than they can handle. So what happens often is they will recommend one of their students they know can do the job. Now you've got a recommendation from the best person in town, and you're starting to make connections. Start in Flint, then should you move elsewhere, look for major cities and do the same there.
Hope that helps!
Bryan Smith
Bryan’s Answer
Tim McClung
Tim’s Answer
Find someone to provide lessons (College, private teacher, etc.). Practice, practice, practice. I would also listen to some great saxophone players.
Mandy Reid
Mandy’s Answer
First: Find a private lesson teacher. If your school director cannot recommend someone, then check at local colleges and/or universities. You might need to help pay for your lessons. so be willing to work to help pay for the lessons. (babysit, wash cars, mow lawns). Take ownership for your lessons. Do not miss a scheduled unless it is absolutely necessary. Learn to be reliable now. The best musicians, not only play and perform well, but they can also be counted on.
Along with that-Arrive early to all of your practices and performances. Be the first there! Begin to cultivate this attribute now. I have worked with even college-aged students and professional adults who are NOT on time and reliable! What a pain!
Practice A LOT. When you aren't practicing, someone else is! Don't just play through your songs, starting at the beginning and going to the end. Work each section. Pull a piece apart to learn to play it!
Really spend time to work on technique...yes, I mean scales and exercises. They should take up most of your practice time each day. Learn to see this as being just as fun as playing your songs.
Perform at recitals and competitions, especially the solo competitions which your school district is involved. Use the judges critiques to improve.
Record yourself often and listen to yourself. Become your own best critic!
Attend as many musical events as you can, to hear classical, jazz, musical theater, dance and even pop music. A well-rounded musician is a better musician.
Learn to play the piano! This is a must! If you get a music degree, you must learn some piano and you must pass a piano proficiency exam....even if you are in band and/or orchestra. Also, if you play the piano, even if at beginning-intermediate level, you will more quickly learn your pieces...especially those pieces which have piano accompaniment.
You might consider singing in a choir. You need to see your sax as a "voice" so that it will "talk" when you play. So, your singing will only benefit your instrument playing.
If your school offers it, take a music theory class before college. This will help prepare you for the classes you will take in college.
Listen to A LOT of music! And for sure as many saxophonists as you can!!
If you love music and have amazing skills, that is only part of becoming a professional musician. Know that most musicians are not "famous" although as a musician you will be able to affect many people in a positive way. Do not become a musician so that others can admire you, but so that you can change others lives and help them feel something greater than themselves. Do not count on being famous and making a lot of money. Most musicians do not have a lot of money. I'm a musician, and 2 of my children are musicians/opera singers, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Music is in our soul!! It is our passion! And as for money, we have plenty for our needs.
Sammy Davenport
Sammy’s Answer
Find a great teacher, practice ALOT, return phone calls, show up early to gigs, network and pray for some luck