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How do i play music professionally
#music #music-performance #career
I play percussion, and I mostly prefer to play timpani and mallet percussion. I work well with reading sheet music, and I can play band, jazz, classical, and various types of world music. I'm curious about how I would go about joining a professional band setting, like a pit orchestra or tour band
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Daniel Lopez Zepeda
social and environmental responsibility and professional jazz guitar player
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Daniel’s Answer
Just as Anthony's saying above, auditions and networking. About networking, for the jazz world what it works is jam sessions. Go to a club where they host those, and check them out. Try to a session that seems a good match for you, in terms of music level, level of inclusion, type of repertoir, etc. The simplest way to get in is if you know someone in the host band, but don't let that stop you if you don´t. Be sure to know a 2-3 jazz standards and call them out. Enjoy the session and afterwards, talk to other musicians, share contact info, connect. That's the best way to get invited to gigs, jobs, bands, or just connect and have a good time. Do that a few times, try different venues, I'm sure something will come up eventually. And the same with auditions, don´t feel bad if nothing comes up, or immediately come up, consider those jam sessions as informal job interviews as well, good luck!
explore your local jazz scene and look for jam session venues
prepare 2-3 common jazz standards and be ready to play
Daniel recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Niah!
To play music professionally, especially in a band setting like a pit orchestra or tour band, there are several steps you can take to pursue this career path. Given your proficiency in percussion, particularly timpani and mallet percussion, and your ability to read sheet music across various genres, you have a strong foundation to build upon.
1. Education and Training: Consider pursuing a formal education in music. This could involve enrolling in a music program at a university or conservatory that offers specialized training in percussion performance. A degree in music performance can provide you with the technical skills, theoretical knowledge, and performance experience necessary to excel in a professional setting. Additionally, seek out opportunities to participate in masterclasses, workshops, and summer programs focused on percussion performance to further hone your craft.
2. Networking and Experience: Building a professional network within the music industry is crucial. Attend concerts, workshops, and industry events to connect with other musicians, conductors, and music directors. Joining local orchestras, ensembles, or community bands can also provide valuable performance experience and networking opportunities. Consider reaching out to professional percussionists or musicians working in the genres you’re interested in for mentorship and guidance.
3. Auditions and Opportunities: Keep an eye out for audition notices for pit orchestras, touring bands, or other professional ensembles seeking percussionists. Prepare meticulously for auditions by practicing the required repertoire and familiarizing yourself with the specific demands of each musical setting. Additionally, consider creating a portfolio that showcases your performances, recordings, and collaborations to present yourself professionally when seeking opportunities.
It’s important to remain dedicated to continuous improvement in your craft and stay open to diverse musical experiences. Embracing versatility in your playing style and being adaptable across different musical genres can enhance your prospects of joining professional bands or orchestras.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications:
Berklee College of Music - berklee.edu
The Juilliard School - juilliard.edu
Percussive Arts Society - pas.org
MAY THE LORD RICHLY BLESS YOUR EFFORTS!
LIKE BILLY JOEL
James.
To play music professionally, especially in a band setting like a pit orchestra or tour band, there are several steps you can take to pursue this career path. Given your proficiency in percussion, particularly timpani and mallet percussion, and your ability to read sheet music across various genres, you have a strong foundation to build upon.
1. Education and Training: Consider pursuing a formal education in music. This could involve enrolling in a music program at a university or conservatory that offers specialized training in percussion performance. A degree in music performance can provide you with the technical skills, theoretical knowledge, and performance experience necessary to excel in a professional setting. Additionally, seek out opportunities to participate in masterclasses, workshops, and summer programs focused on percussion performance to further hone your craft.
2. Networking and Experience: Building a professional network within the music industry is crucial. Attend concerts, workshops, and industry events to connect with other musicians, conductors, and music directors. Joining local orchestras, ensembles, or community bands can also provide valuable performance experience and networking opportunities. Consider reaching out to professional percussionists or musicians working in the genres you’re interested in for mentorship and guidance.
3. Auditions and Opportunities: Keep an eye out for audition notices for pit orchestras, touring bands, or other professional ensembles seeking percussionists. Prepare meticulously for auditions by practicing the required repertoire and familiarizing yourself with the specific demands of each musical setting. Additionally, consider creating a portfolio that showcases your performances, recordings, and collaborations to present yourself professionally when seeking opportunities.
It’s important to remain dedicated to continuous improvement in your craft and stay open to diverse musical experiences. Embracing versatility in your playing style and being adaptable across different musical genres can enhance your prospects of joining professional bands or orchestras.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications:
Berklee College of Music - berklee.edu
The Juilliard School - juilliard.edu
Percussive Arts Society - pas.org
MAY THE LORD RICHLY BLESS YOUR EFFORTS!
LIKE BILLY JOEL
James.
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Hi Nia,
One of my undergraduate degrees was in Music, and while I may have ultimately decided to enter the field of Finance, I may be able to provide a bit of insight that I hope you find helpful.
There are a couple of ways that I think are most common to entering into the music industry. The first and most direct way is to audition, and audition often! You probably don't need me to tell you this, but what I want to emphasize is the *often* part. Audition as often as you can for as many groups as you can. Auditions are very similar to job interviews; just as you don't hear anyone advise you to only apply for one job and hope you get it, don't only audition for one or two groups and hope that was enough. Keep auditioning as often as you can find opportunities!
The second, and sometimes overlooked, method is to network. Auditioning is the direct way into the music scene, but you may find more success by networking. Just as with auditioning, the goal here is to get yourself noticed by someone who has influence; try putting yourself in as many situations as you can where those influential people are. Involve yourself in local music-related orgs and events. Volunteer for concerts, or perhaps you can join a community theater/orchestra.
A personal example of the power of networking: I was a member of my college choir. At one of our concerts, the school basketball coach was in attendance, and approached me a few days later to ask me to sing the national anthem during the next basketball game. A school administrator was at that basketball game, and the next day asked if I could sing Italian at an upcoming Italian festival. And then someone who was at that Italian festival called me a week later to perform at another gig. With luck, and by exposing yourself to the right people, you can find that a snowball quickly starts to build momentum for you.
The key similarity of the two approaches is: getting noticed by people with influence. And be sure to keep practicing, so that when you finally do get noticed, you are at the top of your game.
Best of luck Nia, I'm rooting for you :)
One of my undergraduate degrees was in Music, and while I may have ultimately decided to enter the field of Finance, I may be able to provide a bit of insight that I hope you find helpful.
There are a couple of ways that I think are most common to entering into the music industry. The first and most direct way is to audition, and audition often! You probably don't need me to tell you this, but what I want to emphasize is the *often* part. Audition as often as you can for as many groups as you can. Auditions are very similar to job interviews; just as you don't hear anyone advise you to only apply for one job and hope you get it, don't only audition for one or two groups and hope that was enough. Keep auditioning as often as you can find opportunities!
The second, and sometimes overlooked, method is to network. Auditioning is the direct way into the music scene, but you may find more success by networking. Just as with auditioning, the goal here is to get yourself noticed by someone who has influence; try putting yourself in as many situations as you can where those influential people are. Involve yourself in local music-related orgs and events. Volunteer for concerts, or perhaps you can join a community theater/orchestra.
A personal example of the power of networking: I was a member of my college choir. At one of our concerts, the school basketball coach was in attendance, and approached me a few days later to ask me to sing the national anthem during the next basketball game. A school administrator was at that basketball game, and the next day asked if I could sing Italian at an upcoming Italian festival. And then someone who was at that Italian festival called me a week later to perform at another gig. With luck, and by exposing yourself to the right people, you can find that a snowball quickly starts to build momentum for you.
The key similarity of the two approaches is: getting noticed by people with influence. And be sure to keep practicing, so that when you finally do get noticed, you are at the top of your game.
Best of luck Nia, I'm rooting for you :)