4 answers
emily
Student
Castroville, CA
10
Questions
Updated
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What is the working environment like as a musician?
i want to know these questions because i wanna be prepared for anything challenging that will probably come my way in the job i want to have, so please let me know about how a working environment is like.
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4 answers
Adam DiTroia
Composer and Sound Designer
3
Answers
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Updated
Adam’s Answer
Hi! That's a great question. It really depends on who you're working with, the industry you're in, etc. I'm a professional composer and sound designer in the game, tv, film industries. The working environment in those industries tends to be competitive but also friendly and supportive. Mostly! lol. I've found the trick is to really hone your unique voice as a musician/songwriter/composer. Trying to be everything to everyone is a mistake I made early in my career. Over time, you'll naturally uncover your strengths, style, etc. I hope this helps! Please feel free to ask follow up questions!
Adam DiTroia
Adam DiTroia
Alex Friedman
Sales
3
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Hey Emily!
Thanks for asking such an interesting question! I may not be a musician myself, but I have a bunch of friends in the music industry, and I'm happy to share what I know. Being a musician definitely isn't the easiest career to follow, but society sure needs artists like you to make the world a happier place!
There are so many unique opportunities when it comes to working environments for musicians. If you're into classical music, you might find yourself playing in a symphony or as part of an orchestra for a musical production. For those who are part of a band, going on tour can be an exciting and unforgettable experience – though it can be tiring too. You'll encounter some unpredictable situations, have long hours, and be away from family and friends. But it also means seeing different parts of the world!
Or maybe you'd prefer being a session musician, working alongside other talented musicians in recording studios to produce amazing tracks.
Ultimately, if music is your passion, I say embrace it and give it your all! Just like any other job, there will be ups and downs, but if you truly love what you're doing, the good times will shine brighter than the occasional rough patches.
So, follow your dreams and let your music take you on an incredible journey!
Meet professional musicians to learn about their careers
If this is your passion and you know in your heart of hearts that this is what you want to do, start right away and do not look back!
Thanks for asking such an interesting question! I may not be a musician myself, but I have a bunch of friends in the music industry, and I'm happy to share what I know. Being a musician definitely isn't the easiest career to follow, but society sure needs artists like you to make the world a happier place!
There are so many unique opportunities when it comes to working environments for musicians. If you're into classical music, you might find yourself playing in a symphony or as part of an orchestra for a musical production. For those who are part of a band, going on tour can be an exciting and unforgettable experience – though it can be tiring too. You'll encounter some unpredictable situations, have long hours, and be away from family and friends. But it also means seeing different parts of the world!
Or maybe you'd prefer being a session musician, working alongside other talented musicians in recording studios to produce amazing tracks.
Ultimately, if music is your passion, I say embrace it and give it your all! Just like any other job, there will be ups and downs, but if you truly love what you're doing, the good times will shine brighter than the occasional rough patches.
So, follow your dreams and let your music take you on an incredible journey!
Alex recommends the following next steps:
Also great advice. I used to tour with a tribute band myself :)
Adam DiTroia
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
118
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Hello!
I can really only answer this in my areas but it is a pretty general thing across all parts of the industry. You need to work for it. If you really enjoy what you do then it shouldn't be a problem but burnout is a thing to keep in mind. There's a lot of fast moving and stressful things especially if you are working as the behind the scenes like music producer or audio engineer kind of jobs. I work as a freelance and independent music producer and musician and as a live sound engineer. I also have experience in the studio and recording different genres. In all the areas I have worked in the same is true- you are working for the artist and you need to keep up with them. As a live sound engineer especially everything is very fast moving before the show because everything needs to be just right. If something is wrong you need to fix it in a timely manner. If your main interest is being the main musician then you will be in control of your shows and your career. If you want something to sound a certain way then you have the option to tell the producer what you want. If the show is wrong then you have the power to fix it.
If you want to do more of a session musician then your job will very much be like a music producer in the sense that everything you do will be done under the guidance of a main artist and you will be jumping around from project to project. In those cases it's best if you plan ahead and learn everything in music that you can so that if an artist requests something you didn't really prepare for, you can still make it happen.
The main thing to keep in mind about the music industry is that once you get to a certain point everyone has the talent. The most important thing is how well you can work with others and how prepared you are for your work. If you know what you're doing and show it then you will be invited back for more work. If you show that you are clueless or that you really only treat music as a way to make money then that will also show and people won't like the work you do. I recommend trying everything you can in music and do as much as possible to keep your passion alive. Just as a few examples- don't limit yourself to one thing until you know that one thing is sustainable. Do many things in music that you like so that you have multiple opportunities to make money. For example- I have my live sound work, music production, and solo work. I also write music that I send to companies that sell music to be used in movies, TV shows, and commercials. Further still, I'm in a band and study music in college. I do agree with Adam's answer but choose your main thing AFTER you know it will make money.
Hope this helps! Feel free to comment any other questions if anything is confusing or if my answer sparks any new questions.
I can really only answer this in my areas but it is a pretty general thing across all parts of the industry. You need to work for it. If you really enjoy what you do then it shouldn't be a problem but burnout is a thing to keep in mind. There's a lot of fast moving and stressful things especially if you are working as the behind the scenes like music producer or audio engineer kind of jobs. I work as a freelance and independent music producer and musician and as a live sound engineer. I also have experience in the studio and recording different genres. In all the areas I have worked in the same is true- you are working for the artist and you need to keep up with them. As a live sound engineer especially everything is very fast moving before the show because everything needs to be just right. If something is wrong you need to fix it in a timely manner. If your main interest is being the main musician then you will be in control of your shows and your career. If you want something to sound a certain way then you have the option to tell the producer what you want. If the show is wrong then you have the power to fix it.
If you want to do more of a session musician then your job will very much be like a music producer in the sense that everything you do will be done under the guidance of a main artist and you will be jumping around from project to project. In those cases it's best if you plan ahead and learn everything in music that you can so that if an artist requests something you didn't really prepare for, you can still make it happen.
The main thing to keep in mind about the music industry is that once you get to a certain point everyone has the talent. The most important thing is how well you can work with others and how prepared you are for your work. If you know what you're doing and show it then you will be invited back for more work. If you show that you are clueless or that you really only treat music as a way to make money then that will also show and people won't like the work you do. I recommend trying everything you can in music and do as much as possible to keep your passion alive. Just as a few examples- don't limit yourself to one thing until you know that one thing is sustainable. Do many things in music that you like so that you have multiple opportunities to make money. For example- I have my live sound work, music production, and solo work. I also write music that I send to companies that sell music to be used in movies, TV shows, and commercials. Further still, I'm in a band and study music in college. I do agree with Adam's answer but choose your main thing AFTER you know it will make money.
Hope this helps! Feel free to comment any other questions if anything is confusing or if my answer sparks any new questions.
Nadia Borelli
Actress, Musician
4
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Nadia’s Answer
The work atmosphere is incredibly vibrant and thrilling, largely because you're engaged in something you're passionate about and something inventive that resonates with people. Musicians and artists are adored by the public because they evoke emotions within us and illustrate what life should truly feel like. There may be occasional creative differences, but with a supportive community, these can be navigated smoothly and with fervor. I've had the pleasure of collaborating with numerous music producers, and it's all about finding the right partners to work with.
I hold a degree in musical theatre and am a singer-songwriter who performs in various venues across Los Angeles with a band. I'm fortunate to have friends who create music for high-profile shows such as Game of Thrones and West World. Each setting offers a unique experience; a venue with a band can be more chaotic (yet enjoyable) compared to the calm of composing for a film at a computer. Similarly, being part of a live theatre orchestra is a vastly different experience from writing songs for commercial synchronization.
Regardless of the path you choose, ensure it aligns with your personal preferences, and always be proactive in seeking knowledge and collaborators. In the grand scheme of things, this environment is far more exhilarating and fulfilling than most conventional paths. Remember to put in the effort and always treat others with kindness!
I hold a degree in musical theatre and am a singer-songwriter who performs in various venues across Los Angeles with a band. I'm fortunate to have friends who create music for high-profile shows such as Game of Thrones and West World. Each setting offers a unique experience; a venue with a band can be more chaotic (yet enjoyable) compared to the calm of composing for a film at a computer. Similarly, being part of a live theatre orchestra is a vastly different experience from writing songs for commercial synchronization.
Regardless of the path you choose, ensure it aligns with your personal preferences, and always be proactive in seeking knowledge and collaborators. In the grand scheme of things, this environment is far more exhilarating and fulfilling than most conventional paths. Remember to put in the effort and always treat others with kindness!