Re: keyboardist: tips on going from amateur to "pro"

On 10 Jan 2006 11:38:15 -0800, isaacyho@xxxxxxxxx wrote:

>Hey all,
>
>I ask this in all seriousness: I'm wondering about some tips on going
>from amateur keyboardist to pro. I'm 29, have a solid amatuer
>classical background ( can read music and have solid chops ), and have
>been studying jazz to the point where most teachers classify me as an
>adv-intermediate jazz player ( can tell a coherent "improvised" story
>over most standards after spending a couple of nights with them ).
>My question is: how do I start getting paid for playing? Though I
>most want to play jazz, I'm also interested in all kinds of music, and
>so first and foremost right now am concerned with just getting gigs,
>regardless of genre. I've got pro gear and am starting to play out,
>but the pay seems so minimal---I played in this Smiths cover band at a
>fairly major local show with 300 people and we got paid a total of $150
>for the night!
>
>My goal is to become a part-time keyboardist for hire---luckily, I have
>steady part-time job that covers my bills ( writing software ). But
>I'm just wondering how people actually any significant money playing
>out---seems like there's not enough gigs to go around. I mean, I
>think skill-wise, I have most of what is needed ( and am actively
>practicing/taking lessons to beef up what is lacking ), but what does
>it take to make, say, even $10K a year from just playing? Since I
>have the other job, I'd like to keep my music money-making to the
>playing side of the equation (vs. teaching ).
>
>I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area, btw, which may affect things ( i
>know LA has a lot more action ).
>
>Thanks!
>
>Isaac
>
Been a pro keyboard/vocalist for thirty years and it comes down to
various factors.In the beginning I joined the musicians union knowing
I would get work and get a good,and standard rate of pay for each gig.
Then I noticed work drying up as clubs could not afford the union
rates so I went freelance.
Spent a lot of time getting good wages as I was a vocalist with a
keyboard.Then that dried up a bit,ended up like Billy Joel playing and
singing requests just for what came in the pint glass on top of the
piano.Made a decent living mostly.
Ended up backing vocalists in clubs,just as well as the voice was
breaking! and stayed at that.
Rates for a backing player in the UK[outside of capital cities,is 80
pound a night,same for dance music.
As a vocalist alone I got 150 pounds for two twenty minute spots,as a
keyboard vocalist I got 170 pounds a night,Funny that!
good luck and when a person walks up to request a song,get Misty
ready! 8 out of 10 do that.Cheers



.

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