If you want to work as a studio musician, you must consider a variety of factors, including your education, experience, and talent. You can look up job descriptions and requirements online, through employment agencies, or through guidance counselors to find out what skills you’ll need. Because very few successful studio musicians are self-taught, you will almost certainly need formal training. Consulting people in the field, college professors, and other music industry professionals are some of the best ways to figure out what kind of education you’ll need.
Most experts recommend getting a good education if you want to work as a studio musician. You should enroll in a school that focuses on the arts and music. There are high schools that focus on the arts, including music, in some areas, but if one is not available, you can enroll in band classes. Musicians are frequently advised to study music in school and through private lessons. Learning to play as many instruments as possible will broaden your musical knowledge in both theory and practice.
When selecting a college or other form of higher education, consider the reputation of each institution as well as the options available. Typically, the arts should be the focus of the school or college. Look up the biographies of good studio musicians or speak with working musicians to find out where they went to school. Many schools offer job placement services, even if they may not be able to find you a job as a studio musician.
Many musicians work other jobs in order to advance their careers as studio musicians. Contractors who hire musicians for sessions typically want to see a resume that demonstrates a person’s ability to work efficiently and reliably. A cruise ship musician or a website music composer are two examples of jobs you could pursue. Both a cruise ship musician and a studio musician, in general, must be able to sight-read sheet music quickly.
Contractors also look for applicants with the ability to provide their own instruments, the ability to follow directions or orders, and a positive attitude. The majority of contractors recommend that someone learn to be a professional musician while remaining adaptable. Professionalism is something that many musicians learn in school or college, or working at other jobs.
In most cases, studio heads do not post job openings for musicians. You should learn how to network if you want to work as a studio musician. Recording studio staff, such as engineers or other studio musicians, former teachers and students, and musicians you’ve worked with are all people who might be able to help you get a studio job. Former coworkers, such as other cruise ship musicians, can sometimes be the best source of networking.
In order to work as a studio musician, you will need to market yourself. A resume in the music industry is frequently supplemented a compact disc (CD) or other audio material to demonstrate one’s abilities. Use tapes of your previous performances, such as the cruise ship gig, website music, or other musical sessions, if possible. Contractors frequently want to see how well you interact with the other musicians. Make sure to include some of your best work in this demonstration material.