Does anyone know how to become a session musician?

Answer 1

First of all, what do you play? If you're a drummer, bass player or backing vocalist or play something very obscure like a crumhorn, you're more likely to get session work than if you're a guitarist.

Basically you need to be at the top of your game in terms of musical ability and adaptability because you'll be playing what other people want you to play, not necessarily what you naturally do well.

The first thing to do is make friends with a lot of musicians and musicians who are trying to record and make albums. The next thing is to ensure your name is well respected within your circle of friends as the best at what you play. Make contact with a few studios as they often get requests to find players for artists who record with them.

The major problem is that session musicians are becoming less and less necessary as recording and sampling software gets better and better. Still, if you make a sound like no one else makes using your instrument or instruments of choice, maybe you should look at forming your own band.

Answer 2

Oh! I did that in the Army - we made our own instruments and as I was not to good I got the sugar sachets to rattle in time so hence I became know as the 'sachet player'. Okay not what you asked but bet people will say practise, practise and then practise some more. Good luck with this ambition anyway

Answer 3

Try the stage magazine, it might have some useful information in it