To all profesional musicians i need help?

Question

How did you decide to become a musician, when did you decide, did you have second thoughts, do you still have second thoughts, did you have trouble convincing your parents it was a good idea?

Answer 1

I didn't want to be a perfessional musician at first. I played for a long time before I decided that I was good enough to perform. I had second thoughts because I was worried that there was no future in playing tuba, but after some research I found there was definatly a career for me. I have no regrets because I love hearing the audience applaud after I perform. It makes you feel realy good that people enjoy hearing you perform. My parents thought that I should do what made me happy. MUSIC makes me happy.

Answer 2

I didn't really "decide" as much as I just knew it was what I was going to do. There was really never no question about it.

I don't remember ever really having to convince the parents either. I remember some discussions about "how will you earn a living if..."

Sometimes I think back over my career and wonder if there would have been an easier way to make a living for the past 30 years or so. I never became famous and rich though I did get to play with some great musicians. And we had a great time most of the time.

There are three tunes I listen to that speak "the music" to me:
On the Road Again - Willie Nelson
Highway 40 Blues - Ricky Skaggs
Studio Musician - Barry Manilow

To me at least, these are the story of a professional musician's life. Take a listen.

Answer 3

For as far back as I can remember, I wanted to perform. I can remember my mom yelling at me to get back to the Mozart, because I was busy playing popular songs off the radio and singing along. I did go to college to pursue a degree in music, but dropped out to hit the road with a touring band. That was 25 years ago. Did I ever have second thoughts? YES, as I have gotten older and realized I provided myself with NOTHING to fall back on, no other training or skills. Do yourself the best favor you can and do learn a craft other than music, so that you have something else you can do if the musician life doesn't work out or you simply need to get out of it.

Answer 4

OK- I am old, but I also am a teacher, and got thru this with students every year.

It was 1967 - I had won National Merit Scholarships in math, and could go ANYPLACE for free. My parents had little money, but would support my choices. I just could NOT separate myself from music - so I made a deal with myself and my parents - I would apply to ONE top music school, and if I passed the audition, it would be a *sign*. Well, I got in - but I still think it is because of my grades, class rank, SAT (1500/1600) and National Merit. REALITY CHECK - wow, were there great players there! I had to WORK, instead of just *got it on one try* like HS.

My parents gave me ONE YEAR to prove myself - if music was too hard, then back into math/engineering for me. Yes, there are days that I think I could have done that - but I am NOT SORRY that I did music. I ended up getting 2 BM degrees - Theory and Music Ed. I went for safety and steady money - and not making my parents crazy - and taught school all my life. So did my husband (met him in college). I make into 6 figures myself (grad credits, experience), have really good benefits, am RETIRING this year, and all these years, we got to play as much much as we wanted. I have done wonderful concerts with great musicians - I own the music business, and they know when the phone rings that I am offering them a great gig that pays well - I don't HAVE to take the icky ones. Many of my colleagues who DO play full time are far less ahead in the material areas of life (insurance, retirements, savings, homes, travel, etc.) - and altho that sounds OK when you are young, it is NOT Ok when you are older.

It is possible to make a good living in music, and STILL be true to your artistic ideals. Music education is NOT for everyone. My son and DIL are now music teachers, and they see how it worked out so very well for us. You may choose to work in recording, or sales, or management, or some other area of the music industry - but that means you now have the FINANCIAL SECURITY to do as much or as little performing as you wish. All of life is a compromise - just make sure that YOU have the security to be in CHARGE of that compromise.

A person who asked a question on another Yahoo area has gone off about how I am full of crap, arrogant, etc. I am just a professional who has been around a LONG time, with a lot of education and experience. If you think EDUCATION is expense, experience costs more - and the most expensive is ignorance. So I hope I helped and ENCOURAGED you a little bit. I have taught thousands of music students since 1971, and am gratified when ANY of them continue - this is wonderful life - or can be, if you PLAN with common sense. I hope that showing this to your parents makes them firmer in their resolve to support making your dream into reality. All the best for your future, my dear.

Answer 5

I had grown up in a singing family and enjoyed singing too. When I learned to play the guitar at age 16 it all came together for performing. I played in bands during my military career, and, after I retired, played professionally for several more years.

I continue to teach guitar.