How to Be a Recording and Touring Musician

Session artists can be hired for a one-off recording session or on a permanent basis.

Recording and touring musicians, or session artists, are hired by bands, solo performers, record labels and producers to play with established artists either on tour or in the studio. They're usually called in to play parts that an artist or band cannot perform themselves. If you're a talented and versatile musician, you can have a lot of fun and make a good living as a session artist. If you're not, you'd be better off looking for another career.

Instructions

1. Learn your trade. Even if you're being hired by a teenage punk band who can barely string a few chords together, you'll be expected to know your instrument inside out. You'll stand a better chance of securing work as a session musician if you're a seasoned multi-instrumentalist and have been classically trained. You'll need to have a good grasp of music theory and be able to turn your hand to a variety of different music styles.

2. Play regularly. If you haven't got much experience, playing in your own band or as a solo artist can be a good way of showcasing your playing style and ability.

3. Listen to new music. It helps to know what music is popular, so that you will be familiar with a number of styles and genres.

4. Promote your services. Sign up with a session musician agency and set up your own website and social media accounts. If you're just starting out, consider placing adverts in music magazines and on local listings sites.

5. Invest in professional equipment. You'll get more work if you have your own high-end, well-maintained instruments. You'll also appear more professional if you have the necessary tools to do your job. If you're working in digital music, running a few pirated copies of music software on your home computer is unlikely to cut it.

6. Relocate. Move to where the work is. Although you'll be primarily selling yourself on your skills, you'll be a more attractive prospect if you live in a big city where bands and other musicians are hiring. An amazing session musician based in a suburban backwater could well lose out to less talented artist more centrally located.

7. Behave professionally. While the music industry is known for its excesses, you'll quickly develop a reputation if you regularly turn up late or have a propensity to overindulge in drugs or alcohol.

References

• My Job Search: Sessions Musician
• Jonathan Hill: Biography
• A Career Change: How to Become a Session Musician