How to Be a Broadway Pianist

Professional training and instruction are needed to become a Broadway pianist.

Pianists and other musicians are employed in a variety of venues nationwide. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 43,000 individuals were employed as musicians and singers nationwide in 2010. These musical professionals made an average hourly wage of $30.22. Some worked in prominent musical venues, including Broadway musicals where professional musicians are often needed to provide expert level performances in front of live audiences. Although challenging, it is possible to become a Broadway pianist with some significant training and planning.

Instructions

1. Obtain a bachelor's degree in musical performance with an emphasis on piano performance. Although this is not necessarily required for a career as a pianist, if you want to work as a Broadway pianist, you will need to stand out in the crowd. Having formal education in piano performance is one of the best ways to do this. Ensure that you take courses in the creation of musical scores and productions to familiarize yourself with the industry. You will also need formal education in courses such as musical composition and conducting. Some pianists work as a jack-of-all-trades and must be able to do more than just play the piano.

2. Complete individualized instruction from a professional musician who is either working on Broadway or has worked on Broadway in the past. You need to have instruction from someone who knows the ins and the outs of the Broadway musical scene and business. These individuals may be able to help you get your foot in the door also.

3. Network with other musicians and music professionals to gain recognition and take advantage of any job opportunities that come along. Many times, getting a job on Broadway can be about who you know in addition to what you know and how you perform.

4. Create a website and market yourself. Broadway musical contractor John Miller maintains a website that showcases his talents and provides advice for aspiring musicians. You, too, can position yourself as a professional in the industry by maintaining a website with videos showing what you can do. Market your abilities on social media marketing venues.

5. Practice, practice, practice. The old adage still remains largely true, especially for any musician trying to get hired on Broadway. Performing musical scores in front of a live audience for singers performing in musicals requires that you have perfected your craft. There is no room for musicians who make mistakes during a live performance. For every pianist who does make a mistake, there are multiple pianists willing to take his job. Music needs to be second nature to you and not something that you do as a recreational activity.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Musicians, Singers, and Related Workers
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: 27-2042 Musicians and Singers
• Musician Wages: How to Get a Job as a Pianist
• Musician Wages: Career Advice for Musicians from Broadway Contractor John Miller
• Stephen Schwartz: Advice for Musicians (Primarily Pianists, Music Directors, Conductors)