How to Become a Session Musician
A session musician is a musician called up by producers to back up recording artists or come along on tour to fill out a band. Session players are not a permanent part of the band, but they do get the opportunity to work with many different great songwriters and musicians. It's a very difficult business, and there are many top-notch musicians competing for a few good jobs. If you want to succeed, you have to be a master musician and a consummate professional.
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Things You'll Need
- Musical instrument
- Business card
- Recordings
- Backup gear
- Reliable transportation
Instructions
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Master your instrument. Practice as many hours a day as possible. The better you are, the better your chances of succeeding.
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Learn music theory. You will need to be able to site read music and to learn your part very quickly. Having a good ear and virtuoso skills won't be enough if you can't play what you are told.
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Play gigs as often as you can in your area. Not only will this help you to make a living and to stay in practice, but it will also help you to build a reputation as a musician.
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Visit local recording studios and talk to the recording engineers and producers. Explain that you are available as a session engineer. Leave your contact information with them. Also have recordings of your playing or links to a Website that showcases your musical abilities handy.
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Have pro gear. Keep it in good shape. Make sure that you always have extra strings for your guitar or a backup set of harmonicas handy. If you are called to a session and have to fix a glitch with your equipment, you will look unprofessional.
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Behave professionally. If you get called in to do a session, be on time. Be efficient and courteous. Go out of your way to do the job the way your client wants. Your reputation is your most important asset.
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Be in the right place. If you're trying to break into music recording, move to wear it's happening. Live in Los Angeles, Nashville or New York. The big city in your own state is also recommended. You won't be able to get gigs if there are no studios around.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. The competition for session work is intense. Teach lessons. Play in a house job. Keep your day job.
Learn to sing backing vocals on top of playing an instrument if you can. This will make you more useful as a musician.
Resources
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Comments
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if you go to a recording studio and say "i'm available as a session engineer." that actually means you want to help the recording process. not play an instrument.
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hey guys. I'm looking to further my road as a musician. I have 6 years of music training from middle school and high school, I am a local musician in my town and I love to do it.. I was wanting to know, where and how would be the best way to go about becoming a studio musician.
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David Crouse
Oct 08, 2010
what is the nashville number system? -
russmediagroup
Mar 12, 2009
Basically this is a good article. The only point I would differ with you on is the sight reading. Nashville players don't sight read traditional music. They use the Nashville Number System to write number charts. I spent 12 years playing in Nashville and used this system everyday. I suspect it is the same in New York and LA. Other wise, your points were right on, good jobJoe
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russmediagroup
Mar 12, 2009
Basically this is a good article. The only point I would differ with you on is the sight reading. Nashville players don't sight read traditional music. They use the Nashville Number System to write number charts. I spent 12 years playing in Nashville and used this system everyday. I suspect it is the same in New York and LA. Other wise, your points were right on, good jobJoe
