What do musicians do for a living?

[rhomboid]

Since the concert venue for classical musicians has decreased and there are no positions for all performers in the ensembles, what kind of works do classical musicians make?

[Bulldog]

Since the concert venue for classical musicians has decreased and there are no positions for all performers in the ensembles, what kind of works do classical musicians make?

The same types of jobs as the rest of us slobs.

[ibanezmonster]

They work at McDonald's and either live in their parents' basement or share a room with 3 guys who all smoke pot and drink all the time.

[springrite]

Musicians makes good short term companions and decent one night stands.

[Sandra]

I think Romboid is asking a serious question. For many musicians out there it's a severe situation. New York Times has been featuring reports of declining audiences at classical music venues for about a decade now. Rising unemployment must hurt everyone, especially those with professions that are not directly contributing to the demand to have a roof over your head and food on the table.

As far as I see, among my own friends and in my neighborhood, musicians increasingly prioritize private teaching over seeking performance opportunities. Others take up part time day jobs while performing whenever they have a chance. I know very few who have completely quit music, but there are such sad stories as well, unfortunately.

[DavidRoss]

A few play music.  More teach, some in schools, some privately.  Many who already make a good living as performers also teach.  The majority probably eventually stop trying to earn a living through music and settle for a job that pays the bills or pursue another career.

[karlhenning]

I have a full-time job which is not related to music. I make the music I can around that.

[chasmaniac]

Of 3 musicians I've known well, 2 took day jobs and 1 sparked up a studio which itself became his day job.

[toledobass]

Whatever it takes.

[snyprrr]

Be bitter?


I thought I was going to be a Musician. Ha,... wow, I might have made something with some kind of guidance, but I think in some teenage fantasy I'm mistakenly picked Door #3. I was terribly lost and full of myself... I remember getting drunk instead of practicing,... you always know at those times that there's going to be issues.

Real Professional Musicians that I've met are generally down to earth and boring family types who gig and teach. Most of these people have been guitarists. These people aren't the Rock Star types at all,... maybe that's why they make it.

Maybe the only way for me to make any money in music is by trying to get my songs published and shopped. I can't believe I never made it into the studio,... really ever,... I'm so ashamed I squandered my talent on pipe dreams and the fear of abandonment,... I work part time at a grocery store, busting up my musician fingers cracking open boxes and stocking shelves... what an ass and a waste...pffft

...did I mention bitterness?

oy, this is such a sore subject... I coulda been a contenda...

[Mirror Image]

Be bitter?


I thought I was going to be a Musician. Ha,... wow, I might have made something with some kind of guidance, but I think in some teenage fantasy I'm mistakenly picked Door #3. I was terribly lost and full of myself... I remember getting drunk instead of practicing,... you always know at those times that there's going to be issues.

Real Professional Musicians that I've met are generally down to earth and boring family types who gig and teach. Most of these people have been guitarists. These people aren't the Rock Star types at all,... maybe that's why they make it.

Maybe the only way for me to make any money in music is by trying to get my songs published and shopped. I can't believe I never made it into the studio,... really ever,... I'm so ashamed I squandered my talent on pipe dreams and the fear of abandonment,... I work part time at a grocery store, busting up my musician fingers cracking open boxes and stocking shelves... what an ass and a waste...pffft

...did I mention bitterness?

oy, this is such a sore subject... I coulda been a contenda...

You know there are many stories like yours, snyprrr. My Dad is a good example, though he was successful at what he ended up doing. He was a natural on the trumpet and this is coming from my grandfather who holds a master's degree in music composition. My grandfather had a big band called the Modernaires, which he led and played trumpet, and he let my Dad come in and improvise solos on the spot at the young age of 17. My Dad had the discipline to become a virtuoso, but my grandfather was such a disciplinarian that he ended up quitting the high school band, which my grandfather also directed, and never picked up the trumpet again after a huge argument. My Dad walked out of the classroom and left his possible music career behind. He ended up becoming a carpenter, but because of bad knees and doctor's orders, he never did this work again. He ended up landing a job with the Department Of Labor and left after 12 years to pursue a career in video productions. My Dad had no training whatsoever and stayed in business for 25 years. He had the top production company in the entire Southeast United States. Many companies went out-of-business when he was still going strong. Many companies also had many employees. He had a secretary to take the calls and that was the employee he had. He did everything else by himself. My Dad is retired now and has been since 2000. Now that I'm much older, I have tremendous respect for what he accomplished. He built his company and reputation from the ground up.