Guitar For Kids -- Wanna Be A Studio Musician?

Another choice that you have down the road as a possible career path is that of becoming a studio musician, or what's called a "session player".

Or is it?

Actually, this is not a career choice all by itself. There just isn't enough out there to make all of the session players happy as a single source of income.

But it is a pretty cool thing to do if ya get the chance.

Session players do their thing in a studio. The work may be a commercial, a movie, or TV soundtrack, or could even be for a famous singer or songwriter that needs extra musicians on their recordings. For this last one, what sometimes happens is that some of these session players are offered "touring gigs" when these singers (or even bands) go on concert tours.

Session players are among the best musicians in the world. To join this group as a guitarist, you will have to:

1. Be a monster reader of music

2. Be able to read chord charts and lead sheets

3. Have great equipment

4. Be able to play in any style

5. Be able to play acoustic, electric, banjo, mandolin etc.

6. Give 'em whatever they want

When you reach the point where you think you got what it takes, what you're gonna have to do is record an audition CD of yourself.

This recording will have to be of high quality. On it you should record little bits and pieces of yourself playing in as many different styles that you can think of. As a guitarist, you will need to include examples of acoustic, electric, banjo, ukulele, mandolin, and any other stringed instrument that you are able to play (except for piano).

Then you need to make a bunch of copies and send them out to music studios -- locally and nationally. Send them to TV and radio stations and anywhere else that you can think of. Get yourself or your recording or both in front of as many people who may be in position to help you as you can.

Then, well, anything or nothing can happen.

If you can, try and find a mentor. A mentor is someone in the biz who may be able to help you to get your foot in the door.

But don't put all your eggs and your hopes into one basket. Keep playing, and don't let yourself get frustrated.

by: James Emery Vigh

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