Studio musicians - it isn't exactly steady work, more like on-call, but can you still make living by it (pay)?

Question

When you get the random hire, you get paid alot? So although you're not always working and it isn't really steady work, that's cool coz you still get paid alot to live and yet you're not working mon-fri? Cooool...I wanna do it. I bet there's alot of competition though. I know i'm good enough, i jusdt need to know i'm into all different styles such as classical, jazz, blues (check :-) and rock (check :-) and I need to read music too.

How do I advertise myself then? Do I do an online profile by joining a studio musicians site? So people can email me when they'd like to hire me? How do you become a studio guitarist? Id like to be one :-)

Of course I;m thinking of this as my future career. I'm just 17 atm still at college lol doing a 2-year course in a band....is the course actually necassary btw?

Answer 1

You'd be surprised how little it actually pays. You'd probably need another job as well. It depends on how much work is available at the particular studio.

Studios don't go scouting for new talent. You get your name known by playing the local circuit (bars/clubs local to the studio) then you apply for the job same as you would any other job. If they've heard of you (through their other musicians), you jump to the head of the line. Then you audition and they hire you or they don't.

Answer 2

I think there are multiple paths into being a studio musician, but the main thing is that you have to be an excellent musician, able to play any style and also be someone who can get it right quickly- because time is money in the studio.  The longer you take to get your part right, the more money it costs the band, producer or whoever is in charge.

In the past it may have been easier to become a studio hired gun because all recorded music was produced in studios, but these days a large portion, if not a flat-out majority, is produced in peoples homes or small private studios.  

A common path into the studio is through playing out a lot, being noticed as a strong and flexible player, meeting as many different musicians as you can and letting them know you like to do studio projects- for pay, of course.  

You should be a strong reader.  You get good by reading many different types of music until you can literally play the different pieces well on a first run through.

You should familiarize yourself with as many different styles of rock as possible- surf, psychedelic, hard rock, classic rock, metal, death metal, shoegaze, etc...  Then classical- contemporary, mozart, etc....  You get the point.  It's not an easy task, but if you love playing the guitar, it is all fun and good learning.  If nothing else, you'll become a very well-rounded musician and more in demand, whether for recording or tours.

good luck!