Becoming A Professional Musician

[silyaznfoo]

Well, although I don't intend on becoming a "Professional" musician, my teacher recommended me to learn piano so that perhaps during college I can become an accompanist at a church and earn some cash on the side. So I have two questions, should I get a dipABRSM? Right now I've passed grade 7, I do quite well on pieces and scales, not so good at sight reading and fairly bad at aural training. The thing is, preparing for these exams really takes a lot of joy out of playing piano for me and I see them as a bother. However, my teacher said that to get a job you will probably need a diploma, so is that really true?

Also, how much can I expect to be paid for being an accompanist at a church? How much $ per hour and about how many hours a week?

[dan101]

It's hard to put a price on what you're asking. It depend on the Church. As for the exams and diploma inquiry, it is obviously better to have a diploma for teaching. However, the joy of music shouldn't be absent during the process of preparing for an exam. Perhaps you're rushing thing. I would take a deep breath and have some fun during this journey. Good luck.

[silyaznfoo]

Right, but can you at least give me a price range? Also, my question wasn't really whether a diploma is better, but more can I make do without it?

[dan101]

Okay, let's try this again. Most accompanists charge either what their teaching rate is or more, plus travel expense. Teaching ranges amoungst my colleagues is in the range of $50 to $70 per hour. However, students usually get about half of that, in my experience.

As for the diploma, you very much limit yourself to teaching young kids if you don't have one. Many of my customer's ask for my credentials. Also, you must always be a number of steps ahead of your students in your skill levels. This is only possible with advanced training. Sure, you can get by without a diploma, but not effectively.

Best of luck.

[silyaznfoo]

I see... thanks. Right now I'm a junior in high school and I really don't have that much time to practice, and what time I do have I'm "wasting" on preparing for exams. By the way,  do you think I can pass my dipABRSM or LRSM before I finish senior year (June 2009)? Right now I can play most dipABRSM pieces, and some LRSM ones. I still need to finish my grade 8 exam though.

[amelialw]

but how well can you play them? that's the thing... and teaching & accompanying is diff from playing the piano alone

[nyonyo]

Working as an accompanist is not a good way to have a consistent income.
If your main purpose is just to make extra money, become a Yamaha teacher is one of the best way. You do not need to take ABRSM thing.

I really do not understand why people waste their time taking ABRSM exams. What can they do with that certificate. With Yamaha exam, at least, one can make money. Once you pass Grade 5 performance and fundamental, you are eligible to become a Yamaha teacher all over the world. I am the living proof. I did not even have music degree but I could make good money while I was still in college. Now, however, I do not teach anymore, because I do not enjoy teaching little devils (I mean little kids).

Hope this helps.

[timothy42b]

Church performances are a great way to earn a little extra cash, not as much as a steady gig in a lounge perhaps but with better working conditions.

Most areas now are chronically short of people who can substitute in church at short notice and somewhat fewer churches, but still significant, are looking for a permanent player.

No church will ask for an exam or even know what it means.

Breaking in is the hard part, once you've played for one (and done okay) your reputation will spread and the phone will ring.

Fail to show once and you'll be blackballed - that's far worse than showing up and playing badly.  Reliability is number one, skill number two.  Maybe even three behind being easy to work with. 

Organ guild rates I think are $250 per service with choir, $175 without.  $100 is a more standard rate for a substitute pianist.  You need to ask a regular player what the rates are, because working cheap means you're not good, and they won't call.

You should become familiar with some of the standard hymns.  Hymns are deceptively hard, and you're accompanying so you have to catch where the congregation departs from the written music. 

Nonliturgical services are easier.  I play for a Protestant service that only wants three hymns and the doxology.  This Sunday I have a Catholic service with 11 pieces: 4 hymns and 7 service pieces (chants, responses, Sanctus, etc.).  They like a prelude and postlude too but they may end up appreciating the silence tomorrow.