Is it easy to earn a living as a freelance pianist?

[codynguyenaz]

I am a 17 year old that lives in Tucson, Arizona, and I was wondering if it is easy to sustain from only performing at bars, corporate events, restaurants, hotels, etc.

Is it a realistic career? I don't need six figures to be happy. All I want is to be able to afford an apartment, but I feel that I may never find a gig and die a loser.

Skill-wise, I would say I am far more advanced than other pianists out there. My main drawback though, is that I read sheet music slowly. I am excellent at memorizing, however.

My plan is to memorize 15-20 extremely complicated pieces this summer. Then I will have enough content to perform.

If I hit every place in Tucson that has a piano and distribute my business cards, will that get me enough gigs to live independently?

[avguste]

Are you a jazz pianist or classical?
If you are a jazz pianist you might be able to do it. Generally speaking bars, corporate events and the likes are more interested in jazz than classical.

A few things I would recommend as well:

- a website
- business cards
- use https://www.gigsalad.com

[virtuoso80]

One of my main motivations for thinking of changing careers and just doing music for the love is that I'll never have to play easy-listening Jazz for corporate events. 

[sevencircles]

Itīs propably very difficult to make a living as a freelance pianist in Tucson if you just play jazz or/and classical.

It will be a lot easier If you play a lot of pop and similar as well.

[asiantraveller101]

Skill-wise, I would say I am far more advanced than other pianists out there. My main drawback though, is that I read sheet music slowly. I am excellent at memorizing, however.

If you want to play for gigs in bars, restaurants, corporate venues etc, then this is definitely going to be a drawback. You will need to read through a lot of music to entertain at these events; because these events usually last quite long. I am not sure if you want entertain them using classical music only. From my experience, "lighter" music is usually preferred. But I have played for events where they specifically requested for classical works only.
I have been a freelancer for over 20 years and it does pay the bills. But I get most of my income from teaching and performing occasionally. Perhaps you may want to supplement your income by teaching? Teaching will provide you a steadier income than total reliance on gigs. I think the key word for you is "versatility."

As to your question whether is it easy? Nothing is easy in life...(unless perhaps if one wins a huge lottery!) It all depends on how you carve out your career, and your willingness to try and push yourself.
Best!