Musician Wanted?
I often wonder what the actual definition of the job musician is. Obviously we are the music makers- those who create music for others to enjoy. Since it's a job, it also implies our service is worth something and valued. Many of us have heard the discourse of club owners not wanting to pay musicians, or the Internet radio stations paying pennies on the dollar for music, and still griping about the cost. There's inventions like the CD player and iPods, beats by Dre, and the photocopy machine, that all devalue the craft of composing and performing live music as well. Then there's copyright law- what I see as a vastly outdated system of laws that feels more like walking through a minefield than legislation to protect artists.
Ok, we get it. Being a musician isn't what it once was. The good old days of finding a couple regular places to play in a week, plus some holiday work and maybe some lessons is gone. The days of finding a gig in major symphony orchestra and retiring are over- right? Or was it ever that simple?
Obviously I'm not talking about making it big here- I think the Gangnam style route to success has always been there.(think greensleeves, or Puccini) I'm talking about being a regular guy or gal who makes sound for a living. I also think that the jobs are still there, but because of technology and society, the description has slightly changed.
Think about it- what are you doing right now? Most likely reading this on a computer screen. Maybe even on a handheld device, and maybe, just maybe that handheld device is playing music in your ears. Now think about what you're NOT doing. Assuming you're on level three, you're not talking to anyone, not hearing any incidental music, and not open to conversation- you really aren't trying to connect with anyone around you, and are probably actively trying not to.
What does a musician do? Connect with others. Through music, but not music alone. If you show up to a gig, play music, then go home, are you doing the job? How is that different from a CD player? And before you get all "live music is better", remember that your non-musician friends aren't even sure of the difference between Charlie Parker and Kenny G most of the time. Yeah it's better, but only if you know what you're listening to- assuming you're listening at all.
What keeps live music around is an interaction with the audience- what will get you a gig is interaction with people who can pay you. Today, and moving forward, interaction- live, face to face interaction, will get you jobs and keep you jobs. I don't think that's new, but I think many of us find ourselves satiated by social media and a larger human population, making it easier to find like minded individuals, and conversely keeping us from interacting face to face with those we need to know to stay employed.
Anecdotally, I can think of not that great musicians packing a club because of their social skills, not that great of players getting invited to substitute, and not that great composers getting to write or arrange music. The funny thing is, those not that great musicians became great- from playing to a full house, learning from those they sub with, and composing and arranging more for those that would actually play their stuff. The relationships are symbiotic, and all parties benefit, but only through interaction.
I know that many people look at this business of music as unfair. Life is unfair. I'm not sure that there is a "fair" profession out there, and if there is it's far too boring for me.. Our challenge as musicians is to change our methods of seeking employment, not blame external factors. Once you have a regular gig, then changing hearts and minds is part of that gig. Professional musicians love music. Someone taught you how to love it, and they were probably a pro themselves. Now go out there and be a professional.
Angelo Kortyka
11/25/2012
Written on a cell phone.
I often wonder what the actual definition of the job musician is. Obviously we are the music makers- those who create music for others to enjoy. Since it's a job, it also implies our service is worth something and valued. Many of us have heard the discourse of club owners not wanting to pay musicians, or the Internet radio stations paying pennies on the dollar for music, and still griping about the cost. There's inventions like the CD player and iPods, beats by Dre, and the photocopy machine, that all devalue the craft of composing and performing live music as well. Then there's copyright law- what I see as a vastly outdated system of laws that feels more like walking through a minefield than legislation to protect artists.
Ok, we get it. Being a musician isn't what it once was. The good old days of finding a couple regular places to play in a week, plus some holiday work and maybe some lessons is gone. The days of finding a gig in major symphony orchestra and retiring are over- right? Or was it ever that simple?
Obviously I'm not talking about making it big here- I think the Gangnam style route to success has always been there.(think greensleeves, or Puccini) I'm talking about being a regular guy or gal who makes sound for a living. I also think that the jobs are still there, but because of technology and society, the description has slightly changed.
Think about it- what are you doing right now? Most likely reading this on a computer screen. Maybe even on a handheld device, and maybe, just maybe that handheld device is playing music in your ears. Now think about what you're NOT doing. Assuming you're on level three, you're not talking to anyone, not hearing any incidental music, and not open to conversation- you really aren't trying to connect with anyone around you, and are probably actively trying not to.
What does a musician do? Connect with others. Through music, but not music alone. If you show up to a gig, play music, then go home, are you doing the job? How is that different from a CD player? And before you get all "live music is better", remember that your non-musician friends aren't even sure of the difference between Charlie Parker and Kenny G most of the time. Yeah it's better, but only if you know what you're listening to- assuming you're listening at all.
What keeps live music around is an interaction with the audience- what will get you a gig is interaction with people who can pay you. Today, and moving forward, interaction- live, face to face interaction, will get you jobs and keep you jobs. I don't think that's new, but I think many of us find ourselves satiated by social media and a larger human population, making it easier to find like minded individuals, and conversely keeping us from interacting face to face with those we need to know to stay employed.
Anecdotally, I can think of not that great musicians packing a club because of their social skills, not that great of players getting invited to substitute, and not that great composers getting to write or arrange music. The funny thing is, those not that great musicians became great- from playing to a full house, learning from those they sub with, and composing and arranging more for those that would actually play their stuff. The relationships are symbiotic, and all parties benefit, but only through interaction.
I know that many people look at this business of music as unfair. Life is unfair. I'm not sure that there is a "fair" profession out there, and if there is it's far too boring for me.. Our challenge as musicians is to change our methods of seeking employment, not blame external factors. Once you have a regular gig, then changing hearts and minds is part of that gig. Professional musicians love music. Someone taught you how to love it, and they were probably a pro themselves. Now go out there and be a professional.
Angelo Kortyka
11/25/2012
Written on a cell phone.