shawn.walrus
New member
Hi all!
My name is Shawn, and I've been wondering about the above question.
I understand there are many aspects of music from which one can build a career, and I'm not referring to any one specifically. However, I do want to narrow my question down to aspects that involve actual playing of an instrument. This includes, but isn't limited to, teaching, gig circuits, sessioning, or becoming an artist.
Just to share a little of my background... My main instrument is the bass, which I've been playing since 2003 (I'm 28), and am quite confident in playing almost all genres, aside from some advanced Jazz styles. I have stage experience playing at gigs (indie, metal), bars (pop), and volunteering as a musician at various modern churches (indie, gospel, rock, pop). I can also play other instruments and sing where needed, though my first love and focus will always be the bass
Until recently, I had been taking the more 'conventional' career path, being an employee of an organisation.
At the same time, perhaps a 'less conventional' path of being an entrepreneur; starting a social enterprise called colouroursouls, playing the role of an illustrator / designer.
Recently, I've been exploring the possibility of a career playing / teaching music as a freelancer. Once this route shows sufficient promise, I will cease being an employee
I'm confident that with some time and hard work, one can make a comfortable living doing the above (yes, even in Singapore!).
My questions to you guys (who are probably more experienced than I, or who have even already achieved this) are:
1) What ought to be my next steps?
2) Are there specific types of people, places, or companies I should get connected with that could be helpful?
3) How can I establish myself in order to increase my credibility or improve my reputation as a musician?
4) Anything valuable advice at all would be awesome!
If you can answer any of the above, I would be most grateful!
I'm approaching this on a rather clean slate, with no expectations, but lots of optimism (or faith).
Thank you all! At least for reading
God bless,
Shawn Walrus
My name is Shawn, and I've been wondering about the above question.
I understand there are many aspects of music from which one can build a career, and I'm not referring to any one specifically. However, I do want to narrow my question down to aspects that involve actual playing of an instrument. This includes, but isn't limited to, teaching, gig circuits, sessioning, or becoming an artist.
Just to share a little of my background... My main instrument is the bass, which I've been playing since 2003 (I'm 28), and am quite confident in playing almost all genres, aside from some advanced Jazz styles. I have stage experience playing at gigs (indie, metal), bars (pop), and volunteering as a musician at various modern churches (indie, gospel, rock, pop). I can also play other instruments and sing where needed, though my first love and focus will always be the bass
Until recently, I had been taking the more 'conventional' career path, being an employee of an organisation.
At the same time, perhaps a 'less conventional' path of being an entrepreneur; starting a social enterprise called colouroursouls, playing the role of an illustrator / designer.
Recently, I've been exploring the possibility of a career playing / teaching music as a freelancer. Once this route shows sufficient promise, I will cease being an employee
I'm confident that with some time and hard work, one can make a comfortable living doing the above (yes, even in Singapore!).
My questions to you guys (who are probably more experienced than I, or who have even already achieved this) are:
1) What ought to be my next steps?
2) Are there specific types of people, places, or companies I should get connected with that could be helpful?
3) How can I establish myself in order to increase my credibility or improve my reputation as a musician?
4) Anything valuable advice at all would be awesome!
If you can answer any of the above, I would be most grateful!
I'm approaching this on a rather clean slate, with no expectations, but lots of optimism (or faith).
Thank you all! At least for reading
God bless,
Shawn Walrus
