It also occurs to me...

[annathepiper]

... that, not as a primary or even a secondary source of income but rather more in the realm of pocket change acquirable by something I could just enjoy doing, I might have the ability to be a studio musician of some kind. At least in terms of playing the flute, at which I am arguably (at least potentially) competent enough to certainly walk into a studio, sight-read a piece of music, and play backup on something. My brother Donnie told me about how when his band recorded a ballad for their upcoming album, they pulled in a bunch of studio musicians whose sole purpose it was to sight-read the parts handed out to them and be conducted by the guy who wrote the parts.

I could do that. Maybe.

Anybody out there have half a clue as to where I might want to start researching such a thing? I'm going to talk to my brother as well as one friend who has actually had some studio time; spazzkat also has mentioned technical college classes that he's given to understood people of the studio musician ilk might be expected to take. Other insights are welcome!

Comments

[suntop.livejournal.com]

Maybe put up some postings saying that you're available for studio recording work on the flute. Also, maybe put some postings up at local music stores (most tend to have some sort of bulletin board). I would definitely contact any recording studios in the area and let them know you're interested in doing some recording work.

Do you play classical flute or just contemporary? If so, you may want to find where the classical singers in the area gather (local newsgroups or bboard or something)and post your services. The fun thing about soprano arias is that many of them have flute cadenzas...and I know that singers would love to have an actual flute playing when they record. I know I would! :)

I'd definitely look into the Conservatories though. If anything, say you're free to play recitals or in small chamber pieces (if you want to do more classical-type music). I know that singers often look for instrumentalists for recitals when they have pieces for more than just voice and piano.

Hope this helps!

[mamishka.livejournal.com]

Check in with Artist Trust and see if they do stuff for musicians - they have information and opportunities for all other sorts of visual and performing artists. Check in with various music orgs and stores - they probably have some good clues as to where to start. Look up Music studios in the phone book and call to ask for requirements and guidelines - see what companies or agents they hire studio musicians from. You'll have to do some digging in the dirt most like to find the best "in" for you.

Re:

[annathepiper]

I have played classical music in the past, and in fact did a couple of short classical pieces at the wedding my jamming group played this past fall. But I haven't done it regularly for a while. It is a tempting thought.

I have a couple of pieces left over from my days in the symphonic band and wind ensemble at the Youth Performing Arts School in Kentucky, one of which has the title and composer chopped off the top and I'd DEARLY know what the hell this song is because I love to play it. However, I haven't played anything of similar complexity in a while; I'd need to have some serious practice before tackling such things.

I don't know if you could really call what I prefer to play "contemporary", since a lot of that is Celtic trad or modern derivations thereof, but well hey. ;)

I think though that it might behoove me to talk to the folks in the Seattle Flute Society. After I send them more dues for a new membership this year, since I've lapsed! Oops!

Re:

[annathepiper]

What's the Artist Trust? That sounds like a good suggestion, and so do the rest; Trading Musician presents itself as an obvious bulletin board sort of place, but Dusty Strings sounds even more appropriate given my genres of choice for music.

I am also thinking that I may contact the lady I spoke with at Galway Traders in Ballard and see if she knows anything about how to break into the local Celtic music circles. She apparently used to be DJ for a Celtic/folk radio show some time ago.

Thanks for the tips, chica. :)