When you think of a professional musician, what comes to mind? Maybe someone who has been playing for years and has traveled the world performing in prestigious venues. Or maybe you envision someone who makes a living from teaching music lessons. But what about those musicians who don’t fit into either of those categories? What about session musicians? So what does a session musician do, and how can you become one? Keep reading to find out!
What Is A Session Musician?
Session musicians are professionals who play on recordings for other artists or bands. They may also play live gigs, but their primary focus is studio work. They are talented professionals. They are not permanent members of your band. Instead, they are hired for specific periods to assist you and your band members with your music. They can work in the recording studio or on stage with you. How you use them is up to you. When you book a recording session with us at Bay Eight, you can request session musician(s) as part of your booking.
How To Become A Session Musician
One way to become a session musician is to join online sites such as Craigslist and Fiverr to find work. You should also attend music conventions to meet influential people in the industry and network with them. Once you begin working with recording artist and bands, word of mouth and networking is the main way to get additional gigs.
Benefits Of Having Session Musicians At A Recording Session
Session musicians add value to your recording sessions with their in-depth knowledge. For example, many session musicians might read music, play multiple instruments, have a deep understanding of music theory, or possess other musical skills.
- They will work with you and your band members to help improve your music.
- They play instruments that you or other band members cannot, such as stringed or percussion instruments that you do not have in your lineup. These touches can give your music more depth.
- You can get them to play parts or solos you do not feel confident about.
- They can also perform backing vocals for you.
- They work behind the scenes. While they are experts in their instruments, they are there to bring your vision to life.
Studio Musicians Vs. Session Musicians
The difference between studio musicians and session musicians is that a studio musician gets paid to be at the recording studio and record. In contrast, session musicians are typically independent contractors, and are not always present at the studio unless booked ahead of time.
How Much Does A Session Musician Make?
There was a time when most musicians were employees of recording studios and paid a specific wage for their work.
Today, it will depend on your location, what type of music you are playing, and for how long you will play. In some countries, session musicians are union members, and their unions set the pay rate.
Those rates vary and can go from roughly $850 for basic playing and just over $1300 for premium. Those rates are for non-symphony-style music. Since most session musicians are freelance contractors, the rates are negotiable with the individual musician.
Some bands, on rare occasions, will offer a small percentage of the receipts when the fee may be too high to pay upfront. It just depends on the musician and what they want for their talent. The lower-end session musicians may make just over $21,500 or approximately $10.40 per hour every year. The next level may make up to $58,500 annually or $28.15 per hour, and the top musicians can pull down over $152,500 every year or about $73.00 per hour.
What Does A Session Musician Do?
You can focus primarily on studio work, or serve as a backup musician in live performances. If you choose to focus on the former aspect, you can generally stay in one location and play when needed.
When hired to back up the band for concerts, session musicians travel with the band to several cities. But, again, it is up to the band to decide what happens with the session musicians. If lucky, you can find jobs with recording studios, ad agencies, music producers, etc.
Some Final Words
Today’s music industry has changed since the Wrecking Crew were kings of the industry. This group of session musicians was considered the best in the world. They proved their worth by playing on more famous albums than you can count. They are a testament to the difference good session musicians can make.
If you need a professional player who will work well within your budget, Bay Eight Recording Studios has several talented session musicians that can help elevate your sound. Contact us today to learn more.
