Tips For The Solo Musician: Get Paid For Practicing?

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Hi, my name is Kevin Brown. In this article I wouldthere, was a turning point in my life.
like to address the subject of practice, and howSo, I did what she suggested,...I found a spot that
to get paid for it. Sounds funny?...well, when II thought was acceptable, took my sax, and set
finish, you will have a different view about thisout to make some money. I realized very quickly
idea.that there was more to this street playing than
We have all heard the statement, "Practice Makesjust dropping on a spot, and just making some
Perfect",...and it is a proven fact that this is sonoise. First: I didn't have a clue on what to
very true. There are many different ways, andplay,...What did people actually like to hear? So, the
technical aspects of just how one should practice.first time I did this, I just played scales. Can you
I am going to talk about the solo single linebelieve that?...I played scales! I made about $20,
musician, and what you can do to get all thejust playing scales! I couldn't believe it!...I just could
practice you need, and how to get paid for yournot believe it. Out of all the songs that I knew,
efforts. When I say single line solo musician, Ithe only thing I could think of to play were scales.
mean those musician who play woodwinds, brass,One thing lead to another, and I learned to pick,
violins, cello, any instrument that does not haveand choose the songs that people liked to hear. I
the advantage of making chords.also learned that being a single line instrument
In this article, I will use my real life experiences totook a lot of work. It is very hard to play by
demonstrate the fact that this does work. Toyourself, without chords, and have people
what degree depends upon the individuals efforts,understand what song you are playing. So, I
and desire to succeed.started to invest in play-a-longs to help me build a
First,...The one thing that we all need, and want, issong list by which to continue this new found
a joyous life, and abundant living. One of the mainsource of income. I would get a new play-a-long
questions that we ask ourselves when taking thisas my finances permitted, and build my song list,
journey through life is,...Just how can I make awhich in turn put more money in my pocket.
living, and enjoy what I do? One answer I know isIt wasn't until later that I got an idea from this
true, is to find that talent that one has beenguy that used to play his guitar while roller skating
blessed with, nurture it, pursue it, build on it, and itup and down Boylston street with a battery
will take care of you, and the question of apowered amplifier strapped to his back. I
joyous life, and abundant living will be answered.thought,...Boy, it would be great if I could get a
To begin, I will use my life, and experiences as abattery powered amp like that,... and play all of
basis, and outline for this article and show justthose play-a-longs, That I have acumulated,
how to, "Get Paid For Practicing".through it while I am out playing. So, that's what I
For starters,...I am a blind individual,... I playdid. As soon as money permitted,...I bought a
saxophone,...and that is what I know how to dobattery powered amp,...a Peavey KB15, got a
well. I have been playing the saxophone for 40cassette player,...and proceeded to play with my
years, 36 of those professionally. As I dontnew play-a-long band. You know what!...It
consider myself an awesome musician, Iworked!...It really worked!
absolutely love to play! I love to hear otherNot only was it better playing,...people really liked it!
musicians,whom I consider awesome, play. I canI could last longer,...and I made more money!...A
tell, as well as any music lover can tell, whenLot More Money. There were many benefits that
some one has spent the time, and effort, andI had not considered. 1. I made money 2. I got
many, many hours in the practice shed.more gigs 3. I made a name for myself 4. It
Practice is an absolute must, if you want to be amade my chopps a lot stronger 5. I met other
successful musician. There is no way around it. Imusicians to play with 6. It was steady work, at
cant tell you just how many thousands of hours Imy own hours 7. It has lasted a lifetime, even to
put into practicing, not because I was madetoday
to,...but, because I loved it.I was literally getting paid for practicing! So,...if you
I went through high school, and attended Berkleeare a solo musician, and you live in a major city,
College of Music, in Boston,...in the pursuit of aor even a small town,...consider this example. Take
career in music. It was while I attended Berkleeadvantage of every opportunity to further your
that I discovered the princible of getting payedmusical career. there are many ways to make a
for practice.living as a musician if you look for it. Check around
I remember being dirt poor, as most musiciansin your area,...look for places were you can
were at that time, having no food, no job, notplay,...you will be surprised at the response you
knowing what to do. So...I called my cousin, whoget when you do things right.
lived about 40 minutes outside Boston at thatThis followed me through my whole career. I
time, and asking her if she could bring me somehave played all over the world,...in all kinds of
food, and money. She said,..."you had better takevenues,...in all styles of music,...in all kinds of bands,
your horn, and go out on the street and playand orchestras. I have not regretted that very
somewhere"! I was completely shocked!...I couldfirst time I set out to play on the street in that
not believe she said that to me!...How could she? Iplace called, "The Bean Town", Boston".
said,..."Are you Kidding"? You cant be serious? SheNote: 1. A great source for jazz play-a-longs is :
said,...Yes, I am,...I hear musicians playing every2. Listen to my music:
day, and I know that you can do just as well, if3.