dream job

[TrumpetMD]

Nice post by onlyson.

In my situation, even though I'm a much better trumpet player than a piano player, I get more gigs on piano.

"... become a band leader. Don't be a dick. Hustle." ... great advice.

Mike
_________________
Bach Stradivarius 43* Trumpet (1974), Bach 6C Mouthpiece.
Bach Stradivarius 184 Cornet (1988), Yamaha 13E4 Mouthpiece
Olds L-12 Flugelhorn (1969), Yamaha 13F4 Mouthpiece.
Plus a few other Bach, Getzen, Olds, Carol, HN White, and Besson horns.

[mike ansberry]

I should preface this by saying I have not read all the replies so far.

I have been around the block many times in the music world. I know a LOT of musicians in a lot of different places. I know very few who make a living by playing the trumpet only. Most do other things like booking bands, teaching lessons, or some other way to suppliment their income.

After I got out of the small, isolated area I lived in and was exposed to people with real talent, it became apparent that I was not going to make a living playing the horn. I had sworn I would never teach, but life happened and I started teaching middle school band. I found I absolutely loved it and had a great life teaching kids to play while gigging on the side.
_________________
Music is a fire in your belly, fighting to get out. You'd better put a horn in the way before someone gets hurt.

[peanuts56]

I had a great uncle who was a professional trumpeter. He was an immigrant from Naples and my maternal grandfather's younger brother.
He didn't have a day job and didn't do much private teaching from what I was told. He was on staff at a few theaters and freelanced.
He was very shrewd, took his money and invested in land. He was also a gentleman loan shark.
I never really heard him play. He was about 80 when I was born in 56 and had been retired from playing. He passed away around 65-66 and was probably worth over a million dollars. A pretty tidy sum for the mid 60's.

[jhatpro]

Three numbers suggest how difficult it would be to survive in the U.S. on income derived from playing or teaching music:

Average U.S. annual household income: $75,000
Average annual salary for a H.S. band director: $59,000
Average hourly pay for freelance musicians: $23.00

Unless you’re as talented and industrious as onlyson who has one of the busiest cover bands in the Chicago area, you better - as he notes - marry well.
_________________
Jim Hatfield

"The notes are there - find them.” Mingus

2021 Martinus Geelan Custom
2005 Bach 180-72R
1965 Getzen Eterna Severinsen
1946 Conn Victor
1998 Scodwell flugel
1986 Bach 181 cornet
1954 Conn 80A cornet
2002 Getzen bugle

[Rachevenmo]

What an awesome journey from trumpet dreams to leading your own band! Your story is not only inspiring but also filled with valuable advice for aspiring musicians. Learning to sing, picking up piano or guitar, and the importance of not being a dick—solid tips! And, of course, the golden advice to "marry well" for that extra support. You can also check sarkar result. Thanks for sharing your musical wisdom!