Entering a career as a pianist is a dream for many music enthusiasts. It is a lifetime of commitment, dedication, and passion for the art of music, but it can also be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Before you take the plunge into a career as a pianist, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into and the path you need to take to make that career a reality. This blog post will provide insight into the life of a professional pianist and the many steps you will need to take to pursue a successful career in the field. We will discuss what skills you need to master to become a professional, the various paths you can take to make a living as a pianist, and the best ways to market your skills. We will also explain the importance of practice, how to perfect your technique, and the importance of staying in touch with industry professionals who can help you get ahead. Finally, we will provide resources and tips to help you on
Benefits of working as a pianist
Here are some advantages you might experience as a pianist:
What does a pianist do?
A pianist is a music professional that plays the piano. In addition to performing solo gigs, pianists can also play in bands and orchestras. Most professional pianists opt to become concert pianists, which allows them to perform in venues like theater productions, restaurants, hotels, schools, and recording studios. While a pianist’s specific responsibilities may change depending on their role, the following are some of their general responsibilities:
How to pursue a career as a pianist
The actions you can take to pursue a career as a pianist are as follows:
1. Begin piano lessons
To become a pianist, you must first learn how to play the piano. You can learn about the piano’s chords, how to read music, and how to play a variety of songs by taking piano lessons. Your piano instructor may also assist you in developing a practice schedule that you can adhere to consistently to advance your abilities.
Find piano lessons that are right for you by searching online. If you prefer to have your piano teacher present to offer you guidance and feedback on your performance, you can take lessons in person. You can learn to play the piano using online programs or by interacting with a teacher via an online video platform by enrolling in piano lessons online.
2. Earn a bachelors degree
To improve your abilities and experience playing the piano professionally, think about obtaining a bachelor’s degree. Numerous colleges offer bachelor’s degrees in piano performance, piano studies, or music theory. You might participate in piano lessons and school performances while you’re in school. An admissions committee may look over your musical background and bachelor’s degree while you perform in an audition to determine whether you are a qualified pianist. You could also play in your school’s band, which would enhance your musical collaboration abilities.
3. Find an entry-level job
To improve your credentials and expand your skill set, look for an entry-level piano job. You might be able to find entry-level work as a pianist at a piano school or as a tutor at a symphony or community theater. Working a variety of side jobs while beginning your piano career is also beneficial. While working a side job, think about handing out business cards with your contact information.
4. Consider getting an agent
Consider submitting an application to musical agencies after gaining experience in an entry-level position to find a representative who can represent you in the music industry. This might enable you to progress in your desired piano career. An agent might assist you in finding a position where you can compose music, join an orchestra, or join a band. Visit the agency’s website and submit an application to apply there. You might be asked to submit an audition video that showcases your piano prowess and performance abilities.
5. Continue practicing
It’s crucial to regularly practice piano while pursuing your career in this field. By doing this, you might be able to maintain your advanced skill set and increase your job opportunities. For instance, if you’ve been a pianist for 20 years and want to audition for an orchestra, practicing regularly may help you succeed.
Skills for a pianist
The following abilities could come in handy as you pursue a career as a pianist:
Confidence
Pianists often perform musical arrangements to audiences. Depending on the type of show they are playing, they may perform for large or small audiences. A high-quality performance and attention on your playing rather than the audience may be aided by your confidence. Try to maintain good posture while playing by keeping your back straight and holding your head up straight to convey confidence.
Collaboration
You might cooperate with other musicians when performing as a member of a band, symphony, or orchestra. These musicians may also sing or play other instruments, such as the violin, guitar, or drums. It’s crucial that you have strong collaborative abilities so that you can keep the beat, give other performers feedback, and offer ideas to improve the musical arrangement.
Creativity
Piano players frequently create musical arrangements to share with their band mates or other musical partners. You can make arrangements with original components that appeal to audiences by using your creativity. Making original arrangements could catch the audience’s attention and highlight your piano skills.
Tips for becoming a pianist
Here are some tips to help you become a pianist:
Grow your network
It might be beneficial to expand your network so that you have more contacts in the music industry to help you find job opportunities or advance in your career. People in your network might also spread the word about your piano skills, which might encourage businesses to contact you for your piano services. They might also inform you of piano job openings. For instance, if someone in your network learns of an opening in a renowned orchestra, they may let you know about it so that you can submit an application for the position.
Look for volunteer opportunities
Volunteer pianists are frequently sought after by numerous organizations, including hospitals and charities, to perform at events. Volunteering could increase your performance experience and your network. Find volunteer opportunities online or get in touch with neighborhood nonprofits to express your interest in playing the piano at their events. When they have an upcoming event, they might then get in touch with you.
Gain experience in working with different types of pianos
Keyboard pianos, grand pianos, and upright pianos are just a few of the different kinds of pianos. Learning how to play each piano properly may be beneficial. Think about asking your piano teacher if you can practice on a piano other than the one you usually use. Having experience with various pianos may increase your versatility as a pianist and help you stand out from other experts in your field.
Becoming A Concert Pianist – Realities, Difficulties, and Solutions
FAQ
Is pianist a good career?
Good piano technique can be applied to the composition, arrangement, and production of music in any genre. As you can see, pianists have a variety of career options. Professional piano playing is frequently a difficult job that takes years of study and practice, but in the end, it can make you very happy!
How much money can you make as a pianist?
Salary Ranges for Concert Pianists The median annual pay for concert pianists in the US is $71,378. Salaries for concert pianists range from $18,720 to $141,440. The middle 60% of Concert Pianists makes between $63,202 and $71,162, with the top 80% making $141,440
Can you make a living being a pianist?
The type of projects you may work on vary. Some of the projects will be for film scores, while others might be for commercial jingles. Additionally, backing tracks are also performed live concerts by session musicians. Studio pianists make around $100,000 per year!.
How do I start a career as a pianist?
A bachelor’s degree in piano performance or studies, music, or music theory is an option for aspiring professional pianists. Applicants may have to audition and/or submit a recording. A foundational course in music history, methods, and styles, as well as ear training and performance, can be found in an undergraduate program.
