Professional Guitarist

Duties and Responsibilities: Guitarist typically do the following: Perform music for live audiences and recordings, Audition for positions in orchestras, choruses, bands, and other types of music groups, Practice playing instruments or singing to improve their technique, Rehearse to prepare for performances, Find locations for performances or concerts, Travel, sometimes great distances, to performance venues, and Promote their careers by maintaining a website or social media presence or doing photo shoots and interviews. Guitarists play different varieties of music. To make themselves more marketable, many Guitarist become proficient in multiple musical styles. Guitarist play in bands, by themselves, or small groups. Those in bands may play at weddings, private parties, clubs, or bars while they try to build enough fans to get a recording contract or representation by an agent. Some musicians work as a part of a large group of musicians who must work and practice together, such as a band. A few musicians become section leaders, who may be responsible for assigning parts to other musicians or leading rehearsals. Others guitarists are “session” guitarist, who specialize in playing backup for a guitarist or band leader during recording sessions and live performances. Guitarists perform the strings in a variety of styles. Some specialize in a particular string style, such as death core or hardcore; others perform in a variety of musical genres.

Salary: $23.50-$65.24 per hour.

Education: There are no post secondary education requirements for those interested in performing popular music. Many guitarist of classical music and hardcore have a bachelor’s degree in music theory or performance. To be accepted into one of these programs, applicants are typically required to submit recordings or audition in person, and sometimes must do both. Undergraduate music programs teach students about music history and styles and teach methods for improving their instrumental techniques and musical expression. Some guitarists choose to continue their education by pursuing a master’s degree in fine arts or music.

     

Reflection: I would really like to be a guitarist in a band because it seems fun and exciting. Also I would like to be in a band as a guitarist because you win lots of money and you get to travel everywhere.