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.
