Apr 2 in Q&A
The Session Connection
What is a good way to begin building a career as a session musician and what skills and attributes can make a session musician stand out among everyone else?
This is individual for everyone. If everyone developed the same skill set as the next person no one would stand out. That being said, there are some baseline expectations; that you can play expressively, that you blend in both musically and personality wise to your surroundings, you can learn and retain information quickly.
Focusing on what could make you stand out won’t put you further ahead of anyone but acting in alignment with your own joy will draw you closer to the work that you ultimately want to end up doing. When I think back to my time at university and who's successfully made a living from their instrument and feel accomplished it's the people we acted in alignment with their goals. That's not to say have a narrow outlook but be honest with yourself on the opportunities you take.
- Why am I taking on this opportunity? Money/experience/travel? It's all valid
- Does this put me closer to my ultimate goal?
- Does this fill me with joy?
- Am I growing from the experience in some way?
These sorts of questions are much more likely to help you carve out a path than asking if you’re reading chops up to scratch.
The skillset you are asking about will develop as you enter the industry and gain experience so don't worry about having it all figured out. I'm a firm believer that the right work will find you at the right time. I encourage this type of mindset in aspiring players because it remedies impatience and helps to build resilience. To me, the most important quality is fluidity in expression. Can you competently express your musical ideas in a tasteful manner that serves the song? The answer to the question has a mix of great technique, sensitivity when playing, an eclectic taste in music that can be expressed on the chosen instrument.
What agents/ fixers would a freelance session musician contact to get work?
“Feel and musicality is extremely important to me. I define that as a musician's ability to use their abilities in a musical way. Of course their level of skill/technique is important but for me feel and musicality are more important. A musician that is strong in those areas can sound a lot better than a player that has a lot of technique but no feel or musicality in my opinion. Also, professionalism is extremely important as is the case with any job. If a musician doesn’t have the right level of professionalism then nothing else matters”
“When I'm speaking to musicians, professionalism, enthusiasm for the project and responding to emails promptly goes a long way”
Artclub Live https://www.artclub.live/
“We’re working hard to position ourselves as an agency that works with established artists/bands only, that said, we are always looking for talented musicians that have a desire to learn how to program, develop as a sound designer and are looking for pathways into the world of musical direction.”
TV adverts and modelling (not necessarily music)
Camilla Arthur https://camillaarthurcasting.com/
Before you submit. I’d love to see what you plan on sending so I can help maximise your chances of being successful
What are the industry standard fees for a session musician and are they variable based on the setting of work?
Exactly that, they vary! Not only because of the gig setting but because unfortunately, what is considered fair pay for musicians is largely open to interpretation dependent on who you’re speaking to, so the best thing you can do is work on what is your baseline amount. I wouldn’t encourage anyone to entertain anything for less than £200, make sure you're factoring in your time and expenses into any equation when you are wondering if you should take on a job.
What are the main professional relations that a session musician will build through their career?
This varies with the type of work you are involved in and it also depends on how confident you are with networking. Below is a chart that breaks down work type and relationships and fees.
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The Session Connection
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Helping musicians find their unique path in the industry.
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