Exam 5

I’m a session musician, which means that people hire me when they need a musician, rather than me working for a particular band or on my own. It’s still important to me that I’m doing what I like and believe in, so I don’t accept all the work I’m offered. I’ve been doing this job for quite some time and I’m happy to consider the offers and then decide.

You need certain qualities to be a good session musician. One such quality is that you have to be able to fit quickly into a team. It’s no good if you go to the studio and have an argument with the trumpet player. It helps if you get along with people you’ve just met, as very often you play with musicians you’ve never seen before. Then of course there are particular musical skills you need. For example, you’ve got to learn parts very quickly and be able to play a lot of different musical styles. And of course, despite all your talents, you are in the background, so you have to be prepared to let somebody else be admired.

Another veiy important quality that you definitely need to have is flexibility. Some bands may have rehearsals at specific times and you need to be there when they need you. Sometimes a band or a solo artist may call you for a recording at the last minute because a musician hasn’t turned up, and it’s important that you can be there at short notice.

I’ve found there’s plenty of variety in this work. Sometimes I’m asked to play guitar for a top band at a big live concert. Or I might go on a long tour with a famous singer. But my main income has always been from studio work. I might do one short section of a song, or I could be asked to join a band for a whole album.

Most session musicians generally get paid the same amount. It’s fairly good money, but of course if an album I work on sells a million copies, the band make a huge amount of money, but nobody gives me a big cheque.