Session Musician – The Essential Guide to Pro-Music Work
If you’re looking for a job as a session musician, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will help you with all the tips you need to get started and succeed. It includes finding a job, setting your tempo, and creating a reputation. You’ll also learn how to add outputs to multiple studio monitors.
Setting the tempo
The tempo of a song is essential for many reasons. Not only is it the base tempo for the musical score, but it also affects the listener’s emotions. It can be a good idea to check your tempo before performing or recording, but an unplanned change can sometimes result in a missed cue.
You can use the Time Scale Tool to find a good place in your audio file to adjust the tempo. This function aligns the first beat in your audio file with the timeline bar to indicate the appropriate tempo.
Another tempo-related tool is the Tap Tempo button, which translates your tempo into a BPM value. You can do this with MIDI controllers or on a drum pad. Another excellent tool for adjusting the rhythm of your session is the BBT ruler, which you can access by right-clicking the existing marker. It’s a simple way to see how your tempo changes over time.
Adding outputs for multiple studio monitors-Session Musician
Studio monitors are used to enhancing the quality of recorded music. These are similar to regular speakers but include special features to help the engineer to monitor the mix. Many engineers opt to use multiple sets of studio monitors for mixing purposes.
A monitor controller is a device that allows you to switch between several sets of studio monitors. These devices can also be used for live performance applications. They improve workflow and allow you to control the monitors.
Typically, a monitor controller can be purchased with a headphone amplifier or a separate amp. It can also have several inputs. This can be useful when you feed multiple musicians with a mix. The outputs can be provided to the DAW or an external playback device.
Some monitor controllers also feature talkback microphones, which are useful in live situations. While you may not need a monitor controller in your home studio, many professional recording studios utilize a few to control the signal flow.
Creating a reputation
When a musician wants to build a reputation as a session musician, there are several strategies that they can follow. These include making contact with others, playing well, and being a good person. One of the best ways to make contacts is to attend open mic nights. It’s also a good idea to post music clips online. You can even create a website and advertise yourself as a session musician.
One of the essential things a session musician can do to establish a good reputation is to practice on their favorite instrument. You can take lessons if you still need to become a fluent player. Learning a second instrument can help you land bigger jobs, too.
Another effective way to build a reputation as a session player is to get involved in as many different music-related groups as possible. You can join a local orchestra, band, club, or online forum.
Getting hired-Session Musician
Getting hired as a session musician is a great way to build a portfolio. You can use your skills to play onstage or offer your services online. However, you must get to know the music industry in your area. Session musicians are often paid part-time, depending on the length of the gig and the type of music. The average rate is $40-$60 an hour.
To become a session musician, you can enroll in a music performance degree program at a college or university. Or you can join the musicians’ union, which provides legal and healthcare benefits. Many marriages are also able to refer you to jobs in the industry.
In addition to the traditional resume, you should create a website, YouTube channel, and social media accounts. Networking is a critical element in the music industry, and it’s essential to be visible online. Your website should feature a list of your musical abilities. It should also have links to your YouTube channel and Bandcamp account.