Re: [Harp-L] how do I become a real pro?

[Philharpn@xxxxxxx]

If you go to Amazon.com and type in "How to make it in the music business" 
you will get three screens of listings (20 or 30 maybe) all dealing with the 
BUSINESS aspect of the making a career in music. Because if you can't run a 
business, no matter how good you are, you probably won't make it.

I received a review copy of a book a few years ago on this topic. One of the 
chapters was how to run a band, conduct rehearsals, promote the band, get 
bookings.

It has always been damned tough making it in the music business. Things 
aren't like the good old days -- which weren't all that good to many -- ask Rod 
Piazza who starved duriing the disco craze.

The late and great Gary Primich came to SPAH about 10 years ago (?) and 
talked about spending 200 (?) days on the road a year. At the end of the year, he 
sat down with his accountant who told him: "What you have here isn't a career, 
but a lifestyle."

At the time, Gary said that he was fortunate enough to have a wife with a 
very good job that allowed him to pursue his "career." 

Most of the people on this list who make any money at all from playing harp 
also have a day job.
That isn't because they aren't good; but that there are fewer jobs than there 
used to be. Witness the tiny   bar where Jason played during SPAH last 
summer.

Very few people   play harp as their sole instrument and can make a living at 
it. About 6 people. Most people on this list who play harp also double on 
other instruments -- keyboards, sax and read and write music and arrange. 

A good many of those who are harp players also teach seminars, workshops, day 
and evening classes at music stores and adult education programs.

Put up a few songs on YouTube and see what kind of comments you draw. This is 
a quick way to get some feedback. Plus, the people on this the harp list   
can hear you and give you some feedback.

 




In a message dated 2/6/08 10:31:06 PM, groovygypsy@xxxxxxxxx writes:


> hello list:
> 
> all of my friends and family think I have that special "it" quality with my
> harmonica and I have decided that I want to quit my job and become a famous
> harmonica player. can you please tell me how do I do this? and can you
> please tell me maybe what style whould be best to do it in maybe something
> where I don't have to sing. I can play just about anything on my 10 holer. I
> was playing some sanborn music today and I my girl says I'm very good at
> that style. I am totally serious about this. I even played some for Jason
> Ricci at one of his shows and he said I should do it too. I asked Jason
> Ricci for the steps to become famous and he said he's not famous so I have
> to ask somebody else and maybe this forum. all I want to know is how to
> become famous. thank you.  gg
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