BaroquePlaya

Hi Tony,

First off, thanks to you and the other artists on this site who take time to share their knowledge and thoughts, it is greatly appreciated!

I was just wondering as a freelance musician in NY, what does a typical week look like in terms of gigs, rehearsals, etc.?

Thanks!

kadleck

Baroque -

Thanks for the question. I guess one of the cool things about being a freelancer is that no week is really "typical". One week can be extremely light then the next week you may barely have time to eat (although those weeks are few & far between anymore).

I'll give you my current week (which I would consider normal): Monday- taught one lesson; Tuesday- played a (3 hr.) recording session for a broadway show that's coming up in March; Wednesday- "Tarzan" at 2PM, played a flugelhorn solo on the new Frankie Valli CD at 5PM, "Tarzan" again at 8PM; Thursday- 3 hr. rehearsal for Kristen Chenoweth at the Metropolitan Opera; Friday- more rehearsals for Chenoweth 11-1, 2-5 and the concert at 8PM; Saturday- recording session 10-1 (don't know the artist yet, just the studio) "Tarzan" at 2PM, "Tarzan" at 8PM; Sunday "Tarzan" at 1PM, "Tarzan" at 6:30PM.

Also, I live a hour outside of NYC, so if you add (substantial) commuting time, they can make for long days. For me, having a show is a big plus, especially during the slow weeks. It's not always (read: NEVER) high art, but it is good, steady income.

Thanks -
Tony

bulldog

WOW!!!

How do you find time to practice/maintain/improve upon your obviously already awesome chops with a schedule like that? AND manage to stay married and raise a family?

As a displaced NY'er (and fellow MSM alum, WooHoo!), I LOVE your forum Tony. Totally jealous. Keep up the good work.