I live in Nashville and just over out of a place where I paid $500 a month on the east side, my partner paid the same totaling $1,000. It’s definitely possible to get cheaper rent you just have to look more closely, me patient and live in a place that isn’t perfect.
I can only imagine how difficult it is to make a living in country music, but it’s been my experience that it is far more difficult in Gospel (Southern Gospel to be exact) to make a decent living unless you’re in an upper crust situation. Years ago I did a pick-up job with a well-known group on a Canadian tour, when I got off their beautiful tour bus, I was handed $50.00! So I know where you’re coming from!!!
How do you carry / juggle a roster of students... doesn't that prevent you from taking on other gigs or opportunities. I.e. you build up a student base, then someone asks you out on a 3 month run...
I have kept a roster of 40 to 50 students per week for 35 years. The gig is a rare thing. Student's get the short shrift if you're gigging. I also out earn most musicians by a 'country mile'. I play out and record for fun. I teach for a living. I have been on the circuit when I was young. It was not for me.
If you want to make real money playing guitar, play weddings and corporate gigs, they still pay well. Either with (or start) a tight dance band or a "tribute" band, that will get you gigs. What happened to Nashville is what happened to Austin in back the 80's. Cheap cost of living and decent paying gigs. Then as Austin became known for live music, it became flooded with musicians and that all changed it for the worse. I saw a contract for SRV right before he hit it big to play out in east Texas for 2 nights. $500 each night plus accommodations and 10% booking fee. In today's dollars it would have been $3000.00 after the booking agents fee. You're lucky to get $100 a man now here in Austin playing clubs. And the reason those big acts don't pay squat is if you don't take it there are 100 others standing in line who will. It's just supply and demand economics.
You should try the UK. There is virtually no work left at grass roots. There are more musicians working on Broadway in one night then there are in most UK cities in a month.
Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders. I think you're doing the right thing by diversifying what you offer and not putting all of your eggs in the same basket. I like your intro jams! In the old days, a lot of people who followed music would know the various players in the bands, just like they may follow their favorite sports team. Buck Owens had Don Rich and so on. Same with rock. We all knew the guys in the band and had our favorites and would debates the merits of them vs. other players. Unfortunately musicians are turning into a commodity (like flour, sugar, milk..etc.) People just pay attention to the band names and don't care who is in the group. That makes it very hard for you to negotiate, since as you've said before, there are another dozen capable players ready to step in for you at half the going rate, just to be a "pro" or get a gig. I don't see any of this changing any time soon. I think this channel will continue to grow, and with your playing and personality, I'm sure you'll be able to get plenty of different opportunities to make money and share your knowledge in the future.
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I live in Nashville and just over out of a place where I paid $500 a month on the east side, my partner paid the same totaling $1,000. It’s definitely possible to get cheaper rent you just have to look more closely, me patient and live in a place that isn’t perfect.
dang, that's some comfy tone, brother...... makes me restless to chase some myself. thanks... nice work
Thank you buddy!
I can only imagine how difficult it is to make a living in country music, but it’s been my experience that it is far more difficult in Gospel (Southern Gospel to be exact) to make a decent living unless you’re in an upper crust situation. Years ago I did a pick-up job with a well-known group on a Canadian tour, when I got off their beautiful tour bus, I was handed $50.00! So I know where you’re coming from!!!
We believe in your talent. Rock on brother!
Thank you very much!
All the best to you. Keep doing what you do.
Thank you very much Bjorn!!
Tasty playing 😍
Thank you very much:)
How do you carry / juggle a roster of students... doesn't that prevent you from taking on other gigs or opportunities. I.e. you build up a student base, then someone asks you out on a 3 month run...
I have kept a roster of 40 to 50 students per week for 35 years. The gig is a rare thing. Student's get the short shrift if you're gigging. I also out earn most musicians by a 'country mile'. I play out and record for fun. I teach for a living. I have been on the circuit when I was young. It was not for me.
Nice playing and I like your slapback delay! What effect were you using in the beginning?
Don't forget the tax penalty for filing only yearly. It's small, but it is still a consideration.
The rent is too damn high! Kinda like Seattle after the grunge rush...
If you want to make real money playing guitar, play weddings and corporate gigs, they still pay well. Either with (or start) a tight dance band or a "tribute" band, that will get you gigs. What happened to Nashville is what happened to Austin in back the 80's. Cheap cost of living and decent paying gigs. Then as Austin became known for live music, it became flooded with musicians and that all changed it for the worse. I saw a contract for SRV right before he hit it big to play out in east Texas for 2 nights. $500 each night plus accommodations and 10% booking fee. In today's dollars it would have been $3000.00 after the booking agents fee. You're lucky to get $100 a man now here in Austin playing clubs. And the reason those big acts don't pay squat is if you don't take it there are 100 others standing in line who will. It's just supply and demand economics.
You should try the UK. There is virtually no work left at grass roots. There are more musicians working on Broadway in one night then there are in most UK cities in a month.
Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders. I think you're doing the right thing by diversifying what you offer and not putting all of your eggs in the same basket. I like your intro jams!
In the old days, a lot of people who followed music would know the various players in the bands, just like they may follow their favorite sports team. Buck Owens had Don Rich and so on. Same with rock. We all knew the guys in the band and had our favorites and would debates the merits of them vs. other players. Unfortunately musicians are turning into a commodity (like flour, sugar, milk..etc.) People just pay attention to the band names and don't care who is in the group. That makes it very hard for you to negotiate, since as you've said before, there are another dozen capable players ready to step in for you at half the going rate, just to be a "pro" or get a gig.
I don't see any of this changing any time soon. I think this channel will continue to grow, and with your playing and personality, I'm sure you'll be able to get plenty of different opportunities to make money and share your knowledge in the future.
Bucavac Dark Nashville .