CHW Posted January 12, 2016 Share Posted January 12, 2016 I'd say that it is about having the ability, contacts, reading and equipment to bring in enough work that you don't need to supplement your income by getting a "proper" job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigman Posted January 12, 2016 Share Posted January 12, 2016 Surely by definition the only criteria is whether you get paid for it or not. Ability is irrelevant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigman Posted January 12, 2016 Share Posted January 12, 2016 [quote name='Cato' timestamp='1452599556' post='2951423'] anyone who earns more money from music than they have spent on their equipment can be described as professional. [/quote] Some years that would be me. However I'm pretty sh*t and could only ever do what i do in the band that i'm in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12stringbassist Posted January 12, 2016 Share Posted January 12, 2016 I retired early from my job late last year, taking a pension and lump sum. My three piece band is quite busy (all our available Saturdays this year have gone) and I have a fortnightly jam night too. So I consider myself to be a musician by trade now. What I feel I need to be a professional musician: Availability (including last minute) Reliable gear and spares Playing ability for the band I'm in Transport Can do / Will do attitude / flexibility The ability to zip it when things are not going my way Patience of a saint when things are not going my way The common sense to put my foot down when something really doesn't suit the band without turning it into a saga. Sleep Organisational capacity To be able to smile sweetly and to press the flesh with landlords I think are total boneheads Platsred on grin and to be able to chat with punters when i would rather be left alone To be able to stop at a legal level to drive Not minding driving distances to gigs if the money is right An understanding wife Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted January 13, 2016 Share Posted January 13, 2016 (edited) [quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1452596604' post='2951390'] Well I get paid for playing the Dog & Duck, but it would never occur to me to describe myself as a 'Pro'. [/quote] I play bass guitar for a living and I wouldn't describe myself as Pro either. I think being a pro or considered a pro is something others might label you with. Blue Edited January 13, 2016 by blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JapanAxe Posted January 13, 2016 Share Posted January 13, 2016 [quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1452603564' post='2951474'] If you're a semi-pro, does that mean that you earn half as much as you've spent on your equipment? [/quote] Hard to deny... [quote name='ambient' timestamp='1452607752' post='2951552'] People keep mentioning top quality equipment. Off the top of my head, 4 of my tutors at uni were most definitely pro, they played Fenders, musicman, cort and aria basses. It's how you play what you play. [/quote] I agree, the important thing is that your kit should be reliable, so that it won't let you or your clients down. I was one of those mentioning 'top quality equipment' - but where is the top really? £1,400 Fender USA? £2,500 Dingwall? £10,000 Fodera? Of course that's a whole other thread along the lines of 'Why pay more when a Squier CV does such a great job?' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_5 Posted January 13, 2016 Share Posted January 13, 2016 Turn up, tune up, shut up. And don't be a dick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lojo Posted January 13, 2016 Share Posted January 13, 2016 Having work ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LewisK1975 Posted January 13, 2016 Share Posted January 13, 2016 My 2p, [b]in no particular order[/b]: 1 - Being registered for tax as a self-employed musician, or being signed to a record company contract. 2 - Having RELIABLE gear (doesn't need to be expensive, but needs to work consistently, and should be well maintained, and maybe PAT tested?) 3 - Turning up on time, dressed suitably for the gig / session. 4 - Being of an ability where you can perform the material required of you, consistently. All I can think of right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunburstjazz1967 Posted January 13, 2016 Share Posted January 13, 2016 [quote name='ambient' timestamp='1452607752' post='2951552'] People keep mentioning top quality equipment. Off the top of my head, 4 of my tutors at uni were most definitely pro, they played Fenders, musicman, cort and aria basses. It's how you play what you play. [/quote] Musicman,aria and fender are certainly professional basses in that well they are largely used by professional musicians, fender probably by more than any other brand even if that musician has a Roscoe or whatever at home too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skej21 Posted January 13, 2016 Share Posted January 13, 2016 Putting 'musician' down on your car insurance and other insurance policies, paying the inevitably higher premium... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TKenrick Posted January 13, 2016 Share Posted January 13, 2016 Whilst at music college I remember being given some sage advice: 1. Be early 2. Be skilled* 3. Don't be a dick This is all that matters. If you show up in good time for whatever it is you've been booked to do, know the music in more depth than anyone else there and are generally a pleasant human being then you'll never be short of work. Notice that there's no mention of gear anywhere. [b]Nobody apart from other bass players cares what gear you use[/b] as long as it works and you make the music feel good. *The skill set that you need depends on the circles that you wish to move in. If you make a living doing pub gigs then you don't need to read, but if you want to get booked for theatre stuff then you won't get far without being comfortable with dots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted January 13, 2016 Share Posted January 13, 2016 Attitude + Aptitude = Altitude From the writings of Brother East Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dand666 Posted January 13, 2016 Share Posted January 13, 2016 TKenrick is right. Having been working professionally on ships for the past few years, as long as you turn up, do the job and don't be a dick. You're golden and will get called back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharkboy Posted January 13, 2016 Share Posted January 13, 2016 I think theres some confusion between a pro player and a pro session player. If your primary source of income is playing, whether in a signed band or a wedding band, you're a pro as far as I'm concerned. That is it- nothing else matters. It's not about how much that happens to be or your ability to play. Most of the advice on here fits well for a session player or someone looking to get regular gigs, but not for the (to use an earlier example) Adam Claytons of this world. Doesn't make him any less of a pro though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunburstjazz1967 Posted January 13, 2016 Share Posted January 13, 2016 ^yep that was me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AustinArto Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 I think the main requirement for making a living from playing is to be willing to play anything for money. Chops aren't that important as a bass player at 99% of gigs. Experience will gradually make you more successful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 What makes a pro will always be subject for debate. However, every one can adapt a pro attitude. Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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