HARSH TRUTHS about being a PRO MUSICIAN

Here's a little video sharing some Brutal Truths for anyone who wants to become a Professional Musician in the current day. Not aiming to put anyone off their life long dreams. Just a reality check

For anyoone interested inJoining Rob on his Funk And Junk Recording Workshop taking place in 2025 please email

[hunahpuyamamoto]

USA *former* pro here.

The record business is long dead. Venues are gone (paying venues).

The only way you’re making money here is road gigs with established artists. That works fine until along about year 15–then it starts sinking in: “Why am I out here throwing away my life away with this madness?!”

Music is a beautiful thing, but as a profession it eats your life. I have the greatest respect and pity for those who’ve stuck with it. (Pity isn’t the right word, but I can’t find a better word).

Thanks for sharing the truth.

[BGdrummer]

Thanks for the candor. Musicians have always been like gamblers in this regard: they tend to tell you about the wins, but not the losses. You hear about "landing the big gig", but you don't hear about the time they also spent living in their car, or the troubles paying bills because the income is inconsistent at best, or marriage/family struggles from being constantly on the road, etc. Good on you for telling it like it is. You either want it or you don't.

[ChromaticHarp]

Music Colleges should tell their students the truth about making a living as a musician these days…

[fosters_music]

Great honest advice. No point sugar coating it

[RichieSelmo]

Thanks Rob finally someone giving real numbers and prices to consider. Thank you for your sincerity

[claymor]

A friend of mine could read fly shit off the wall, violin pieces, jazz transcriptions you name it, anything. Take the sheet away he’d keep going about 12 bars. He had absolutely amazing pitch, circus good. He could blow over Giant Steps with confidence, completely nail Al Di Meola and McLaughlin solos off the record., and transcribe them. He could also fingerpick and hybrid pick with the best. He could arrange for any ensemble. All in his early twenties (in the 80s). Yet he teaches guitar in schools. Never managed to break into the session world, even in the 80s, it was very tight and competitive.

[LA.Guitar]

Steve Lukather said some years ago that he can’t get session work anymore and if he can’t, no one can!

[MattOttewill]

Brilliant advice Rob. I learnt these lessons the hard way. Wish I’d had this video when I was 16! 👍

[durbodill]

Huuuge respect for what you do! I remember being mocked by my bandmates back in the day for not pursuing a musical degree and going pro. Instead, I ended up going to med school. I now have the huge privilege of having a very rewarding job and NOT having to make a living out of my passion for music. I think that could have ruined it for me!

[UNIONSTEVEMUSIC]

Hi Rob, nice of you to make an open and honest video about this.This puts everything in perspective once again and will also help people keep their feet on the ground.Being a musician is also having the passion for music to keep doing it all these years.keep going with the music!

[Jamiemccredie]

Terrific video Rob. Spinning plates, portfolio career, good attitude, happy with no sleep - it has its overwhelming challenges - but it has its life affirming rewards too. Much love & thanks for the excellent words. J

[Rebelconformist]

To be honest. This is probably the most useful video ive seen in ages. Thanks

[stcenturyparagraphs]

The digitization of music changed everything and the term 'musician' was redefined when music became a series of ones and zeros.

[ABS_AD]

Thanks for your amazing video Rob. You spoke the dark reality for the up and coming musicians. Music profession is not for all musicians. One need to have a steady income source other than music to live a comfortable life, cause love for music is just one part of our lives, while we have to leave the rest along with our music dreams.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[chatbass]

I'm not even a gigging musician but Rob's candor was amazing, and is what's needed for new entrants in any profession, not just for aspiring pro musicians.

[ASTROMEGA]

As an independent artist I wish major level and the system to choke on their own greed. I independently release and maybe, just maybe, I will touch the soul of someone discovering my music. I will die happy. Pennyless, but happy that I stayed honest to myself.

[ollieb]

I am a former music student - ACM - and I went in wanting to be a session player, not to play covers for weddings/ cruise ships ect. when I graduated, reality hit hard that the session world was closed off and I’d have to regularly drive hundreds of miles to make a very small profit to play a wedding at the weekend, to then work 7-3 in retail during the week just to cover London rent on a room and parking. Some have gone on to do well, but when you’re trying it feels like it’d be easier to be a premier league footballer or a F1 driver. I packed it in for 9-5 office work which I could build a life with and afford to play music as a hobby.

[GeertJanFrese]

Thank you Rob for your honest insight into the world of the professional musician. So true!

Happy holidays and see you next year.

[harrybee]

Hi Rob, I think this was one of your best videos: so true, so clear, so honest.

[allanwilliams]

My brother is a classically trained clarinetist & he’s always working.