Of the many unique aspects of life as a performing musician, one of the most distinctive differences between that career and others is that we work while others play, that is at night as opposed to the more typical day job. Working at night, when others are at home with their families or watching sports on TV, or going out with friends to party or to hear our music, can be seen as a disadvantage. However, I have found it to be a great advantage.
First of all, our performance workday is typically three to four hours—and we get to spend that time playing music. That means we have every day to spend as we choose. Not that we have time to waste. Serious musicians spend hours a day running their business, which often includes scheduling jobs and hiring other musicians, and of course practicing. As Vladimir Horowitz famously said, “If I skip practice for one day, I notice. If I skip practice for two days, my wife notices. If I skip practice for three days, the world notices.”
As well, many accomplished musicians also teach, be it college, high school, or private lessons, or a combination thereof. That, of course, is generally a day job and a regular daily schedule.
As a touring player early in my career, I enjoyed having the days to myself, sleeping in after a night of performing, playing golf from time to time, and having lots of time to work on my music. As long as there was enough work to cover expenses those were happy, carefree days. And I still enjoy the freedom that being self-employed, as a musicians and these days as a writer as well, provides. It’s a good life, especially when you have the opportunity to play for the people, to share the joy of music with them.