Being a Professional Musician – There IS a Middle Class

There is a common misconception among us that being a professional musician can mean only one of two things:

Either you make it big and become a star -

Or you suffer through a life of poverty (thus the term “starving artist” may come into play)

This is simply NOT TRUE.  There is a HUGE “middle ground” out there for professional musicians.  I know for a fact that there are at least 10 professional musicians in Kansas City who make over $250,000 per year.  Yeah, let THAT sink in for a minute.  You may not have heard of these guys – band leaders who play for corporate events (corporate events usually pay the top bands in Kansas City around $4000 per show – and sometimes the show only lasts about 20 minutes) – there are also a few local bands that make at least $3500 per show MINIMUM.  One of those bands that comes to mind only has 3 members – you do the math.

I know that my doctor makes around $175,000 per year and he was voted “Kansas City’s Best Physician” by The Kansas City Star last year.   I, a musician, without disclosing my end tax return figure, make considerably more than that.

Anyway, I guess the point is – if your child expresses an interest in becoming a professional musician – don’t consider it the kiss of doom.  I went to school, got my accounting degree, graduated and became an accountant for a major corporation for 5 years.  Had I have stuck with that job I probably would have been making around $85,000 right now – not bad, but I sure wouldn’t have my membership at Deer Creek country club and playing golf three or four times a week.

True musical talent is a GIFT.  You cannot LEARN it – the average Joe College can’t pick it up by taking a million music theory classes at school – but most other jobs the average Joe can learn and perform.

Music is a special gift – and I’m glad that a handfull of professional musicians are making 6 figures in Kansas City – as they should.  Most of them have college degrees and years of experience in other corporate fields – but music for them, at least, is a more lucrative career choice.

So, the next time you see a band performing – whether it’s at your favorite nightclub or at your company Christmas party – just remember, they probably make more than you do – sorry.

The career of a professional musician in fact does have a middle ground between Rock Star and Broke Starving Artist – there is a very large financial MIDDLE that most people don’t know about.

So that’s why I just told you about it.

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