Turning pro

charleshaupt

Hi all ,just a general question. What is the criteria for a musician to turn professional ?

IceCreamMan

I guess there is none..... anyone can turn pro any time they like ...they may not eat I spose.

In the real world, if you see the opportunity of earning a crust doing it pro then that would be my criteria....

guitarboy2828

Well, wiki describes a professional as "engaged in a specified activity as one's main paid occupation rather than as an amateur."

So, like ICM said, if you making money, I guess you're pro? I don't think your skill level qualifies you as being a pro, because there are many pop artists who are pro muso's, but their skill level is close to Rebecca Blacks.

Keira-WitherKay

main criteria.... is have something musically that can sell .....

by sell i mean not only recorded music but also skills.... there is a living to be made in music biz but like any small business it takes dedication and perseverance... and it includes , marketing/advertising/networking/product(music) development /management skills(when running a band) and i think a hint of luck ........... many forget theres more to it than just pitching to do a gig and cashing your cheque

.it's like any biz you can't sell washing powder unless your product is what people want ....same with music ...so at each show the more bums on seats you can get in the venue the more you can make ....

and like mentioned above virtuosity is not a criteria but being more than competent musically is,,,,

and it sure helps if you young and sexy,good looking ?

Mixerboy

I like to classify "pro" as having to pay tax on the money you make from whatever it is you're a "pro" at.

So you can still make the R100 per band per gig (if you're lucky) but still not be a "pro"

RobbieZ

Keira WitherKay wrote: and it sure helps if you young and sexy,good looking ?

So, I guess I am disqualified. :woohoo:

doc-phil

Mixerboy wrote: I like to classify "pro" as having to pay tax on the money you make from whatever it is you're a "pro" at.

So you can still make the R100 per band per gig (if you're lucky) but still not be a "pro"

I agree. You can consider yourself a pro muso if it's your only source of income, but if you live in a hedge, does it really count?

Josh-Hayes

...if you can afford to throw picks and drumsticks to the crowd. ? (I guess that means you have to have a crowd though...)

On a more serious note I think the 'paying tax' definition/criteria is a good indication.