Have you ever wondered what it's really like to work as a professional violinist? Is a music degree required? How do professional musicians find gigs? And can you actually earn a living performing music?
In this episode of Time We Discuss, I sit down with professional violinist Wendy Provencher to explore what life is really like as a full time musician. Wendy shares how she built a career performing at weddings, corporate events, private parties, and with orchestras while also running a successful music school. We discuss the daily life of a professional musician, how networking leads to more opportunities, why continuous practice is essential, and what aspiring musicians should know before pursuing this career.
Whether you're considering a career in music, already studying an instrument, or simply curious about the business side of professional performance, this conversation offers practical advice and firsthand insight from someone living the career every day.
In this episode we discuss:
- What a typical day looks like for a professional violinist
- Whether you need a music degree to become a professional musician
- How musicians find paying performance opportunities
- The importance of networking and building professional relationships
- Marketing yourself as a musician
- Performing with orchestras, chamber groups, and at private events
- Why learning multiple instruments can increase job opportunities
- Running Allegro Event Music and Learning Allegro
- Salary expectations for professional musicians
- Advice for anyone considering a career in music
If you've ever dreamed about performing music professionally, this episode provides an honest look at both the creative and business sides of the profession.
Subscribe for more real career conversations with professionals from unique and interesting occupations.
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Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:46 - Typical day for a professional violinist
1:43 - What violin practicing is like.
2:49 - Opportunities to play music professionally
4:14 - Getting a job as a musician
5:18 - Importance of and how to network
7:04 - Business to Business Networking
8:59 - What successful marketing could look like
11:37 - What Education Looks Like for a Musician
16:11 - Insurance for Musicians
18:27 - Learning Other Instruments and Genres
20:23 - Busy Seasons and Quiet Seasons?
22:02 - Allegro Event Music and Learning Allegro
26:38 - A Business Lesson to Learn Sooner
28:10 - Shout out to Tara Thistlethwaite
29:03 - Conversation Highlights
30:43 - Salary Information (see website for references)
32:05 - Outro
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Guest Information:
Wendy Provencher
Also Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:
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Original Music: Original Music furnished by Dan Swift
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