Can you yodel like Franzl Lang? We’re guessing probably not, but if you can, there’s no way we’re letting you leave here today without showing us!
Have you ever been paid to sing (or yodel… is that considered singing?) or play an instrument? If so, what were the circumstances? Are you in a band? An orchestra? A rock group? Perhaps later on we’ll ask if you’ve ever performed (singing or instrumentally) in front of an audience, but today we’d like to know if you’ve been paid for it.
If you answer yes, please leave a comment and tell us when and where. We’d love to know! If you have a YouTube channel or video of you playing or singing, send it to us! Thanks!
Hi to all, please check out my website. I wrote Till the Highway Turns to Sea while bicycle riding solo and self supported across form Phoenix to St Augustine, Florida
markbakermusicaz.com
No, I played the accordion and I’m guessing folks might have paid me NOT to play.
I played the French Horn in high school and college, along with the trumpet and baritone. I also played for many years with an American Legion military band, the “Bonsal Blues”. It was a great experience and time, and it was all volunteer.
My wife and I are in a four piece band (I play the drums, she plays guitar) and we play around 4-5 gigs a summer. A lot of times we bring her guitar camping to sing during the day. (no, not at campfire time, not nice to other campers) We enjoy playing and singing.
I can play the radio 😎
Live free. Ride free
Stay safe, Joe
I was the singer in a small band that played bars and hotel lounges in what seems like a lifetime ago. As much as I thought that’s what I wanted to do to make a living, it didn’t take long to learn what you have to sacrifice to make that happen. Little sacrifices…..things like food, when you’re not making much $. I didn’t want the dream that bad!
was asked not if that counts couldn’t carry a note if it was in an envelope
Took the words right off my iPad!!
Played drums in a rock band in high school. Much better money than bagging groceries or pumping gas!
I have been singing and playing bass & guitar professionally since 1965. I currently have a small band called “Millennium Mix” and most musicians call me “Swampy”. I have myself and the band listed on several websites, the most popular is BandMix.com on which I have uploaded several tunes. The only video I have is from some poor cell phone footage taken from backstage when I was singing with the Blue Stars Orchestra in Biloxi, Ms.
I play the bagpipes
Played in a firefighter pipe and drum band
While RVing it was always fun to play around the campsite
It drew in a lot of people from around the area
Some even cried playing Amazing Grace
I was a paid bugler at the military college I attended. $100 a month back in the late 70’s.
I was a school band director, got paid to play all day!
Guitar and vocals in a Bluegrass band for many years. Dive bars to small local festivals.
I was in a 50’s-60’s Rock and Roll band back in the late 70’s and 80’s. Our band even got into the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Fun days
I have a better chance to be paid not to 😜
In a band at age 17. Truth is we sucked but did get a few paying gigs. I don’t recall whose idea this all was, but I suspect there was alcohol involved.
There should have been an option “been paid NOT to sing”…
+1
+2
Snoopy
Played professionally in the late 70’s thru mid 80’s, regional circuit (NM, CO, AZ and TX). Just cover bands. Then quit to raise two kids and go back to school. Played off and on over the years. Then joined a Western music band in ’01, the Rockin’ W Wranglers. Was with them for 6 years. Played fairs, cowboy gatherings and such. Lots of intricate vocal harmonies and corny jokes between songs. The most fun I’ve ever had performing…
Back in my college days, my roommate and I had a duo who performed at coffee houses and other small venues. I played guitar, she played piano, and we both sang. We weren’t great, it was mostly family who came to the shows, haha, but we enjoyed it and earned a few bucks.
I have played Bari sax in several 20 piece dance orchestras and Big bands. Still playing in a Dixieland band which raises donations for Shriners Childrens Hospitals, but sometimes we work one or two gigs a year for pocket change.
I’d be paid not to sing
I have the ability to play 13 instruments. I was principal bassist for Heartland Symphony Orchestra in Brainerd and Little Falls, MN for 15 years, I was also a ‘ringer’ for Bemidji Symphony Orchestra and Bismarck Symphony Orchestra. That term is for a stand in because the regular bassist for the position wasn’t available. I played as principal violinist for a large orchestra formed in the San Diego area in a huge Easter weekend performance in 1990 when I was on shore duty in the Navy and had time for things like that. There were other times I was paid for perfomances also.
I get paid NOT to play or sing
Me too. I’ve been told I should be on stage. The next one leaves town in 10 minutes. Or, on the radio so it can be turned off. Or, tenor. Ten or twelve miles out of town. Or, solo. So low you can’t hear me. Oh well I sing to myself. Good job I’m tone deaf
Me too
Paid to sing at weddings, etc, in my younger days.
I haven’t. But my hubby is in a bluegrass band. They write their own music. I just sell their merchandise.
Played trombone in a Tijuana Brass type group in the 60’s and it paid my high school expenses. Played in jazz bands, orchestras and small combos that I got paid for. I was in an Army band for 12 years out of my 20 years military service.
Haven’t been paid, but playing flute and piccolo got me stationed in Alaska instead of VietNam. Maybe saved my life.
When Iwas a member of the Cal Aggie (Davis) marching band it got me a trip to the Worlds Fair in Seattle.
played a Bass Fiddle in an Elks Club in the 50’s.
they’d likely pay me NOT to sing. ;o)
Long ago I accompanied on the piano
vocal or musical performances. Mostly volunteer but once in awhile I got paid!
I took time off from my healthcare career to run a voice teaching studio. I had five jobs – teaching, Suzuki accompanist, medieval trio member, church pianist, and soloist for weddings/funerals. Worked 10+ hour days, couldn’t make ends meet, had no health insurance. So back to the hospital! It was fun, though.
I have NO DOUBT that people would pay me NOT to sing. I couldn’t carry a tune in a wheelbarrow.
Use to be on the radio but got kicked off for scratching the varnish. Ha
I have sang at many weddings and funerals. I also sang in a quartet that performed gospel music in many venues, some for a “love offering “.
I’m an independent musician that played in a number of bands in Austin, TX. I played solo gigs and band gigs. More often than not, I ended up playing for free, but sometimes I got paid. Ultimately though, I’m not really one for the stage. More of a studio guy. My music and art is under the names Northern Owl and Open Atmos.
I played the trumpet from the time I was in 5th grade. I was pretty good and played “Trumpet Voluntary” for a few weddings. I still carry my trumpet with us in our 5th wheel (we are full-timers) but do not play very much. I have been tempted to take it out and play Revely early in the morning at campgrounds!
I made my living playing music. My wife and I played music and she decided to sing Gospel music. She recorded in English and Spanish. Her music was the first music played on a new station in Central America. Her music in English was played in the US, England and Europe.
Playing French Horn in the Kansas State Wildcat Marching band in ‘70’s got me into the Kansas City Chiefs games several times and all of the Wildcat home games.
Does being paid count ladies throwing articles of clothing. Well the answer is still no. LOL
I’ve been a professional musician since high school and still perform to this day. Playing mostly local venues, clubs, weddings, political events, cruise ships and private parties. I met my wife at a local dance 42 years ago and she has always been my biggest fan. Music …..and performing live is my drug of choice.
I played sax in several dance bands during high school and college in the early ’60s before joining the Navy in 1965. Loved the big band swing music and will always enjoy it. My granddaughter is now playing my old Conn alto sax in her H.S. band.