A Christian Among Jews

614mag
I’ve always said that if you give me $1,000 I’ll stand naked in the middle of Times Square. Why not? It takes money, in part, to make the world go around, and, especially if you’re a creative musician, money can help you produce your art.

So many musicians just don’t get it. And I’m not talking about the ones who are HAPPY starving, playing in their bedrooms to noone. If that’s you, and you dig it, cool.

But if you really want to make your music and get it out there, I suggest you find ways to generate cash to keep your engine going. It’s cash that enables you to buy an amp, produce a record, book a rehearsal studio, etc…

Playing weddings is a great niche for string players who can stroll, play styles like jazz, funk, folk, world music, and anyone with a pick-up or electric violin will have a huge advantage when fitting into loud groups that play big rooms. I can tell you for sure that in NYC alone there are several agencies specializing in performing for Orthodox Jewish weddings, and they will pay a premium to get a violinist 1)with a pick-up and some effects 2) who can read 3)who can improvise and rock out a bit.
Google “wedding bands” or “booking agencies” in your town, call them all and email them all telling them that you’re able to stroll, amplify, fit into different styles, improvise, etc…. You will never have to worry about cash anymore, and by working two nights a week to make some quick money, you’ll have the ability to focus the rest of the time on your creative art.

Granted, it might be a “schlep”, but I was able to pay off a month’s mortgage with this gig!

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  • lewishowes

    I love it… all about the hustle!

  • bfidle

    It's not about the hustle, it's about the playing
    I've played violin in the Orth. Jewish sense for 8 years
    during the dance sets you have to play your ass off.
    It's not just a money gig. If you look at it that way you won't get called.
    some of these musicians can tell a joker from the real thing

  • nork74642

    I have been playing a lot of Bat Mitzvahs around the city lately!! Definitely hard work, enough money to keep going back though…

  • christianhowes

    How does how you look at it impact whether or not you're called? I look at them as a way to make money, and therefore I go and play my ass off, and get paid, and I keep getting calls. Sure, as someone who considers this scene an integral part of what they do to make a living, I can respect that you have a different perspective on it, but the fact is that the scene provides opportunities for violinists with a rare skill set to get work and get paid. And for some people this provides them money to invest in other artistic projects that are closer to their hearts. This is not in any way intended to demean the Orth Jewish Wedding scene.