What does it mean to be a professional trumpet player? I guess I became a professional trumpet player when I was 16 years old. That is when I got my first paying job. It was a church gig in San Jose California that payed $80. Ever since then, my goal was to make money playing the trumpet. When I was younger it was easier. I had no wife, no kids, no house, and no real responsibilities other then myself. Living in the San Francisco Bay Area is expensive! Once I had more responsibility, I had more bills. Playing $100 gigs was not going to cut it. So, I decided to start teaching. Turns out, I like teaching. I was lucky. Some musicians hate it.

What types of gigs are available to trumpet players here in the Bay Area? Symphony gigs, Broadway shows, weddings, Chinese funerals, herald trumpet gigs, R&B gigs, top 40 bands, mariachi bands, Cumbia bands, salsa bands, big bands, brass quintets, jazz gigs, recording sessions, cruise ships, blues bands, rock bands, and funk bands. I have been lucky to grow up in such a musically diverse area. It has given me the opportunity to play with many different artists, in many different genres.

There does seem to be a difference, however, between working musicians and “artists”. As a working musician, I could call 15 other players to sub for me who will do the job at least as well, if not better, then me. Artists are musicians or performers who people come out to see specifically for them. Occasionally, I will book a gig that features my band, and tunes that I want to play, so I guess occasionally, I’m an “artist”. Most of the time, I’m a “hired gun”.

There is plenty of work here. The problem is the cost of living. Every trumpet player I know, unless they are single and young, has to supplement their income. Generally, gigs pay anywhere between $80-500, mostly in the $100-300 range for club dates and “casuals”. Casuals are private corporate events or weddings that usually hire dance bands or “party bands”. Mind you, these events tend to only happen during the weekends, and if then, only once a week if you’re lucky. Sometimes you have to “dress up”. I’ve worn tights, medieval costumes, clown outfits, and even been a toy soldier. Like most people, I have bills, lots of them, and if I can pay them by playing more horn, I’ll keep doing whatever it takes.