John Legend's Horn Section Shares Advice on How to Make it as Live Musicians
On the day before America's birthday at the Art Museum steps in Philadelphia, John Legend does a soundcheck and rehearsal for one of America's biggest Independent's Day celebrations. OnTheGig was able to catch up with Allen Arthur, Clayton Riley and Stephen Tirpak for some words about making it music.
In this insightful interview, John Legend's horn section shares their collective wisdom on building successful careers as professional horn players. They discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of being section players in a major touring act, including the importance of section cohesion, sight-reading abilities, and versatility across musical styles.
The musicians offer practical advice on audition preparation, networking strategies, and how to maintain both technical proficiency and physical stamina during demanding tour schedules. They address the business aspects of being freelance musicians, including contract negotiations, managing multiple gigs, and creating additional income streams between tours.
For aspiring horn players, this conversation provides valuable guidance on developing the specific skills needed for live performance work, building a reputation for reliability and professionalism, and navigating the competitive landscape of professional music. Their journey from music students to touring with a Grammy-winning artist offers an inspiring roadmap for horn players looking to build sustainable careers in the music industry.
