3 answers
Yaritza
Student
Los Lunas, New Mexico
1
Question
Updated
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How do musicians become involved in pit orchestras? #Spring26
I am currently a senior at Valencia High School, and will be a freshman in college this fall as a Music Education and Performance major. I would love to work in theatre as a musician.
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3 answers
Kyle Mattingly
Pianist, Music Director
28
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
Theaters are always looking for good musicians for their shows. If you play piano, that chair is frequently covered by the music director of the show, especially in smaller productions. Learning how to direct and teach singers the show's music is a necessary skill for that role. If you play a different instrument, becoming competent in a wide variety of musical styles is important because musical theater will frequently have a wide range of music across the various shows.
Assuming you've got the musical skills necessary, you're first step in meeting people who can hire you might be to check out your school's theater or other local theaters. DM'ing or emailing directors of those places can give you leads to be hired for a show. Also, meeting other people who play your instrument is a good way to sub into a show when they need coverage for a few dates. If you prove that you are excellent with your instrument, the work will come! Be aware, theater budgets are never big and so pay for the shows can be on the low side. That being said, it's an excellent way to learn new styles of music and be challenged to level up your abilities!
Assuming you've got the musical skills necessary, you're first step in meeting people who can hire you might be to check out your school's theater or other local theaters. DM'ing or emailing directors of those places can give you leads to be hired for a show. Also, meeting other people who play your instrument is a good way to sub into a show when they need coverage for a few dates. If you prove that you are excellent with your instrument, the work will come! Be aware, theater budgets are never big and so pay for the shows can be on the low side. That being said, it's an excellent way to learn new styles of music and be challenged to level up your abilities!
steve wright
Drummer
5
Answers
Tijeras, New Mexico
Updated
steve’s Answer
Focusing on the essential skills, training and networking to get noticed is the key. As Kyle mentioned, getting yourself known to others and getting a possible gig as a substitute can go a long way. Musicalchairs.info is a site that shows job listings and auditions for orchestra gigs for all instruments.
Going from high school to college is a big life change and will require some adjustments to what you may be used to. Competition for music gigs can be brutal! In your freshman year soak it all in, meet other musicians, make new friends and learn what you can as to how the career you are choosing works. If it is for sure the life work you want, then you'll have a lifetime of performing for the masses. And remember, there is always something new to learn and experience in the life of a musician.
Going from high school to college is a big life change and will require some adjustments to what you may be used to. Competition for music gigs can be brutal! In your freshman year soak it all in, meet other musicians, make new friends and learn what you can as to how the career you are choosing works. If it is for sure the life work you want, then you'll have a lifetime of performing for the masses. And remember, there is always something new to learn and experience in the life of a musician.
Keith Levenson
Musical Director
4
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Keith’s Answer
The best program for being a pit musician is the Master’s Program at NYU taught by John Miller and Ted Sperling. (Google them)
For under grad, I think getting a degree in music is okay but as Steve Sondheim said to me. Look at the world around you . Soak in as much music as you can. Then, sit in as many pits as you can. Doesn’t have to be Broadway. Follow National Tours. Leave a note for the MD or the Associate. Ask whether you can audit any of the keyboard books.
That’s how I did it a mere 35 years ago,
For under grad, I think getting a degree in music is okay but as Steve Sondheim said to me. Look at the world around you . Soak in as much music as you can. Then, sit in as many pits as you can. Doesn’t have to be Broadway. Follow National Tours. Leave a note for the MD or the Associate. Ask whether you can audit any of the keyboard books.
That’s how I did it a mere 35 years ago,