As you said, any young single musician looking to polish their skills should give it a shot. The travel seems like a very nice perk. The right attitude is critical. My son jumps at the chance to play different music- so far he's done solo classical piano, duets, chamber, Big Band, and performances with the local symphony orchestra. Last year he did a bunch of rock and pop events including a gig with 'Disney Rock'- it's all good. Ear training and sight reading have both helped him be able to play an entirely unknown piece on the spur of the moment- it's his party trick I'm curious, do you think cruises would be a good path onto becoming a studio musician? Also, do they ever promote music directors from among the ranks of ship's musicians?
They always promotoe musicians from within the ranks. That's usually how it works. Ships is a great way to segue into studio work, it utilizes the same set of skills
No. I can't swim and I never step foot on a ship or a boat of any kind. I did however play in a variety show on land at a resort theater in the Smoky Mountains. (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee) I enjoyed playing two shows a day six days a week and sometimes seven days a week. Some of the best musicians I ever played with. Sort of got tired of playing the same tunes every day though. It does become just a "job" once you do it for a while, but you find ways of making it fun night after night.
This is great info for anyone looking to get into the cruise industry. I did it 2009-2012 on various lines doing calypso, lounge and club bands as well as cocktail piano. One of the best experiences of my life. I found a better job on land that pays more so I stopped. If things get worse at home I may try ships again. Thanks again.
Sound great. I have a similar question to the other comment on your post about getting a reel together and also which songs you think are most popular / would be good for an audition reel thanks
Hi, so I'm not a musician but I did start playing the guitar about a month ago. In 4 weeks I start my first cruise ship contract and I don't want to not practice for six months. Is there a way I can practice guitar on board as a non-musician crew member?
@@australianguitarchannel4237 Thanks for the quick answer. One more question haha. How do I go about a guitar? Do I take my own, or do I borrow one, or buy one there in port?
Dunno! That's a stock photo,lol. I got the pay rates from current cruise line websites and recent conversations with agents. That's why I did pay ranges, but I figured this might happen!
Hey Karl. Well it is important, only for the showband though. Being able to read chords is more important than the actual note reading component. But to pass an audition a fairly solid understanding and capability with note reading is required. I'd say a grade 5-6 level.
My best answer to that is why don’t I move to a tropical island, lay on the beach and do nuthin for the rest of my life. These things are great for a period of one’s life, but not forever. I have/had other goals/ambitions to achieve.
@@australianguitarchannel4237 i was just a bit surprised as i'd hoped they got more considering how good and versatile a player you have to be. Factoring in that there are no expenses at all it does seem a little better..
Can we use the swimming pools? Lol.
This video was great. I subscribed.
As you said, any young single musician looking to polish their skills should give it a shot. The travel seems like a very nice perk. The right attitude is critical. My son jumps at the chance to play different music- so far he's done solo classical piano, duets, chamber, Big Band, and performances with the local symphony orchestra. Last year he did a bunch of rock and pop events including a gig with 'Disney Rock'- it's all good. Ear training and sight reading have both helped him be able to play an entirely unknown piece on the spur of the moment- it's his party trick I'm curious, do you think cruises would be a good path onto becoming a studio musician? Also, do they ever promote music directors from among the ranks of ship's musicians?
They always promotoe musicians from within the ranks. That's usually how it works. Ships is a great way to segue into studio work, it utilizes the same set of skills
No. I can't swim and I never step foot on a ship or a boat of any kind. I did however play in a variety show on land at a resort theater in
the Smoky Mountains. (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee) I enjoyed playing two shows a day six days a week and sometimes seven days a
week. Some of the best musicians I ever played with. Sort of got tired of playing the same tunes every day though. It does become
just a "job" once you do it for a while, but you find ways of making it fun night after night.
This is great info for anyone looking to get into the cruise industry. I did it 2009-2012 on various lines doing calypso, lounge and club bands as well as cocktail piano. One of the best experiences of my life. I found a better job on land that pays more so I stopped. If things get worse at home I may try ships again. Thanks again.
Thanks Dino
So what’s the difference between a lounge musician and a cocktail pianist? Would a solo cocktail pianist also get their own cabin?
I'm so lucky to play as a Solo Singer/Guitarist on cruise ship.
If someone wanted to be a solo singer/acoustic guitarist on a ship, how would you recommend they prepare/practice? What kind of music you play?
Sound great. I have a similar question to the other comment on your post about getting a reel together and also which songs you think are most popular / would be good for an audition reel thanks
Amazing, thank you so much for this and for colouring so many grey areas. All the best!
Thanks
Thanks for the info!
Great job. My idea of a nightmare. Can you do this? Do that? They want it all
Thanks for nice video!
Sounds fantastic. Live da dream. Good onya.
Very informative, thanks for the sharing!
No worries
Great video!! I'm thinking about apply as a Party Band. Do you have some info?
There are plenty of agents around. Lime entertainment might be a good place to start. Also , you could approach the cruise lines direct.
Hi, so I'm not a musician but I did start playing the guitar about a month ago. In 4 weeks I start my first cruise ship contract and I don't want to not practice for six months. Is there a way I can practice guitar on board as a non-musician crew member?
Yeah , plenty of places to practice, apart from your room, there’s backstage areas you could use too
@@australianguitarchannel4237 Thanks for the quick answer. One more question haha. How do I go about a guitar? Do I take my own, or do I borrow one, or buy one there in port?
@@peroinzimbabwe5842 take your own!!
How much does the cocktail pianist earn? You didn't say that. Thanks for the video!
I didn’t, you’re right. Bout $2000 USD per month
@@australianguitarchannel4237 Thank you so much man!!
Can't do that anymore...
Is that Renault on bass at 2:20min. The pay has increased since you've been on.
Dunno! That's a stock photo,lol. I got the pay rates from current cruise line websites and recent conversations with agents. That's why I did pay ranges, but I figured this might happen!
so how much "play" did you get playing in the band???................
Lol! Plenty of ‘play’ on ships!!
How good do you need to be in terms of sight reading as a guitarist?
Btw nice video!
Hey Karl. Well it is important, only for the showband though. Being able to read chords is more important than the actual note reading component. But to pass an audition a fairly solid understanding and capability with note reading is required. I'd say a grade 5-6 level.
What website can I visit to apply as a cruise ship singer
Try Lime entertainment, or Proship in Canada. There are also a lot of private, 'one man band' agents around too. Try googling for those
What are the qualifications need to be a cruise musician
Your explanation is fantastic
No qualification's as such. Just your abilities as a musician.
@@australianguitarchannel4237 thank you
Why dont you do the gig now mate if its that good?
My best answer to that is why don’t I move to a tropical island, lay on the beach and do nuthin for the rest of my life. These things are great for a period of one’s life, but not forever. I have/had other goals/ambitions to achieve.
One question. are these pay rates after taxes? are they gross income?
Tax free work as you're in international waters! Money's all yours
either way it's still pretty low.
@@globalnova Do musicians anywhere get paid well? ..rarely
@@australianguitarchannel4237 i was just a bit surprised as i'd hoped they got more considering how good and versatile a player you have to be. Factoring in that there are no expenses at all it does seem a little better..
@@globalnova it is possible to save money, for sure
The solo piano gigs barely exist anymore.
Why?