![\"Thinking](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pianistdirectory.com\/welcome\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cruise-ship-gig.png?resize=150%2C86&ssl=1\")
You are an experienced pianist and want to know what it would be like to land a cruise ship gig. Almost all pianists are at least curious at one time or another about taking this path. Well, it can be great for some people. For others, not necessarily. We are not here to sugar coat. The truth is, it’s not for everyone. But if the kind of life that comes with being a musician on a cruise appeals to you, it could prove to be quite an adventure.<\/p>\n
Our number one tip: Get all the facts and ask people who have done it.<\/em> Regardless, your first cruise aboard will be a learning experience, but the more you know ahead of time, the better prepared you’ll be for some of the surprises that may come your way.<\/p>\n A very important fact in preparing for a cruise ship gig:\u00a0 your responsibilities go beyond being a musician. Remember that when you board a ship, you are part of the crew. This includes certain requirements that you may or may be in tune with.<\/p>\n You should consider this when negotiating your salary. Let’s say you’re promised $3,000 a month as a pianist on a cruise ship. a month (perhaps that’s a bit high for many gigs). If you play 4 But it doesn’t stop there. In addition, courses on ship safety, coexistence procedures on board, etc. must be attended. You will also be required to participate in crew drills. Some of these exercises are planned and others can be sprung on you by surprise. These exercises take up a lot of time over the course of a month. Some of them can also get you up pretty early in the morning.<\/p>\n You can also look forward to mandatory meetings. Some of them will conducted by of the head of the music department, perhaps weekly.\u00a0 Others would be carried out by the captain or the captain’s associates.<\/p>\n In short, your responsibilities go beyond being a cruise musician. That salary may start to seem a little small when stacked up to your obligations. If you can live with all the obligations and consider yourself to have a very flexible personality, this could be for you. Some people like it. Others who take on their first cruise ship gig make it their last.<\/p>\n Surely, you want to know in advance about your cabin situation. Unless you have a special act or are a singer as well as a pianist, you will share this little room with at least one crew member. There is very little circulation space in this small area.<\/p>\n You may be arriving at the conclusion that making life on a cruise ship work for you requires a very flexible mindset. You would be right. Sure, you can enjoy those ports most of the time. Sometimes, however, you will have to stay on the ship for the sake of the crew. You don’t have to pay for your food, which can healthy for your savings account.<\/p>\n All things considered, life as a pianist on a cruise ship can have its advantages. But, remember – it’s a job not to be taken lightly.<\/p>\n This is very important to understand. Pianists on cruises are often overloaded with responsibilities that were not initially agreed upon. The piano jobs often found on cruise ships are: orchestra pianist, piano bar performer (singing pianist), and cocktail pianist. Today, there are far fewer jobs for cocktail pianists. Let’s say the head of the music department hears that you’re also a competent soloist. It is not uncommon for this asset to be exploited. You might find yourself playing a couple of shows with the orchestra and playing the cocktail piano at a nightclub. Don’t forget that solo pianist (or cocktail player) is a separate position. But you’re unlikely to be compensated for the extra time.<\/p>\n As we said, we want to give you the facts. Life on board is not to be equated with a glorified life. The head of your department usually does everything possible to look good in the eyes of the cruise director. You may be the one paying the price.<\/p>\n As we have already suggested, ask questions of those who have done the work you are considering. Don’t take our word for it. Do your research and draw your own conclusions. Once you’ve finished your homework, if you decide to take the plunge, take advantage of the opportunity. Despite the challenges you will face, you’ll do so based on the commitment you made to yourself. This way, you’ll be less likely to “make waves” during your journey.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\nThings to Know About The Cruise Ship gig<\/h3>\n
\nhours a day, 6 days a week (normal), that’s about $31.25 an hour – if you only count performance.<\/em><\/p>\n\nA Cruise Ship Gig Includes More Than Making Music<\/h3>\n
\nYour Cabin: Really Close Quarters<\/h3>\n
\nPianists Beware<\/h3>\n
\nNow, if you are hired as an orchestra pianist, you will perform performances (usually two per night) and other mandatory events with the orchestra. This can equate to about two hours a day.<\/p>\n\nBuy One Get One Free<\/h3>\n
\nDo Your Homework<\/h3>\n