Wanna get a gig as a Cruise Ship Musician? Then this video is for you!!

[@DennisJohnsonDrummer]

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.

[@rebbekaoliveira1018]

Can we use the swimming pools? Lol. This video was great. I subscribed.

[@h5mind373]

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?

[@australianguitarchannel4237]

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

[@ercomusic2299]

I'm so lucky to play as a Solo Singer/Guitarist on cruise ship.

[@kurtshultismusic]

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?

[@czeital]

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

[@Pianowithmitchy]

So what’s the difference between a lounge musician and a cocktail pianist? Would a solo cocktail pianist also get their own cabin?

[@DiscoCitizens240]

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.

[@australianguitarchannel4237]

Thanks Dino

[@gandhiabad9402]

Thanks for the info!

[@liamflood2028]

Amazing, thank you so much for this and for colouring so many grey areas. All the best!

[@australianguitarchannel4237]

Thanks

[@mimoochodom2684]

Sounds fantastic. Live da dream. Good onya.

[@filipjandus4537]

Thanks for nice video!

[@FishingtonBurpPuzzle]

Great job. My idea of a nightmare. Can you do this? Do that? They want it all

[@audrey829sj8]

Very informative, thanks for the sharing!

[@australianguitarchannel4237]

No worries

[@dab9122]

Can't do that anymore...

[@peroinzimbabwe5842]

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]

Yeah , plenty of places to practice, apart from your room, there’s backstage areas you could use too

[@peroinzimbabwe5842]

@@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?

[@australianguitarchannel4237]

@@peroinzimbabwe5842 take your own!!

[@FerDuranMusic]

Great video!! I'm thinking about apply as a Party Band. Do you have some info?

[@australianguitarchannel4237]

There are plenty of agents around. Lime entertainment might be a good place to start. Also , you could approach the cruise lines direct.

[@KristopherCraig]

Is that Renault on bass at 2:20min. The pay has increased since you've been on.

[@australianguitarchannel4237]

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!

[@rcarlisi63]

so how much "play" did you get playing in the band???................

[@australianguitarchannel4237]

Lol! Plenty of ‘play’ on ships!!

[@delahoz3070]

How much does the cocktail pianist earn? You didn't say that. Thanks for the video!

[@australianguitarchannel4237]

I didn’t, you’re right. Bout $2000 USD per month

[@delahoz3070]

@@australianguitarchannel4237 Thank you so much man!!

[@erandeegeeganage5673]

What are the qualifications need to be a cruise musician

[@erandeegeeganage5673]

Your explanation is fantastic

[@australianguitarchannel4237]

No qualification's as such. Just your abilities as a musician.

[@erandeegeeganage5673]

@@australianguitarchannel4237 thank you

[@px5ix4pz6j]

What website can I visit to apply as a cruise ship singer

[@australianguitarchannel4237]

Try Lime entertainment, or Proship in Canada. There are also a lot of private, 'one man band' agents around too. Try googling for those

[@kalvsl]

How good do you need to be in terms of sight reading as a guitarist? Btw nice video!

[@australianguitarchannel4237]

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.

[@andym28]

Why dont you do the gig now mate if its that good?

[@australianguitarchannel4237]

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.

[@stephenphillps3250]

One question. are these pay rates after taxes? are they gross income?

[@australianguitarchannel4237]

Tax free work as you're in international waters! Money's all yours

[@globalnova]

either way it's still pretty low.

[@australianguitarchannel4237]

@@globalnova Do musicians anywhere get paid well? ..rarely

[@globalnova]

@@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..

[@australianguitarchannel4237]

@@globalnova it is possible to save money, for sure

[@keymaninmusic]

The solo piano gigs barely exist anymore.

[@jorgefraga4599]

Why?