Salary for a Concert Violinist

Concert violinists study seriously from an early age.

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To some, the life of a concert violinist seems incredibly glamorous. Excelling in the rarefied world of classical music and playing before packed houses sounds like the dream of a lifetime. But endless hours of study and daily practice, the social and family sacrifices, the grueling effects of incessant travel are also part of the picture. In addition, only a select handful make it as solo artists, let alone gain worldwide acclaim. Most concert violinists play for small or regional orchestras, often supplementing their incomes via teaching or other jobs. Many solo artists travel only within their home countries.

Related Searches: Training and Preparation

To play classical violin at the concert level requires years of intensive study. Many violinists pick up the instrument by the age of six. Though group lessons may act as an introduction, private lessons and coaching are required to develop and refine a violinist's technique and build a repertoire. In addition, the serious classical student is often required to perform regularly in competitions and recitals. Following years of private study, many students who are intent on a career attend a conservatory or university, often continuing into graduate programs. Sometimes, teachers and coaches from their postsecondary years continue to work with them during their professional careers.

Orchestra Members

Attaining a position in the violin section of a major orchestra such as the New York Philharmonic or the Boston Symphony is a tremendous feat. The field is highly competitive, as conservatories in the U.S. and abroad churn out talented candidates every year. Full-time orchestra salaries are negotiated by the American Federation of Musicians, often referred to as the musicians' union. In a major orchestra, such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a section member can expect to earn about $150,000 per year. His less fortunate brethren in regional orchestras, many of which offer only part-time contracts, may make as little as $25,000, or up to $88,000. The Concert Master or First Violinist in a major ensemble, according to the Careers in Music website, may rake in as much as $425,000 per year. Concert Master salaries, like soloist pay, are negotiated individually.

Lesser-Known Soloists

It's possible to carve out a career as a concert violin soloist without ever achieving major name recognition. Soloists are often brought to the attention of agents and managers by winning or placing well at national or international competitions. To achieve this level in a career is a feat but the glamour factor can be quite low. A lesser-known concert violinist may earn as little as $10,000 per concert playing with orchestras in midsize or small cities, while an artist with a slightly higher profile may earn as much as $30,000. Taking into account agent and/or manager fees, the artist's actual take is significantly lower than the concert fee. In addition, she may be required to pay some or all of her own travel costs. Therefore, frequent bookings are essential to earning a decent living.

International Artists

The creme de la creme of internationally-known violinists can command $50,000 to $60,000 or more per concert, even from regional or small-city orchestras. If the artist also conducts, his fee is increased. As with the lesser-known soloist, the big-name violinist's yearly take depends on how many concert appearances he books. Still, at such rates, despite agent and/or manager fees, playing only one or two concerts per month can result in a comfortable lifestyle. The satisfaction of doing work you love, bringing music to thousands and possibly attracting new fans to the art form may ultimately prove more satisfying than the fees.

ReferencesCareers in Music: Concertmaster JobsAmerican Federation of Musicians: Full Local ListingsPaul R. Frankenfeld, President, Cincinnati Musicians Association Local 1 - American Federation of MusiciansPhoto Credit Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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