Overview
Broadway shows are built upon a musical score. Every show needs highly skilled musicians in the pit who can play the same score over and over, night after night for the length of the show. You are a pianist who wants to play on Broadway. You can get there, but, you first need to make sure your skills have reached a professional level, you have the proper equipment and you follow the proper channels. Once you meet these requirements you will find yourself sitting in the orchestra pit accompanying a Broadway show.
Step 1
Practice your piano playing skills. Only the best of the best play on Broadway. Learn the basics, become proficient with reading and transposing scores and practice sight reading until it becomes second nature.
Step 2
Practice with synthesizers. Become proficient with your MIDI system and be sure it has a wide variety of samples stored on its hard drive.
Step 3
Join the musicians union local 802. Every Broadway musician is a member of the union. As with other unions, the musician’s union charges dues to its members in exchange for the security of a contract that provides higher pay and benefits.
Step 4
Contact the music coordinator of the show you want to play. Announce your availability, explain your talents and schedule an audition.
Step 5
Show up fully prepared for your audition. You will be playing a piece you have chosen as well as a score chosen by the musical coordinator as a sight reading piece.
Reference
Stephen Schwartz; Advice for Musicians; Stephen Schwartz; 2010