BY: Jay Leslie
Multi-Hyphenate Musicians vs. Specialists: Two Paths to Music Success
There are a multitude of stories, biographies, articles, documentaries, and other forms of media that detail musicians who are considered “hyphenates.” What does it mean to be a multi-hyphenate musician? That is, someone like Quincy Jones is referred to as “Composer-Arranger-Producer-Film Scorer.” The same can be said of someone like Paul McCartney – “Songwriter-Singer-Producer-Performer.”
Key Factors to Consider: The Power of Choosing a Musical Path You Love
The focus of this blog is to address the other side of that coin and show the ways and means of achieving success in the music industry by choosing a musical path and sticking to it. Of course, it goes without saying that choosing a genre that you are passionate about and think you could do well in is most likely going to help navigate the many ups and downs of the music business.
Stevie Ray Vaughan: A Bluesman Who Knew Where He Fit In
For example, the late, great guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughn realized early on in his musical development that he loved playing guitar, but more importantly, loved playing the blues. Thus, he knew (and he recognized) where he could “fit in,” and that was the path he pursued as a musician.
He may have achieved both commercial and critical success with recordings that showcased his vocals and instrumental ability, but deep down, he always considered himself a “bluesman.”
Pinchas Zukerman: Classical Music and the Soloist’s Path vs. Versatile Musician
On the other side of the net (the one on tennis courts, not on the web), the renowned and gifted classical violinist Pinchas Zukerman (a classmate of mine at New York’s High School of Performing Arts) knew that he loved performing classical music and also being a featured soloist (as opposed to being a section player in a major orchestra or a member of a pit orchestra for Broadway), and thus he promoted himself as such and embarked on traveling the world as a guest soloist with many internationally known orchestras.
And yet, there are those who pride themselves in being able to play almost any kind of musical style- one of those “he/she can play ANYthing”! – type of player, and if successful, they, too, have chosen a path where they best “fit in.”
Jazz Devotees: Passion That Overcomes the Challenges
I would say that in my experience I have witnessed that those who choose playing jazz are the ones who are extremely devoted to that genre – they may be able to play other forms of music (i.e., rock, pop, blues, R ‘n B, etc.), but they love playing jazz so much that they overlook (i.e., contend with) the rigors and unpredictability of the jazz world. Some who come to mind are players such as David Liebman, Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea, and Elvin Jones.
Don’t Know Where You Fit Yet? That’s Okay.
There is also the realization that an aspiring musical artist may not know at the outset of their career and/or education where they fit in, and if this situation applies to you, do not despair! One never knows from where an “inspiration,” or “A-Ha moment,” or an epiphany may occur. It could be from attending a live performance of other musicians whose music they like, or hearing a recording, or something as simple as hanging out and/or “jamming” with other like-minded players who also are looking for that certain (musical) place and feel they could be successful fitting into that place.
From Sitting In to Fitting In: Keep Showing Up
Yes, there are stories of artists who thought they had the perfect career path for themselves, only to find that something unpredictable or an unexpected occurrence put them on a road they never anticipated being on. Barry Manilow comes to mind – he has publicly stated he never intended to be a performing vocal artist/entertainer. He really wanted to make his mark as an arranger and accompanist to other artists, which is how he started playing piano for Bette Midler at local New York City nightclubs. But Bette had other ideas for him-namely, talking him into opening her show with a few numbers of his own, and as the cliché goes, “the rest is history.” There’s an example of finding where you can fit in somewhere that you may not have considered on your own, but someone else saw your potential.
So, after finding situations where you can musically “sit in,” you’ll hopefully find where you can “Fit In.”
Need Perspective from Music Career Consultants?
If you’re still exploring where you fit in the music world—or need expert guidance to clarify your next steps—Inside Music Schools can help. Our music college admissions consultants and music career advisors work one-on-one with students to identify their strengths, passions, and goals, whether you’re applying to music school or carving out a long-term career path. We’re here to help you find where you fit in.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I find my musical path?
Start by exploring different styles and instruments, then pay attention to what resonates with you most, whether it’s jazz, classical, blues, or pop. Finding your musical path means identifying where you feel most connected—and where your skills and interests naturally align.
Should I specialize in one genre or learn to play everything?
Both paths can lead to success. Specializing allows you to build deep expertise and identity within a genre, while versatility can open more gig and collaboration opportunities. What matters most is choosing a direction that suits your goals, personality, and skill set.
What does it mean to be a multi-hyphenate musician?
A multi-hyphenate musician is someone who holds multiple roles or specialties within the music industry, such as composer-arranger-producer or singer-songwriter-performer. These artists often work across genres and disciplines, building careers that draw on a wide range of musical talents.
Can you succeed in the music industry without being a multi-hyphenate?
Yes. Many successful musicians focus on one core strength—like being a blues guitarist, jazz saxophonist, or classical soloist—and build their careers around that. The key is understanding where you “fit in” and committing to it.
What if I don’t know what kind of music I want to play?
That’s perfectly normal. Try jamming with others, listening widely, and performing different styles and different kinds of ensembles. Inspiration often comes through experience, and your musical identity may evolve over time.
Why is it important to find where you fit in the music industry?
Having a clear sense of your musical identity helps guide decisions around education, networking, branding, and performance opportunities. It also helps you stay motivated and resilient in a competitive industry.
Jay Leslie
Jay attended the “real” High School of the Performing Arts in New York, where he learned his arranging and composing skills, as well as the various woodwind instruments he now plays.
Upon completion of high school, he attended Berklee College of Music, where he studied performance and further sharpened his skills as a composer, arranger and producer, and graduated with a B.M. degree in Applied Music/Performance.
Jay is currently in the studio with Producer/Arranger Tom Spahn who has won Emmy Awards for his 23-year span of writing music for Sesame Street. He is also currently performing for live shows at venues such as Mohegan Sun Arena (CT), Le Poisson Rouge (NYC), Sony Music Hall (NYC), The Greek Theater (Los Angeles).