Beyond the Gigs: Why Musicians Must Face Real-Life Responsibilities

Understanding health plans is just as important as perfecting your art.

When you're starting out as a musician, it's easy to focus on the art, the gigs, and the dream of making it big. But here's the truth: nobody talks to you about real-life things like health insurance, paying taxes, or saving for the future. I wasn't thinking about those things in my 20s, either. I was gigging until 2 AM, burning the candle at both ends, and trying to be a rock star. Back then, health insurance wasn't even on my radar. Like many musicians, I figured I'd deal with it if and when I needed it.

Health insurance might not seem like a priority when you're young and healthy, but it becomes essential when you least expect it. A single hospital visit or medical emergency can leave you with bills that take years to pay off. If I'd thought about this stuff earlier in my career, I could've avoided a lot of stress. But it's never too late to start planning and protecting yourself.

That changed when I worked a "day job" as a financial services representative at MetLife Financial Services in the mid-2000s. Yes, I wore a suit and tie and became a clean-cut businessman. At MetLife, I learned about life insurance, disability insurance, investing, and financial planning. I was starting a family at the time with two young kids to care for, so I couldn't afford to ignore the practical side of life anymore. I had to figure out how to cover medical expenses, not just for myself, but for my wife and kids. That experience changed my thoughts about money, health insurance, and the realities of being a working musician.

Now, as a Broadway drummer navigating union gigs, I've learned some harsh lessons about ‘health insurance’—and I want to help you avoid the same mistakes.

What You Need To Know