The Year I Became a Portfolio Musician

2024 was the year I stopped being just a working musician and started building a portfolio. Not for vanity, but because I finally understood that if I wanted to step out of the small leagues, I had to act like I already belonged elsewhere.

The biggest milestone? Obviously, finishing my doctorate. That was the turning point. But alongside it came a steady flow of arranging gigs - for Nanyang Poly, Musical Touch, High Notes - writing for everything from concert bands to jazz big bands to string ensembles with rhythm sections. Quietly, things were levelling up.

The wake-up call came while I was mid-set at a generic bistro gig. I had the letters “Dr” in front of my name.. and I was comping behind a singer for a horribly written song. That was the moment. I knew I had to stop saying yes to easy cash and start saying yes to things that actually built something.

Hardest part? Walking away from the money. The low-effort gigs pay so well. Meanwhile, some of the most artistically fulfilling things I did this year actually cost me. But you can’t have it both ways. Lesson learned: don’t overcommit, especially to things that don’t feed the long game.

If I had to sum up where I’m at now in one word: clarity. ie., less noise. More direction.

2025’s already loaded. Let’s go.