OCCUPATION: VOCALIST/PIANIST

Name: Paula Prince

Employer: Westin South Coast Plaza hotel

Thumbs up: “Entertaining at a hotel means you get to meet people from all over the world. Occasionally there’s a writer, movie celebrity or sports star in the audience. The people are usually on vacation, so it’s a happy crowd. Picking out a wardrobe for this job is incredible fun, too. The need for constant wardrobe changes is every woman’s dress-up fantasy.”

Thumbs down: “Since I entertain at piano bars and restaurants from Ventura to San Diego, I have to drive long distances to work sometimes. My work day usually begins at 6 p.m., so I spend a huge portion of my time sitting in rush hour traffic on my way to work while others are headed home.”

Next step: “Within the next year or so, I plan to start working more on my songwriting. I’m not a recording artist, but I like writing songs for other artists to record.”

Advice: “It takes incredible patience to get a break in this business. There are more musically talented people than there are jobs. It is also vital to have a good agent. Don’t walk into a job without representation and a contract.”

Salary range: $75 to $200 a night plus tips, depending on employer and demand.

Hours: “The hours vary among types of jobs, but most hotel or piano bar spots are for four hours a night, from six to 10 p.m. or eight to midnight. At the Westin, we get an after-theater crowd, so sometimes I stay until at least midnight or whenever the crowd thins out.”

Educational and training requirements: “A knowledge of all types of music is important. I also have a theater background, which is helpful. After all, I am giving a performance. The ability to connect with an audience is also a plus.”

Expected demand: “Restaurants and hotels have been hit hard by the slow economy. They are still providing entertainment, but whenever a restaurant closes, that’s one less job available.”

Job description: Some vocalists/pianists perform at special events, such as weddings, while others perform in piano bars, lounges and restaurants. They perform pop songs, show tunes, country-Western, jazz, R&B; or oldies.

Major employing industries: Hotels, restaurants, cruise ships and casinos.

For more information: Contact the Musicians Assn., Local 353 at (310) 421-4747

Researched by JANICE L. JONES / Los Angeles Times