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How do I ensure a prosperous future of financial security for myself while maintaining my studies as a jazz artist at this age?
As a jazz musician in my first year of college, I have dedicated my entire life to studying music and performance. I have been blessed to participate in many prestigious national youth bands that have even gotten to tour the world. Even though this is great and has been extremely rewarding, I know that I need to learn how to actually make money as a musician in this world. I have many options regarding the path I can choose, but am leaning towards becoming a performer who writes her own music, tours the world, and conducts educational events along the way.
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Douglas’s Answer
Sounds good! That's the best and as far as I'm concerned only way to do it. Start writing your own songs and get them where you want them. Start by choosing your stage name which can be your own name,or you can get creative if you have a boring name like me. So you are already a professional so it's going to be easy. Download Spotify for creators and the one for artist. Download clapper,a good social media platform. Then Instagram,then YouTube of course and create your channel. All the social media platforms,record your best songs for the audience to hear. Then you can create groups and tiers on all platforms, I mean Reddit, LinkedIn,all of them. All yeah, Patreon as well. And that's where you can do your classes as well. Do that,do you have to realize your worth and don't get sucked in giving everything away for free. You got this. Also find the nearest recording studio and you can usually your music put on an album (CD, vinyl) for like 45 bucks,(where I'm at) I wish you a blessed life and I hope you prosper.
Douglas, thank you!
Paloma
Updated
Saint’s Answer
Hi Paloma!
First off, it's amazing that you've already had such incredible experiences with national youth bands and world tours—you're off to a fantastic start!
As you move forward, the key to balancing your music career with financial security is being strategic about diversifying your income. Performing, writing your own music, and touring are great, but consider teaching, doing online performances, or even creating educational content to bring in money while you focus on your art. Building an online presence can help you reach more people and create additional streams of income, too.
It’s also important to learn about the business side of music, like royalties, contracts, and marketing, to make smart decisions when it comes to gigs and tours. Networking with other musicians and industry people can open doors for more opportunities down the line.
You’ve got so much potential—just keep doing what you love while thinking ahead about how to make it sustainable financially. You're on the right path!
Best of luck,
Saint
First off, it's amazing that you've already had such incredible experiences with national youth bands and world tours—you're off to a fantastic start!
As you move forward, the key to balancing your music career with financial security is being strategic about diversifying your income. Performing, writing your own music, and touring are great, but consider teaching, doing online performances, or even creating educational content to bring in money while you focus on your art. Building an online presence can help you reach more people and create additional streams of income, too.
It’s also important to learn about the business side of music, like royalties, contracts, and marketing, to make smart decisions when it comes to gigs and tours. Networking with other musicians and industry people can open doors for more opportunities down the line.
You’ve got so much potential—just keep doing what you love while thinking ahead about how to make it sustainable financially. You're on the right path!
Best of luck,
Saint
Thank you, Saint!
Paloma
Sharyn Grose
CareerVillage.org TeamResume writing/career coaching, arts & entertainment
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Sharyn’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Paloma!
It's fantastic that you know what you want to do and have a passion for it! I'm thrilled you're considering not just the artistic side of music, but also how to make a living from it.
Understanding the business side of music is crucial. I suggest taking a music business class. If your school doesn't offer one, a general business or entrepreneurship class is a great alternative. A music business class will provide you with the specific knowledge you need. Check out some free music classes from Berklee College of Music on Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=music%20business. It's important to learn about copyrighting your music and collecting royalties. Many musicians miss out on this income because they aren't aware of it.
You should also learn how to establish yourself as a business, whether as an individual, LLC, or another form, and understand how to read contracts.
Years ago, I was in a band that was artistically strong and gaining recognition, but we lacked business knowledge. This held us back. I then focused on learning the business side to understand my surroundings and advocate for myself. Although I'm not as involved in music now, my daughter is pursuing a music career, and I'm grateful I can guide her with what I've learned.
Always keep a learning mindset. You want to grow in your art and share your music with the world. I love that you're interested in incorporating educational events into your journey.
Everything you want to achieve is possible. Make sure you're knowledgeable and prepared.
I hope this helps, and I'm excited for your music journey!
It's fantastic that you know what you want to do and have a passion for it! I'm thrilled you're considering not just the artistic side of music, but also how to make a living from it.
Understanding the business side of music is crucial. I suggest taking a music business class. If your school doesn't offer one, a general business or entrepreneurship class is a great alternative. A music business class will provide you with the specific knowledge you need. Check out some free music classes from Berklee College of Music on Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=music%20business. It's important to learn about copyrighting your music and collecting royalties. Many musicians miss out on this income because they aren't aware of it.
You should also learn how to establish yourself as a business, whether as an individual, LLC, or another form, and understand how to read contracts.
Years ago, I was in a band that was artistically strong and gaining recognition, but we lacked business knowledge. This held us back. I then focused on learning the business side to understand my surroundings and advocate for myself. Although I'm not as involved in music now, my daughter is pursuing a music career, and I'm grateful I can guide her with what I've learned.
Always keep a learning mindset. You want to grow in your art and share your music with the world. I love that you're interested in incorporating educational events into your journey.
Everything you want to achieve is possible. Make sure you're knowledgeable and prepared.
I hope this helps, and I'm excited for your music journey!
Thank you so much, Sharyn!
Paloma