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What about your desired profession screams success for you?

I am a senior in high school going into a risky business, which is the music industry, I understand that its very competitive in this industry and I am willing to take the risk, but I am afraid of being unsuccessful. I am not sure what I could do to be confident in myself.

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Ginny’s Answer

Hi Logan. Not knowing what the future holds for you can be really scary, and I definitely felt that way when I started my professional career outside of school. I've been playing the clarinet for 20 years, so I love that you are seeking a career in the music industry. The arts are so important. Take a moment to write down on paper what "success" looks like to you and what your ideal life looks like. Do you want to have a high salary? Do you want a role that pays less, but allows you to work in a sector of the music industry that you love? Do you want free time? Do you mind being busy? Do you want to be creative most of the day, or be in meetings? Answering these questions will help you align your values with what you want professionally, and that will inherently give you confidence.
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Lia’s Answer

Be flexible with your craft, stay focused on your passion & never stop growing in your skill level. Define success for yourself, not based on the worlds viewpoint but on what you believe within about yourself. Put yourself out there as much as possible, network, creage different types of art in different ways to gain experience, deepen skill level, and have a community that you can grow together with
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Thet Yee’s Answer

Hey Logan,
I understand you that it will be very confusing and full of uncertainty to start the competitive career. However, pls remember that how you did start your first step in your toddler age. We all don't know how to start , if we fail to step up, we tried again , again and again. Once you look back and compare with you today, You did it!! right? so you are not alone and don't be scared. Please believe in yourself. Along the way, you will build up confidence by step by step milestones. For the worse case, if one thing is not successful, there is never too late to switch something more suitable for you. Most important thing is to believe in yourself , persistence and learn things along the way. Cheers!
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Patrick’s Answer

Logan, you should know that pursuing a career in the music industry is undoubtedly a bold and ambitious path—one that demands passion, persistence, and an unshakable belief in your craft. What makes the music profession “scream success” is the unique ability it gives you to transform emotion into sound, connect with people on a deeply human level, and leave a lasting impact on culture. Success in music is not solely defined by fame or financial wealth—it’s also found in the fulfillment of doing what you love, the growth that comes with creative expression, and the influence your work can have on others’ lives. However, your concern about the competitiveness and uncertainty is entirely valid—and you're not alone in feeling that way.

The music industry is evolving rapidly, offering more ways than ever for independent artists to build careers without relying solely on traditional gatekeepers. Platforms like Spotify - https://www.spotify.com, SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com, YouTube - https://www.youtube.com, and Bandcamp - https://bandcamp.com have democratized the distribution of music, enabling talented creators to reach global audiences from their bedrooms. Success stories of artists who started from scratch—like Billie Eilish, Chance the Rapper, or Tones and I—prove that with consistency, originality, and the right strategy, it's possible to break through. Websites like https://www.hypebot.com and https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com offer up-to-date insights on industry trends, marketing strategies, and artist development tips to help navigate the ever-changing landscape.

Logan, to build confidence, start by developing a strong foundation in your skills—whether that’s vocal technique, instrumental ability, production, songwriting, or performance. Regular practice, feedback from mentors, and studying successful artists can all sharpen your craft. Consider enrolling in courses from platforms like Berklee Online - https://online.berklee.edu or Coursera’s music programs - https://www.coursera.org/browse/arts-and-humanities/music-and-art to deepen your knowledge and expand your skillset in areas like music theory, business, and technology.

Additionally, gaining experience through local performances, open mics, internships, or collaborations can give you real-world exposure while growing your confidence. Surround yourself with a supportive community—fellow artists, producers, mentors, and friends—who believe in your vision and encourage your growth. Confidence doesn’t come from having no fear of failure—it comes from moving forward in spite of it, knowing that every step, even the hard ones, is shaping your story.

Logan, your willingness to take the risk is already a sign of courage, and in an industry that rewards resilience and authenticity, that mindset is powerful. Keep learning, keep creating, and keep showing up. Success may not come overnight, but if you remain persistent, adaptable, and true to your passion, your path will begin to take shape—and it could be one that inspires others to believe in themselves too.
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