Paulanthony
Can music be a good career path for me?
I've been interested in music in one way or another as long as I can remember. I love listening to hip-hop, jazz, rnb, etc. as well as I love playing it. My dad is the one who introduced music to me early in life. He would always play the bass and drums. I have my share in a few instruments such as tenor saxophone, guitar, coungas, bongos, drums, piano, and bass. Guitar and piano are my personal favorites. I also have an uncle who produces his own music as well as play it in a band. I'm currently stuck in a fork in the road for deciding my careers. Do you think I should set both my feet into the music industry? Why should I or shouldn't? #music #musician #singer #music-industry #music-production
6 answers
Darcy Alexandra Spence
Darcy Alexandra’s Answer
Hi!
This is a great question. I play violin, piano and I sing, and while I did not end up majoring in music, I think it is a great field, and can be super rewarding!
First, you may notice that I do not work in the music industry currently. While this is partially true, I still do sing and play professionally occasionally on the side.
Ultimately, when I was deciding whether or not to major in music myself, what it boiled down to for me was potential earnings. I felt I had a better chance of earning more if I didn't major in music. I also wanted to start a family eventually, and most musicians/performers work nights and weekends, which was not conducive to having small children.
Many of my teachers were professional musicians who played in the Columbus Symphony, and taught on the side. This helped them supplement their income, and bring up their yearly earnings.
In the end, I minored in music performance, and pursued another career and did music on the side. I will sing/play in weddings etc. from time to time - mostly for fun, but it can also be quite lucrative if you have spare time on the weekends.
Music is still a HUGE part of my life, so whatever you do - even if you don't want to do it for a living - keep it in your life. My husband is a musician as well as two of our boys, so we enjoy making music together as a family, and it is something very special for all of us.
Good luck to you, and follow your heart!
Darcy Alexandra recommends the following next steps:
Kela Parker
Kela’s Answer
Yes! At this point it sounds like your interests are so broad in music that you just need to keep exploring and let the right path find you.
However, I would not recommend putting the cart before the horse and deciding on a career in music for the career's sake. To choose this path--whether you are an artist, a side player, a producer, an engineer, or in any facet of the industry--it has to be because you're passionate about it. And you have to stay in touch with your passion for music above all else. This is a very tough industry and although there are many potential career paths within it, in all honesty it is not the easiest career to pick. You really have to have a lot of passion and ability to dedicate yourself to it for it to reward you.
It sounds like you come from a musical family, which is great, and you have a lot of natural enthusiasm and interest, which is also great! Now you need to start paying attention to exactly which things you like doing the best, and start envisioning what you want. Then develop focus. You have to stick with it. It can take a long time. But if you want it, you can do it.
All the best!
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Kick-Starting Your Journey
Choosing a career in the music industry is a deeply personal choice, influenced by factors like passion, talent, dedication, and financial stability. In this piece, we'll explore whether a musical career could be a promising path for you, Paul Anthony, based on your interests, abilities, and experiences.
Your Musical Journey So Far
Your inquiry reveals a lifelong love for music. Introduced to a variety of instruments by your father, you've mastered several, including the tenor saxophone, guitar, congas, bongos, drums, piano, and bass, with a special fondness for the guitar and piano. Additionally, your uncle's involvement in music production and performance adds to your musical lineage.
Given your strong musical foundation and passion, you're well-positioned to embark on a career in the music industry.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of a Music Career
Pros
Passion: Your love for music, evident since childhood, could fuel your journey in the music industry, especially if you invest time and effort in refining your skills and networking.
Diverse opportunities: The music industry is rife with roles like performing artist, producer, composer, sound engineer, and more. Your ability to play various instruments could unlock numerous opportunities.
Creative outlet: A music career offers a platform for artistic and creative expression, providing immense satisfaction.
Cons
Competition: The music industry is fiercely competitive, with numerous talented individuals striving for recognition and success. This could pose a challenge for you to stand out and achieve your goals.
Financial stability: Establishing a successful music career often takes time and doesn't guarantee immediate financial stability. You'll need to assess whether you can financially sustain yourself while pursuing your dreams.
Time commitment: Success in the music industry demands dedication, practice, and hard work. You must be ready to invest considerable time and effort into honing your skills and expanding your network.
Final Thoughts
Considering your background, interests, and skills, a career in the music industry could be a suitable choice for you. However, it's essential to thoughtfully weigh the pros and cons outlined above before deciding.
You must balance your passion with the possible hurdles and setbacks you might encounter on your musical journey.
Your decision will ultimately hinge on your priorities, dedication, and readiness to invest the necessary time and effort to thrive.
Recommended Reading
Forbes - Offers insights into the competitive nature of the music industry and the importance of financial stability.
Billboard - Highlights the diverse opportunities within the music industry and the role of passion in overcoming challenges.
Musicians Institute - Emphasizes the time commitment needed to develop skills and forge a successful career in the music industry.
Stay Blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.
Pankaj Tamhankar
Pankaj’s Answer
You have a talent in that you can play multiple musical instruments. Since your uncle produces music, you could get guidance and support from him as well. You love this field so I would suggest you can choose music as career option at least invest a couple of years and see how it goes. Give everything you've got. Let the creativity within you flourish.
Chandra Sekhar
Chandra’s Answer
There are lots of interesting and perfect jobs in the music industry.
I would suggest that figuring out how to make sure that musicians work and are paid for their work is a great job for anybody with the creativity and you need dare to take it on.
Molly Zavala
Molly’s Answer
Follow your passion in life!! It sounds like you already know the music industry is for you, so keep pursuing it. Try not to pigeon hole yourself into one role though. It sounds like you are already open minded to different instruments, so exploring different careers within the industry is a great start. Music is my absolute passion in life, however I have limited talent and know it is not what will pay my bills. To stay connected, I see as many shows as I can, as well as volunteer at art/music events.
Molly recommends the following next steps: