5 answers
Maddox
Student
Smithton, Illinois
1
Question
Asked
1159 views
To professional music artists, solo or band members, how did you begin your career?
I'm looking to break into the music industry, preferably as a solo artist, and I'm having difficulty deciding what path to choose: should I just buy a music software, look up tutorials and teach myself, or go to college and learn it there?
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5 answers
Jim Keefe
Pianist
1
Answer
West Orange, New Jersey
Updated
Jim’s Answer
Hey, Maddox. I went to college to study classical piano because it was the one thing I did well. I had no idea how I'd turn it into a career, but playing music was all I ever wanted to do. During those four years, I didn't just practice piano intensively. I also explored other areas like composition, choral conducting, singing, playing other instruments, jazz piano, electronic recording, acoustics, and more.
After college, I found myself teaching music at an elementary school and playing in a few bands. But it wasn't quite what I'd imagined. The pinnacle of my performance career seemed to be playing the opening synth solo on Van Halen's "Jump". The hours of setting up equipment for gigs, just to split the earnings five ways, was not fulfilling for me. So, I finally decided to go solo.
One Friday night, I took a drive down to NYC (I lived 65 miles away) and found a part of the West Village that was brimming with piano bars. I played for one of the owners, and she liked what she heard. She offered me a gig doing Tuesday happy hours. Within a month, I was working a couple of nights a week. Three months later, I was playing five nights a week and landing side gigs for auditions, cabaret shows, and church services.
All the diverse musical skills I'd acquired in college were proving to be super valuable. So, my advice to you, whether you choose to go to college or learn on your own, is to soak up as much knowledge as you can about all aspects of the music business. You might be surprised what comes in handy.
After college, I found myself teaching music at an elementary school and playing in a few bands. But it wasn't quite what I'd imagined. The pinnacle of my performance career seemed to be playing the opening synth solo on Van Halen's "Jump". The hours of setting up equipment for gigs, just to split the earnings five ways, was not fulfilling for me. So, I finally decided to go solo.
One Friday night, I took a drive down to NYC (I lived 65 miles away) and found a part of the West Village that was brimming with piano bars. I played for one of the owners, and she liked what she heard. She offered me a gig doing Tuesday happy hours. Within a month, I was working a couple of nights a week. Three months later, I was playing five nights a week and landing side gigs for auditions, cabaret shows, and church services.
All the diverse musical skills I'd acquired in college were proving to be super valuable. So, my advice to you, whether you choose to go to college or learn on your own, is to soak up as much knowledge as you can about all aspects of the music business. You might be surprised what comes in handy.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Maddox,
Embarking on a Music Industry Career
Venturing into the music industry, either as a solo performer or as a band member, can be a thrilling yet demanding journey. There are multiple routes you can embark on to ignite your musical career, each offering unique benefits and aspects to consider. Here are some prevalent methods employed by professional musicians to kick off their careers:
1. Self-Learning Method: A multitude of successful musicians have ignited their careers by mastering the art of creating music on their own. This method typically involves investing in music software, such as digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, or FL Studio, and acquiring knowledge through online tutorials, forums, and personal trial and error. By choosing this path, you gain the freedom to learn at your own rhythm and customize your learning journey to fit your specific aspirations and objectives.
2. Formal Education: An alternative route is to seek formal education in music production, composition, or performance by enrolling in a college or university renowned for its music program. Formal education offers structured learning, access to seasoned instructors, networking opportunities, and resources that might not be easily accessible through self-learning. Furthermore, holding a degree in music can boost your credibility and pave the way to diverse career opportunities within the industry.
Factors to Consider: When weighing up the options between self-learning and formal education in music, take into account the following factors:
Cost: Formal education can come with a hefty price tag, while self-learning might necessitate investments in software and equipment.
Time: Formal education usually requires several years to complete, whereas self-learning provides more flexibility in terms of scheduling.
Networking: College programs provide networking opportunities with peers and industry professionals that can be advantageous for your career.
Credibility: A degree from a respected institution can bolster your credentials as a musician.
In the end, the ideal path for you will hinge on your learning style, resources, objectives, and personal inclinations. Some musicians have found success through self-learning, while others have reaped the benefits of the structure and guidance offered by formal education.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Billboard
Rolling Stone
The Recording Academy
STAY BLESSED!
James Constantine Frangos.
Embarking on a Music Industry Career
Venturing into the music industry, either as a solo performer or as a band member, can be a thrilling yet demanding journey. There are multiple routes you can embark on to ignite your musical career, each offering unique benefits and aspects to consider. Here are some prevalent methods employed by professional musicians to kick off their careers:
1. Self-Learning Method: A multitude of successful musicians have ignited their careers by mastering the art of creating music on their own. This method typically involves investing in music software, such as digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, or FL Studio, and acquiring knowledge through online tutorials, forums, and personal trial and error. By choosing this path, you gain the freedom to learn at your own rhythm and customize your learning journey to fit your specific aspirations and objectives.
2. Formal Education: An alternative route is to seek formal education in music production, composition, or performance by enrolling in a college or university renowned for its music program. Formal education offers structured learning, access to seasoned instructors, networking opportunities, and resources that might not be easily accessible through self-learning. Furthermore, holding a degree in music can boost your credibility and pave the way to diverse career opportunities within the industry.
Factors to Consider: When weighing up the options between self-learning and formal education in music, take into account the following factors:
Cost: Formal education can come with a hefty price tag, while self-learning might necessitate investments in software and equipment.
Time: Formal education usually requires several years to complete, whereas self-learning provides more flexibility in terms of scheduling.
Networking: College programs provide networking opportunities with peers and industry professionals that can be advantageous for your career.
Credibility: A degree from a respected institution can bolster your credentials as a musician.
In the end, the ideal path for you will hinge on your learning style, resources, objectives, and personal inclinations. Some musicians have found success through self-learning, while others have reaped the benefits of the structure and guidance offered by formal education.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Billboard
Rolling Stone
The Recording Academy
STAY BLESSED!
James Constantine Frangos.
Setra Sundahta
Music Production/Sound Editing
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Setra’s Answer
Hi Maddox, congratulations on starting this great adventure! I started by going to open mics and meeting other aspiring singers and musicians. Having a group of friends pursuing similar goals goes a long way in providing support and inspiration. One of the first things I did was sign up for a course called "Out of the Shower and Onto the Stage." We got together once a week for six weeks, each student bringing one song to sing, and practiced with a pianist. At the end of the six weeks, we performed at a small venue for all of our friends and families. It helped me get over my stage fright and was great to have my first onstage experience with other people who were also at the starting point of their music careers. I met some great friends and fellow musicians that I'm still friends with today.
At the same time, I bought a cheap guitar and took guitar lessons so that I would be able to accompany myself when I went out to sing. I purchased music software to record my songs and watched tons of YouTube vides and read a lot of Sound On Sound magazine articles to learn about different software and hardware. They cover everything from DAW (digital audio workstations) to studio monitors to microphones. You don't have to spend a lot of money to get started. Facebook Marketplace is a great place to find an inexpensive guitar, and there's music software that's free or almost free, like Audacity or Garageband if you have a Mac.
I also did a lot of free work when I was first starting, until I reached the point where I believed my skills were good enough to start charging for them.
When it was time to start recording, I thought about what artists are similar to me. Then I listened to their music, paying attention to the production. How did they arrange their drums, guitar, keyboard, vocals, etc. Instead of paying for classes, I interned in a recording studio so that I could learn as much as I could about the production end of music.
The most important step to take is the first one. And consistency is important as well. The more consistent you are in the energy you put forth, the more quickly you'll start seeing results!
Good luck and I hope you find at least some of this useful!
At the same time, I bought a cheap guitar and took guitar lessons so that I would be able to accompany myself when I went out to sing. I purchased music software to record my songs and watched tons of YouTube vides and read a lot of Sound On Sound magazine articles to learn about different software and hardware. They cover everything from DAW (digital audio workstations) to studio monitors to microphones. You don't have to spend a lot of money to get started. Facebook Marketplace is a great place to find an inexpensive guitar, and there's music software that's free or almost free, like Audacity or Garageband if you have a Mac.
I also did a lot of free work when I was first starting, until I reached the point where I believed my skills were good enough to start charging for them.
When it was time to start recording, I thought about what artists are similar to me. Then I listened to their music, paying attention to the production. How did they arrange their drums, guitar, keyboard, vocals, etc. Instead of paying for classes, I interned in a recording studio so that I could learn as much as I could about the production end of music.
The most important step to take is the first one. And consistency is important as well. The more consistent you are in the energy you put forth, the more quickly you'll start seeing results!
Good luck and I hope you find at least some of this useful!
Ken Felton
Sound Designer
3
Answers
Belmont, California
Updated
Ken’s Answer
Hi Maddox- In my opinion, "breaking into" the music business is no different than any other industry. The most important question to ask yourself is "do I really, really, like performing/writing/etc". If "Yes", then find a way to do it as much as possible- never turn down a gig if possible, collaborate with people you like, always be nice and welcoming to everyone you interact with. Those basic practices will open doors and create relationships. Learning the software is just another tool in your toolbox- same as learning your musical instrument. Do it however you can- college can be great if that is your thing- or do it on-line if you'd prefer. Interacting with humans face-to-face is usually better in my opinion! ;-) It's all gotta be fun and satisfying or maybe you should find a business/industry that gives you those feelings. Good Luck!
Kyle Mattingly
Pianist, Music Director
17
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
There’s no set path in music. Everyone makes their own and it’s part of the creativity within the industry. That said, i would do both of the things you mentioned, use software now (whatever you can afford), write songs, sing/play with others and get as much training as you can, whether that’s in college or elsewhere. It’s a hard industry to make a living in, but getting as many skills as you can will help. Hopefully all of these options sound fun to you! This career is definitely easier if working long hours is something you’d like to do because the activities you’re doing are fun!