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What are the necessary steps to take to pave way for one's career especially if you are planning to become an exquisite musician or a successful artist
What are the necessary steps to take to pave way for one's career especially if you are planning to become an exquisite musician or a successful artist
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8 answers
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Hillary G.’s Answer
You need to love music to begin with. Exquisite is completely specific to wonderful and enchanting. Know that you need to work with the smartest people on earth to achieve any music goal above just playing and instrument or understanding singing, or writing words. My teachers taught me this when I was in highschool, although they haven't been here for me now. Because I had reminders from my education, I have more confidence now that they were right. Music is a specialty when you are serious, and maintenance of your intelligence will make sure you remember.
Learn to draw
Intern or volunteer with artists like myself
Be a kind person to yourself and others
Hillary G. recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Jenny’s Answer
Great question Ariel! A lot of people have already shared great steps for you to take.
Adding on from what everyone has said and what I’ve learned: is to take the time to ask yourself why you want to be an exquisite musician and/or successful artist?
Some people want to write songs that move people, others want to play or maybe produce music in a way that they can express themselves and connect deeper with others, etc.
No matter how you decide to answer that question, make sure you’re answering it honestly and focusing on what about it makes you happy.
Being in the music space myself, I’ve come across a lot of people who are always willing to help, but at the end of the day they may not understand what makes you happy about music and/or being an artist.
Similar to the answers above, keeping an open mind and talking with teachers, mentors, coaches, etc will help you to learn from more experienced musicians and artists and most importantly save you time from making any similar mistakes.
This is not an easy industry to be in as it’s very fast paced, but if you stay honest, focused, consistent, and positive there will always be plenty of opportunities.
Most importantly, make sure to check in with yourself and if you’re happy with the steps and actions you’re taking towards your goal of being a musician and artist. Because at the end of the day, you should also be having fun and enjoying the journey.
Adding on from what everyone has said and what I’ve learned: is to take the time to ask yourself why you want to be an exquisite musician and/or successful artist?
Some people want to write songs that move people, others want to play or maybe produce music in a way that they can express themselves and connect deeper with others, etc.
No matter how you decide to answer that question, make sure you’re answering it honestly and focusing on what about it makes you happy.
Being in the music space myself, I’ve come across a lot of people who are always willing to help, but at the end of the day they may not understand what makes you happy about music and/or being an artist.
Similar to the answers above, keeping an open mind and talking with teachers, mentors, coaches, etc will help you to learn from more experienced musicians and artists and most importantly save you time from making any similar mistakes.
This is not an easy industry to be in as it’s very fast paced, but if you stay honest, focused, consistent, and positive there will always be plenty of opportunities.
Most importantly, make sure to check in with yourself and if you’re happy with the steps and actions you’re taking towards your goal of being a musician and artist. Because at the end of the day, you should also be having fun and enjoying the journey.
Updated
Deborah’s Answer
Practice practice practice!!! Become involved in music groups that interest and challenge you. Listen to lots of music and be knowledgeable, even if it is not the type of music you want to play. Find mentors. Play out. Make mistakes, discover if you like writing music. Seek out like people and watch what they do.
Finding a teacher to work with is often helpful - someone who gets what you want to do and has the ability to further that goal.
Remember that being an artist of any kind takes dedication and the realization that you will spend more time playing and learning on your own than you will in performing. Fingers crossed you get to a level where you earn your living at your chosen profession.
Never lose the joy of it.
Good luck!
Finding a teacher to work with is often helpful - someone who gets what you want to do and has the ability to further that goal.
Remember that being an artist of any kind takes dedication and the realization that you will spend more time playing and learning on your own than you will in performing. Fingers crossed you get to a level where you earn your living at your chosen profession.
Never lose the joy of it.
Good luck!
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
350
Answers
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Some of the most useful things I know of are to just keep putting in time on your own talents, interests--your craft...as they say, it takes 10,000 hours of doing something to be an expert; and to check out Ken Coleman's book From Paycheck to Purpose, for exercises you can do to help frame your vision of your impact and career for the next several decades, that will be inspiring enough for you to be excited to get started on it and work on it steadily over time.
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
119
Answers
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Find the area of music that you want to go into (it can be multiple!) and do something for that goal every single day. If you want to be a singer- sing every day, write your own songs, perform at open mics, sing with other people, take voice lessons, and do anything that involves singing. If you want to be a songwriter but stay behind the scenes- write a song every day, find people to sing your music, work with a specific singer closely, and learn the basics of music theory to help you write your songs.
I think you should first choose exactly what you want to do in music. Once you start looking into it, you will see just how much there is that you can do in music. I remember when I was in your shoes looking at what I wanted to do. Now, I'm a music producer, audio engineer (both live and studio), classical composer, songwriter, and A&R/ consultant for groups and artists to get to where they want to go. Also, just keep in mind that any job in the music industry takes a lot of work. I say this because the last thing I want is for someone passionate about music, like you, to leave or quit because things get "too hard". It can be very gratifying but also a lot of work. When I say do your main focus(es) every day- I really do mean EVERY day. Sometimes I cancel plans with friends, or keep my schedule completely open just so I can get as much stuff as possible done. That's the number one thing I think is essential for a career in music- NEVER give up. I've had impostor syndrome (feeling like I don't belong in the industry), writers block, writing sessions where we got nothing done, days where I make things worse instead of better on a mix. These things will happen from time to time- stay FOCUSED and keep setting goals to hit so that you always have something to shoot for- that way instead of saying "I'm going to quit" you can say "I can take a break after _______ (Whatever you need to get done)".
Hope this helps!
I think you should first choose exactly what you want to do in music. Once you start looking into it, you will see just how much there is that you can do in music. I remember when I was in your shoes looking at what I wanted to do. Now, I'm a music producer, audio engineer (both live and studio), classical composer, songwriter, and A&R/ consultant for groups and artists to get to where they want to go. Also, just keep in mind that any job in the music industry takes a lot of work. I say this because the last thing I want is for someone passionate about music, like you, to leave or quit because things get "too hard". It can be very gratifying but also a lot of work. When I say do your main focus(es) every day- I really do mean EVERY day. Sometimes I cancel plans with friends, or keep my schedule completely open just so I can get as much stuff as possible done. That's the number one thing I think is essential for a career in music- NEVER give up. I've had impostor syndrome (feeling like I don't belong in the industry), writers block, writing sessions where we got nothing done, days where I make things worse instead of better on a mix. These things will happen from time to time- stay FOCUSED and keep setting goals to hit so that you always have something to shoot for- that way instead of saying "I'm going to quit" you can say "I can take a break after _______ (Whatever you need to get done)".
Hope this helps!
Updated
Keenan’s Answer
Begin by picking up an instrument or using a music production program on your computer. The key is to start and never stop. I began by downloading FL Studio and finding guitar beats on YouTube to sing and write over. Eventually, I taught myself to play the guitar and continued creating songs that I now perform live around my city. It's a gradual process, but if it makes you happy, it's worth it.
George F Spicka
Compose Music \ Play Jazz Piano \ Curator of Paleontology
18
Answers
Updated
George F’s Answer
Get into the habit of studying and practicing.
If you're thinking about jazz, you may want to check this site out. Lots of lessons and information.
- https://www.openstudiojazz.com/dashboard/
If you're thinking about jazz, you may want to check this site out. Lots of lessons and information.
- https://www.openstudiojazz.com/dashboard/
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Ariel!
Music careers can be amazing, and it requires hard work and lots of practice over time.
What’s your Instrument? The first step to becoming a musician is to choose your instrument. Whether it’s vocals, guitar, piano, drums, or something else entirely, you need to find something you enjoy and that you’re willing to practice for hours on end.
Take Lessons! You can teach yourself, but learning from a professional helps with building good techniques and avoiding bad habits that could be tough to unlearn down the road.
Then you’ve got to spend lots of time practicing. I’m talking every single day. Put it on your calendar as regular time you block just for that, even it’s only 15 minutes a day – and be strictly and honestly faithful to your craft. Psych yourself up if you need to – “Either I’m going to be a musician or I’m not. Yes I am!” When I was first learning piano, I started with 30 minutes a day, then as years went by and I began playing in orchestras, bands, and at church I was practicing up to three hours a day, loving every minute of it, and making great progress.
Do music with others. Joining a band, doing recitals, being in a choir, madrigals, are all great ways to gain experience playing with other musicians and to start building a fan base. Look for local bands in your area that are looking for new members or consider starting your own band.
Put yourself out there! Performing live is an essential part of becoming a musician. Look for opportunities to play at local venues, cafes, fairs, talent contests, school shows, and clubs (if you’re old enough). The more you perform, the more comfortable you’ll become on stage, and the more fans you’ll attract.
Record yourself. Recording your music is an important step in building your brand and getting your music out to a wider audience. Consider recording a demo, a cover, or even a full-length album to showcase your performance skills or songwriting ability.
Get on the web. These days you really need to start a social media channel or even a website to be seen and heard. As your fan base grows, people will want to have a place where they can hear your music, learn about you, and stay up to date on what you’re doing musically.
Talk with other musicians! Other people like you can help you learn about new opportunities and gain valuable insights into the music industry. Attend industry events, join online forums, and connect with other musicians on social media.
There’s a business side you need to know about. It’s vital to understand at least the basics about the music industry. Learn about contracts, royalties, and copyright law to protect your music and make sure you get paid for your work.
Formal school? Consider enrolling in a college music program or at least take music-related courses at school or online. These programs can help you with education, training, and meeting people you need to succeed in the music industry.
Keep at it! Becoming a successful musician takes time, hard work, and dedication. Stay committed to your craft, and don’t give up on your dreams, even if or when things get tough. Good luck on your journey!
Music careers can be amazing, and it requires hard work and lots of practice over time.
What’s your Instrument? The first step to becoming a musician is to choose your instrument. Whether it’s vocals, guitar, piano, drums, or something else entirely, you need to find something you enjoy and that you’re willing to practice for hours on end.
Take Lessons! You can teach yourself, but learning from a professional helps with building good techniques and avoiding bad habits that could be tough to unlearn down the road.
Then you’ve got to spend lots of time practicing. I’m talking every single day. Put it on your calendar as regular time you block just for that, even it’s only 15 minutes a day – and be strictly and honestly faithful to your craft. Psych yourself up if you need to – “Either I’m going to be a musician or I’m not. Yes I am!” When I was first learning piano, I started with 30 minutes a day, then as years went by and I began playing in orchestras, bands, and at church I was practicing up to three hours a day, loving every minute of it, and making great progress.
Do music with others. Joining a band, doing recitals, being in a choir, madrigals, are all great ways to gain experience playing with other musicians and to start building a fan base. Look for local bands in your area that are looking for new members or consider starting your own band.
Put yourself out there! Performing live is an essential part of becoming a musician. Look for opportunities to play at local venues, cafes, fairs, talent contests, school shows, and clubs (if you’re old enough). The more you perform, the more comfortable you’ll become on stage, and the more fans you’ll attract.
Record yourself. Recording your music is an important step in building your brand and getting your music out to a wider audience. Consider recording a demo, a cover, or even a full-length album to showcase your performance skills or songwriting ability.
Get on the web. These days you really need to start a social media channel or even a website to be seen and heard. As your fan base grows, people will want to have a place where they can hear your music, learn about you, and stay up to date on what you’re doing musically.
Talk with other musicians! Other people like you can help you learn about new opportunities and gain valuable insights into the music industry. Attend industry events, join online forums, and connect with other musicians on social media.
There’s a business side you need to know about. It’s vital to understand at least the basics about the music industry. Learn about contracts, royalties, and copyright law to protect your music and make sure you get paid for your work.
Formal school? Consider enrolling in a college music program or at least take music-related courses at school or online. These programs can help you with education, training, and meeting people you need to succeed in the music industry.
Keep at it! Becoming a successful musician takes time, hard work, and dedication. Stay committed to your craft, and don’t give up on your dreams, even if or when things get tough. Good luck on your journey!
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Ariel