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How to build career in music?

How to build career in music

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Ritam’s Answer

Building a career in music involves a blend of talent, persistence, and strategic planning. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Develop Your Skills
Learn an Instrument or Train Your Voice: Whether it's singing, playing an instrument, or producing music, proficiency in your craft is essential.
Music Theory: Understanding the basics of music theory can help you compose and arrange music more effectively.
Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to improvement and mastery.

2. Create and Refine Your Art
Write and Record Music: Start creating your own songs or compositions. Invest in some basic recording equipment or find a local studio.
Build a Portfolio: Compile your best work into a portfolio that you can share with potential collaborators, producers, or labels.

3. Learn the Business Side
Music Industry Knowledge: Learn about copyrights, royalties, contracts, and the different revenue streams in music.
Networking: Connect with other musicians, producers, and industry professionals. Attend music events, workshops, and seminars.
Social Media and Branding: Build your personal brand on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Consistently share your work and engage with your audience.

4. Gain Experience
Perform Live: Start by performing at local venues, open mic nights, or online live streams to gain experience and exposure.
Collaborate with Others: Work with other artists and producers to expand your network and skill set.
Internships or Part-Time Jobs: Consider working in music-related jobs (e.g., sound engineering, event management) to gain industry insights.

5. Release Your Music
Digital Distribution: Use platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp to release your music.
Promote Your Releases: Use social media, email newsletters, and collaborations to promote your music.
Music Videos: Consider creating music videos to complement your releases and attract a wider audience.

6. Monetize Your Talent
Live Performances: Earn money through concerts, gigs, and live streaming.
Merchandise: Sell merchandise like T-shirts, posters, or vinyl records.
Crowdfunding: Platforms like Patreon or Kickstarter can help fund your projects through fan support.

7. Stay Persistent and Adaptable
Stay Updated: The music industry is constantly evolving. Stay informed about trends and adapt to changes.
Keep Improving: Always seek feedback and continue refining your skills and art.
Be Patient: Building a successful music career takes time and dedication. Stay focused on your goals and keep pushing forward.

8. Consider Formal Education
Music Schools/Colleges: Enroll in a music school or college to gain formal education and access to resources and networking opportunities.
Online Courses: There are many online platforms offering courses in music production, songwriting, and more.

If you have a specific interest in a particular genre or aspect of music, focusing on that can help you develop a niche and stand out in the industry.

Hope this helps!

Ritam
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David’s Answer

Specifically, it all depends on what you'd like to do in music. If you're thinking of music production, like you tagged, you'll need to learn those skills at a school or with a mentor/apprenticeship. With how competitive that area is, being only self-taught likely won't get you far. And it won't help earn the connections you'll need.

But, the path to each career in music is a little different. The one common skill you'll need is persistence. Most parts of the industry are over-saturated. Be consistent, persistent, and meet everyone in music you can. Ask for advice and mentorship from people who are in rolls you'd like to get to. You'd be surprised how many people are willing to help despite how crowded the industry is. Being talkative, friendly, and not afraid to reach out and ask questions is one of the best things you can do to set yourself apart. Honestly, that is likely something that works in any industry.

Hope that helps!

David
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Bryce’s Answer

To start a career in music, the first step is to clearly identify what you want to do within the industry—whether that’s becoming a musician, recording artist, rapper, or any other role. We live in a time where it's entirely possible to build a music career independently, but it requires dedication and hard work.

A strong recommendation is to begin by learning music production. Choose a digital audio workstation (DAW) like Ableton, FL Studio, or Logic Pro, and get comfortable with it. Developing this skill will be crucial, regardless of the specific path you choose in music.

Once you’ve gained some proficiency in your DAW, it’s beneficial to connect with others who share your interests and are at a similar skill level. The internet is an invaluable resource for finding communities of like-minded individuals who are also honing their craft. Building these connections can be incredibly helpful, as you can support each other’s growth and collaborate on projects, which is often key to making progress in the music industry.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello John!

A Step-By-Step Guide to Building a Music Career

Venturing into a music career is an exciting journey that demands commitment, artistic flair, and tactical planning. Here's an all-inclusive roadmap to guide you through this thrilling field, one step at a time.

1. Discover Your Passion and Speciality

Before you plunge into the music world, it's crucial to pinpoint what part of music truly ignites your enthusiasm. This could range from performing as an artist, writing songs, producing, or even operating behind the scenes in management or promotion. Knowing your passion will help you channel your energy effectively.

Explore Various Genres: Tune into different music styles and genres to discover what truly speaks to you.
Evaluate Your Skills: Assess your musical abilities—are you an instrumentalist, singer, composer, or producer?

2. Sharpen Your Skills

After pinpointing your speciality, it's time to polish your talent.

Formal Education: Think about joining music schools or universities that provide degrees in music performance, production, or business.
Online Lessons and Tutorials: Platforms like Coursera and MasterClass offer courses taught by industry experts.
Regular Practice: Set aside time daily to practice your instrument or enhance your vocal techniques.

3. Compile a Portfolio

A robust portfolio displays your talent and adaptability.

Produce Demos: Generate top-notch recordings of your work, including original compositions or covers.
Perform Publicly: Engage in open mics, local performances, or community events to gain experience and visibility.
Establish an Online Presence: Leverage platforms like SoundCloud, YouTube, and social media to share your music with a larger audience.

4. Connect Within the Industry

Networking is pivotal in the music industry as many opportunities emerge through connections.

Participate in Music Events: Attend concerts, festivals, workshops, and conferences to meet fellow musicians and industry insiders.
Join Music Associations: Groups like ASCAP or BMI can offer networking opportunities and resources for musicians.
Collaborate with Peers: Partner with other musicians on projects; collaboration can open doors to new opportunities and visibility.

5. Market Yourself Efficiently

Promoting yourself is crucial to gaining recognition in the competitive music scene.

Social Media Promotion: Leverage platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to regularly advertise your work.
Create a Website: Design a professional website featuring your biography, portfolio, contact details, and links to social media profiles.
Email Promotion: Gather emails from fans at performances or online and send them updates about new releases or upcoming shows.

6. Grasp the Business Aspect of Music

Understanding the business side of the music industry is critical for sustained success.

Learn About Contracts: Get acquainted with different contract types (record deals, publishing agreements) to negotiate effectively.
Music Licensing & Royalties: Comprehend how royalties function for streaming services and radio play; consider joining performance rights organizations (PROs).
Financial Management: Monitor income from performances and sales; think about hiring an accountant experienced in the entertainment industry.

7. Maintain Persistence and Flexibility

The route to success in music often includes setbacks; persistence is key.

Handle Rejection Positively: Not every audition or submission will result in success; learn from feedback instead of feeling disheartened.
Stay Updated with Trends: The music industry changes rapidly; stay current with trends in genres, technology (like DAWs), and promotion strategies.

8. Seek Representation When Prepared

As you gain momentum in your career:

Think About Hiring an Agent/Manager: A competent agent can help secure performances while a manager can guide your overall career strategy.

9. Keep Learning

The learning journey never ends:

Participate in workshops
Study books on music theory
Stay informed about industry news

By diligently following these steps and maintaining passion for your craft, you can construct a successful music career that not only satisfies you personally but also connects with audiences globally.

Top 3 Credible Sources Used:

Berklee College of Music

A premier institution offering education on various music aspects including performance and production.

ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers)

An association that provides resources for songwriters, including networking opportunities within the industry.

Rolling Stone Magazine

A trusted source for news on music industry trends and insights into artist management and promotion strategies.

God Bless You!
JC.
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Thomas’s Answer

There's no one way to make it in the music industry. People do all sorts of different things that ends with them having a career. There are also so many different areas of the music industry that a question like this could take a full book to answer, but here are my two cents.

1. Practice practice practice practice. If you want to be a music producer, make a beat a day, flip as many samples as you possibly can, and learn something new from every single project. If you want to be a songwriter, write a song a day, approach your writing in a different way if you're stuck, and try to write from different perspectives. If you want to be a professional instrumentalist, then practice your chosen instrument every day, learn new pieces, perform as much as possible, and show people your work (That's a given for all areas of the music industry lol). Same thing if you want to be a singer.

2. Build a brand- your favorite musician has a brand just like companies like Cocacola, M&M's, Apple, and even McDonald's. You need to decide what your brand is or else other people will and that will trap you in doing something you might not enjoy doing. Your brand is your image online, the music you put out, the topics you talk about, the people you work with and many more factors. Choose what you do with great intent so that people view you in the way you want to be viewed.

3. NEVER let anyone tell you you're bad or something you made sucks. Your art is your art. There is NOTHING in this world that changes that and there is NO ONE who has the right to say that it's bad. Constructive criticism is different however, because that is helping you. Basically, cut out the negativity but listen if it sounds like the comment is trying to help you improve.

4. Your network is your super power. Reach out to people, build your network with people who like your music, like your brand, and that you also like working with. This can help propel your career forward. Don't be afraid to send that DM, send that email, walk up to that singer you heard at the fair. Do everything you can to meet and work with other musicians (but first make sure what you're putting out is good and matches what they put out).

5. Despite what other music professionals tell you, you do not need to go to college for music. I do recommend it because it opens doors and gives you opportunities you otherwise wouldn't have had but it isn't necessary. The music industry isn't like other industries. You don't automatically find work because you have a degree. You don't automatically get the cool jobs because you have your diploma. You still have to work for those. You still have to prove yourself every step of the way. There are people in school or graduated who are working at cafes or other service industries with music degrees. They didn't reach out. They didn't send that email. Just because you're good doesn't mean you're going to be discovered. You do the work to be discovered. If you do that, you'll find your path.

6. Finally, you need to TRULY love the craft and always be on the grind. That's what separates the pros from the hobbyist. If you don't truly love music then you will burn out. You need to be ready to say no to going out and having a good time with friends. You need to be ready to put hours of work with only a little bit of recognition for a WHILE until you're truly discovered. This can be frustrating at times and it will feel like you're missing out on things. But this shouldn't matter to you because you truly LOVE what you're doing. I have been up till 2am and even pulled all nighters working on mixing music, writing a song, or perfecting a beat. I have said no to going to see family or friends and have even opted to do music over celebrating my own birthday. You do not have to go that far, obviously. But sacrifices must be made.

Make small goals for yourself so you feel fulfilled on your come up. And most importantly, enjoy the ride. This industry should never be about money, it should always be for the love of music.
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Éverton’s Answer

Hello John! As a seasoned music teacher and saxophonist, I can assure you that dedication and consistent study are integral to your growth. While it's true that a university isn't the only place to hone your musical abilities, it can certainly provide a solid foundation and open up a world of opportunities in your career. There's so much more to say, but fundamentally, it's your journey to shape. The choices you make will define your path. So, set your course and forge ahead. Stay on the path to success!
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Kayin’s Answer

1. Develop Your Skills
Learn an Instrument or Voice: Master your primary instrument or your voice. Regular practice and possibly formal education will be crucial.
Music Theory: Understanding music theory can significantly enhance your compositional and performance skills.
Technology: Familiarize yourself with music production software (DAWs) and recording equipment if you're interested in producing or recording music.
2. Get Educated
Formal Education: Consider pursuing a degree in music or a related field if it fits your goals and budget.
Private Lessons: Take lessons from experienced musicians to hone your skills.
Workshops and Masterclasses: Attend workshops and masterclasses to learn from professionals and network.
3. Build a Portfolio
Recordings: Create high-quality recordings of your music. This could be studio recordings or well-produced demos.
Live Performances: Perform live as much as possible. Gigs at local venues, open mics, and festivals can build your performance experience and audience.
Online Presence: Develop a professional online presence with a website, and use social media platforms to showcase your work.
4. Network
Industry Connections: Build relationships with other musicians, producers, and industry professionals. Attend music conferences and networking events.
Collaborations: Collaborate with other artists to expand your reach and learn new techniques.
Fan Engagement: Engage with your audience through social media, live streams, and fan clubs.
5. Promote Yourself
Social Media: Use social media platforms to share your music, engage with fans, and connect with industry professionals.
Music Videos: Create engaging music videos to promote your songs.
Press and Media: Seek opportunities for interviews, reviews, and features in music blogs and local media.
6. Understand the Business
Contracts and Agreements: Learn about music contracts and the legal aspects of the music industry. Consider consulting a music attorney.
Marketing: Develop a marketing strategy to promote your music and build your brand.
Finances: Manage your finances carefully, including budgeting for recording, touring, and other expenses.
7. Stay Persistent and Adaptable
Resilience: The music industry is competitive and often requires perseverance. Keep working on your craft and learning from feedback.
Adaptability: Be open to new genres, technologies, and changes in the industry. Adapt to shifts in the market and audience preferences.
8. Seek Representation
Manager or Agent: Once you’ve established yourself, consider finding a manager or agent who can help you navigate opportunities and handle business aspects.
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Ariel Andino’s Answer

First and foremost, it is academic training, studying in renowned schools or universities, time and dedication without losing sight of the objective. Making good contacts and nourishing yourself with great professionals. Greetings
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Camden’s Answer

First, work on your craft, make sure other people hear what you're working on, whether that's production, engineering, or writing your own music. Connect with other people you know work with music, If you don't know anybody go to local events or if you're in school for music connect with other students. Build a resume even if you have to take internships and volunteer, as well as build a portfolio of your music or music you've worked on.
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