A career in music is as challenging as it is rewarding. People mostly see the outcome of a record, show, or live event. But there is so much more that happens behind the scenes than your favorite artist giving a performance. From branding to alt-roles, for those who have ever thought it’s not possible, think again. Here are some ideas to begin your own career in the music industry.
Understand the Industry
There is so much more to the industry as a whole than performers and bands, and putting more effort into it results in a better outcome. To have a chance of success, you need to understand more than your role and then recognize the roles that others have to play. Talented producers like Clive Davis stay in the industry for a long time because they are able to network and get the best from everyone around them, including tech support, engineers, and, of course, artists.
Branding for a Career in Music
Insiders often state that it takes roughly 3 to 8 years of solid and hard work to become noticed by talent scouts. Branding is a powerful tool you can use to get ahead of the competition:
- Establish an online presence and upload music across multiple platforms.
- Use the free tools of social media platforms to promote the amazing work you do.
- Work with industry experts such as A&R, publicists, and digital marketing agencies.
Most people find what they need, including music, through the web. An online presence through platforms and social media exposes your talent, and industry experts will boost this for you.
Learn to Work with Others
Not a single talented artist makes it on their own. Like any industry, music relies on working with other people. There is a rigid structure with hundreds or thousands of people involved in the day-to-day running of a record label. As an artist, or even anyone else involved in music, you must learn to work with these people. You can forge out a successful music career in support roles, such as technical and engineering. But it relies on networking just as much as talent.
Build a Career in Music Business
The music industry is heavily business-focused. Most people never see this side, but a career in music depends on understanding it. Whether you want to be a recording artist or stay on the production side of things. Here are some starting points if you are interested in music business:
- Learn about the serious side of the industry, such as copyrights, contracts, and royalties.
- Understand the various ways in which you can protect the work you create.
- Work with people in the industry who can mentor you in the overall music business.
Royalties, copyright, and contracts are among the most controversial aspects of the music business. Original creations must be protected, or you will potentially lose money. Networking with reputable people can help keep you away from some of the worst issues within the industry.
Be Adaptable within the Industry
Like any industry, survival of the fittest reigns! Being adaptable to any situation, environment, or task asked of you (within the law) will almost guarantee a successful climb of the music business ladder. Also, like most industries, you can forge a career by soaking up all the experience you can. You can attend college and university to pursue a music career. However, this isn’t a requirement. Raw talent as a performer, producer, or engineer will help you get there.
Consider an Alternative Career in Music
There are many support roles in music. In fact, around 66% of active musicians also work as some kind of teacher. Here are some alternative roles in music for your consideration:
- As a music teacher, you can instruct the next generation of talented artists.
- A more hands-on approach would be to forge a career in music journalism.
- Music engineering, production, and live sound tech offer a more technical approach.
Music teachers can be the inspiration a talented young artist or engineer needs. Journalism can get you front-row exposure to the industry, while engineering offers a fulfilling support role.
Consider College and University
There are many ways you can go about entering the music industry, which differs depending on what you want to do. But even many talented vocal artists also have formal education in the music industry. Of course, you may not want to be part of the performance side of things. And this might be where a formal education is more necessary. Sound engineers, lighting technicians, and stage designers are typically educated roles that require ongoing experience.
A keen understanding of the music industry as a whole will help you forge a successful career in music. However, you don’t need to be a singer or artist. There are many roles within the business side of things. Yet many of these roles require some form of higher education.
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