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What to expect once I start my career as a Music artist?
After I had finish learning music and how to create, Where or How do I get started?
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4 answers
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
I hope you're having fun as you're learning about music and how to create it! The learning never stops. In fact, one of the things that will help lead you is to find out what you like, what you're curious about, and figure out how to learn to do it. Work to find people who are doing what you would like to do and try to get yourself in situations where you're around those types of people - even if it means a low paying job. Sometimes this means you've got to take a survival job to be able to work on your music on the side - totally normal...and also challenging!
There really isn't a graduation process from "learning music" and most music jobs don't get posted to job sites for you to apply. Most of us have had to wade through lots of possibilities, find the things we like, and keep working at stuff until we get a little better. A little better at our music. A little better jobs. A little better people we can work with. A little more money. A little more fun. The good news is that while it might seem slow, all this little stuff adds up over time and it can be a really fun journey!
There really isn't a graduation process from "learning music" and most music jobs don't get posted to job sites for you to apply. Most of us have had to wade through lots of possibilities, find the things we like, and keep working at stuff until we get a little better. A little better at our music. A little better jobs. A little better people we can work with. A little more money. A little more fun. The good news is that while it might seem slow, all this little stuff adds up over time and it can be a really fun journey!
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Hi Cherish! I hope you will follow your heart as you are learning music, whether you're learning to read music or playing an instrument (or both!). Writing songs or composing music can take you in different directions. Again, follow your heart! As you are getting started, just keep playing and writing and let it see where it takes you. You may want to go to open mic nights and perform your own songs or cover songs that you love. If you're not comfortable performing yet, it's nothing to worry about. Just keep writing, keep playing and creating. I started out playing classical piano, then decided I wanted to write songs as a way of expressing my feelings and then decided I loved plays and wrote plays with my songs being part of the script... There are so many things you can do. If you can, try and connect with other creative people who are also starting out, or even ones who have been creating for a while (music, art, music production, writing, etc.). There are so many different roads. God bless you on whatever road (or roads) that you travel! Wishing you all the best, Elizabeth
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Cherish!
It's great that you're thinking ahead about your future - and looking for information from folks with experience - very smart!
Music is a very large career category and there are many areas to choose from:
Performance & Composition
Arranger: Adapts existing compositions for new performances.
DJ/Mobile Disc Jockey: Mixes recorded music for live events.
Music Director/Conductor - leads music groups and performances.
Musician/Performer: Instrumentalists or vocalists in bands, orchestras, or session work.
Songwriter/Composer: Creates original music for artists, film, TV, or games.
Voice-over Artist: Performs audio for ads, animation, or podcasts.
Production & Technology
Audio Engineer/Sound Engineer: Manages sound recording and mixing.
Live Sound Engineer: Manages audio (Front-of-House/Monitor) for concerts.
MIDI Programmer/Technician: Uses technology to create or sequence music.
Mixing/Mastering Engineer: Refines recorded audio for final release.
Music Producer: Oversees the creative process of recording music.
Business & Industry
A&R (Artists and Repertoire) Representative: Scouts new talent for labels.
Artist Manager: Manages career, scheduling, and business deals.
Booking Agent: Books concerts, tours, and live shows.
Entertainment Attorney: Handles legal contracts and copyright.
Marketing/PR Manager: Promotes artists and releases.
Music Accountant: Manages finances for musicians or companies.
Music Publisher: Manages rights and royalties for songwriters.
Education, Therapy & Support
Music Journalist/Critic: Writes about music and trends.
Music Librarian: Manages music collections in libraries or orchestras.
Music Teacher/Instructor: Teaches instruments or theory privately or in schools.
Music Therapist: Uses music to improve clients' mental/physical health.
Repair Technician: Fixes and maintains musical instruments.
It's a lot, right? But I notice you mentioned that you're interested in a career as a 'Music Artist' which to me means someone who creates, performs, and records music, using it for artistic expression, storytelling, and connecting with an audience. This involves creative expression where you use your sound to convey emotions, tell stories, and inspire others, often pushing beyond traditional musical boundaries. It also might involve more than one role. For example a music artist may be a singer-songwriter, a band member, or an electronic artist who produces their own work. Actually, a "recording artist" is someone who is prominently featured on a sound recording - so you can start with cover songs and/or your original songs - anything goes. And also, many artists focus on developing their personal brand and image, interacting with fans, and building their artistic story.
I agree with Elizabeth's answer in regard to taking advantage of various experiences around you, such as school band, orchestra, choir, madrigals, or musical productions - and also checking for competitions and opportunities in your community. If you sing or play and instrument, you might also consider a social media or YouTube channel to showcase your abilities. Lanie Gardner built a career that way - here's the video that launched her: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1LhC1zGouc&list=RDV1LhC1zGouc&start_radio=1
The important thing over the next few years is to learn as much as you can about the various music careers that are out there and start eliminating onces you're not into, and further exploring the ones that interest you most. And try to be inquisitive and open to related experiences that might not be directly involved with your preferred area, because those could lead you to what you're looking for down the road. For example, there was have been a number of singers on "The Voice" who started as a studio / venue audio assistant, then working as an engineer, and finally started singing backup for bands they were supporting in various venues - until they finally applied to sing on The Voice.
Good luck on your journey - you're going to do great!
It's great that you're thinking ahead about your future - and looking for information from folks with experience - very smart!
Music is a very large career category and there are many areas to choose from:
Performance & Composition
Arranger: Adapts existing compositions for new performances.
DJ/Mobile Disc Jockey: Mixes recorded music for live events.
Music Director/Conductor - leads music groups and performances.
Musician/Performer: Instrumentalists or vocalists in bands, orchestras, or session work.
Songwriter/Composer: Creates original music for artists, film, TV, or games.
Voice-over Artist: Performs audio for ads, animation, or podcasts.
Production & Technology
Audio Engineer/Sound Engineer: Manages sound recording and mixing.
Live Sound Engineer: Manages audio (Front-of-House/Monitor) for concerts.
MIDI Programmer/Technician: Uses technology to create or sequence music.
Mixing/Mastering Engineer: Refines recorded audio for final release.
Music Producer: Oversees the creative process of recording music.
Business & Industry
A&R (Artists and Repertoire) Representative: Scouts new talent for labels.
Artist Manager: Manages career, scheduling, and business deals.
Booking Agent: Books concerts, tours, and live shows.
Entertainment Attorney: Handles legal contracts and copyright.
Marketing/PR Manager: Promotes artists and releases.
Music Accountant: Manages finances for musicians or companies.
Music Publisher: Manages rights and royalties for songwriters.
Education, Therapy & Support
Music Journalist/Critic: Writes about music and trends.
Music Librarian: Manages music collections in libraries or orchestras.
Music Teacher/Instructor: Teaches instruments or theory privately or in schools.
Music Therapist: Uses music to improve clients' mental/physical health.
Repair Technician: Fixes and maintains musical instruments.
It's a lot, right? But I notice you mentioned that you're interested in a career as a 'Music Artist' which to me means someone who creates, performs, and records music, using it for artistic expression, storytelling, and connecting with an audience. This involves creative expression where you use your sound to convey emotions, tell stories, and inspire others, often pushing beyond traditional musical boundaries. It also might involve more than one role. For example a music artist may be a singer-songwriter, a band member, or an electronic artist who produces their own work. Actually, a "recording artist" is someone who is prominently featured on a sound recording - so you can start with cover songs and/or your original songs - anything goes. And also, many artists focus on developing their personal brand and image, interacting with fans, and building their artistic story.
I agree with Elizabeth's answer in regard to taking advantage of various experiences around you, such as school band, orchestra, choir, madrigals, or musical productions - and also checking for competitions and opportunities in your community. If you sing or play and instrument, you might also consider a social media or YouTube channel to showcase your abilities. Lanie Gardner built a career that way - here's the video that launched her: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1LhC1zGouc&list=RDV1LhC1zGouc&start_radio=1
The important thing over the next few years is to learn as much as you can about the various music careers that are out there and start eliminating onces you're not into, and further exploring the ones that interest you most. And try to be inquisitive and open to related experiences that might not be directly involved with your preferred area, because those could lead you to what you're looking for down the road. For example, there was have been a number of singers on "The Voice" who started as a studio / venue audio assistant, then working as an engineer, and finally started singing backup for bands they were supporting in various venues - until they finally applied to sing on The Voice.
Good luck on your journey - you're going to do great!
Updated
April’s Answer
Knowing what makes you unique as an artist is crucial for your brand. Music publishers seek artists who understand their identity. No matter the genre or style, if you can captivate your audience, that's what publishers want. They are interested in artists who can generate profit with their brand. So, focus on what makes you stand out from the crowd.
Discover what makes you an Artist.
April recommends the following next steps: