8 answers
Destiny
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
919 views
How do I become a successful musician/singer?
Hello! I am in 8th grade, and the career I am pursuing is to be a professional singer and musician. The reason I’m interested in this field is that I’ve always loved music, and I am currently active in my school choir. I have learned how to play the cello, viola, piano, and guitar because I love the unique sound and style of each instrument. My dream is to eventually record my own original songs in a professional studio, specifically in the indie rock genre. What are the first steps I should take at my age to begin this journey? In your experience, what is the most effective way for a young musician to build a following while still developing their technical skills?
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5 answers
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2579
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Appreciate your passion in music.
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many careers related to music, eg singer, musical artist, musician, music producer, music producer, etc you can find out more online. There are many music types as well, eg classic, pop, jazz, rock, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what careers you have interest
3. Listen more on the music types.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers and music types you had interest. Listen more. Learn the relevant techniques online and practice more.
5. Explore the entry criteria if relevant subjects in music schools
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many careers related to music, eg singer, musical artist, musician, music producer, music producer, etc you can find out more online. There are many music types as well, eg classic, pop, jazz, rock, etc.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what careers you have interest
3. Listen more on the music types.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers and music types you had interest. Listen more. Learn the relevant techniques online and practice more.
5. Explore the entry criteria if relevant subjects in music schools
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Maximiliano Garrido
Accountant
1
Answer
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Maximiliano’s Answer
Hi, Destiny!
Thanks for share this question. Following your dreams is what the world is made, in my opinion.
First, buy some kit to record your demos, learn how to make songs on your own with some program like ''flstudio''. Maybe it is not a fancy way to start but works for everyone. Something important, you have to found a style that make you different from the other singers. To compose and record your own music you are going to eventually find a style, a difference maker in your perfomance and your music. Listen to several genres to prepared this style that you will looking for from now on.
I hope this works for you, and i send you the best wishes for your music career.
Have a good one, take Care. Chao
Thanks for share this question. Following your dreams is what the world is made, in my opinion.
First, buy some kit to record your demos, learn how to make songs on your own with some program like ''flstudio''. Maybe it is not a fancy way to start but works for everyone. Something important, you have to found a style that make you different from the other singers. To compose and record your own music you are going to eventually find a style, a difference maker in your perfomance and your music. Listen to several genres to prepared this style that you will looking for from now on.
I hope this works for you, and i send you the best wishes for your music career.
Have a good one, take Care. Chao
Doran Heck
Music Production
19
Answers
Asheville, North Carolina
Updated
Doran’s Answer
Hi Destiny,
That's great you can play all those instruments and sing at your age. I got a music educations degree and I had to learn many different instruments as well - mainly how to put them together and make a decent sound.
Being in 8th grade, you have a lot of time to figure out what direction you want to go in music. It's important to keep your options open and not get too focused on one thing at your age. I started playing saxophone in 6th grade. I achieved a music eduction degree with a jazz minor in college. After college, I went into the military and played saxophone for four years. Mainly playing jazz, classical, and rock. I'm 54 years old and have had many jobs not related to music as well.
Your question about how to build a following while developing your technical skills is a good question. Building a following depends on your goals, what people want to hear, and your style. Being in 8th grade, your goals will probably change as the years go by. People have a variety of likes and dislikes when it comes to music in general, so you would want to consider that when you are planning your goals. Style has to do with what you have to offer as far as how you are different from other singers and/or instrumentalists both in how you play and act.
Building technical skills or practicing is definitely necessary if you decide to pursue music. There is a lot of competition out there and gigs or performances you are exposed to matter a lot. Since you currently sing in a choir you may want to try to sing in another choir during the summer or for Christmas when you are not in school. This will give you the opportunity to be exposed to a different type of music with different singers and a different director.
Good luck with your endeavors.
Sincerely,
Doran
That's great you can play all those instruments and sing at your age. I got a music educations degree and I had to learn many different instruments as well - mainly how to put them together and make a decent sound.
Being in 8th grade, you have a lot of time to figure out what direction you want to go in music. It's important to keep your options open and not get too focused on one thing at your age. I started playing saxophone in 6th grade. I achieved a music eduction degree with a jazz minor in college. After college, I went into the military and played saxophone for four years. Mainly playing jazz, classical, and rock. I'm 54 years old and have had many jobs not related to music as well.
Your question about how to build a following while developing your technical skills is a good question. Building a following depends on your goals, what people want to hear, and your style. Being in 8th grade, your goals will probably change as the years go by. People have a variety of likes and dislikes when it comes to music in general, so you would want to consider that when you are planning your goals. Style has to do with what you have to offer as far as how you are different from other singers and/or instrumentalists both in how you play and act.
Building technical skills or practicing is definitely necessary if you decide to pursue music. There is a lot of competition out there and gigs or performances you are exposed to matter a lot. Since you currently sing in a choir you may want to try to sing in another choir during the summer or for Christmas when you are not in school. This will give you the opportunity to be exposed to a different type of music with different singers and a different director.
Good luck with your endeavors.
Sincerely,
Doran
Llorentte Alarcón Hernández
Music producer
3
Answers
Heroica Veracruz
Updated
Llorentte’s Answer
Hi! You've got some really interesting questions. Here's what I think:
First, try learning how to compose music. It's awesome that you already know how to play instruments! Now, start creating your own songs. YouTube is a great place to find lots of helpful videos.
Going to a recording studio is a good idea, but make sure you have your songs ready first. You should have written compositions and some demos recorded. To get started, you might want to get a few basic tools: a laptop, an audio interface, and a microphone. This setup will help you begin making your own music. Audio software has lots of cool sounds, and you just need some basic knowledge to use it.
Once you have some compositions, you'll have a better idea of the sound or style you want. Then, you can think about recording in a studio. You'll know exactly what you want your music to sound like. Studios have producers and composers who can help you improve your ideas. Don't skip the composing stage—it's key to finding your unique sound and growing your music career. You don't need to be an expert, but having some basic skills will really help.
First, try learning how to compose music. It's awesome that you already know how to play instruments! Now, start creating your own songs. YouTube is a great place to find lots of helpful videos.
Going to a recording studio is a good idea, but make sure you have your songs ready first. You should have written compositions and some demos recorded. To get started, you might want to get a few basic tools: a laptop, an audio interface, and a microphone. This setup will help you begin making your own music. Audio software has lots of cool sounds, and you just need some basic knowledge to use it.
Once you have some compositions, you'll have a better idea of the sound or style you want. Then, you can think about recording in a studio. You'll know exactly what you want your music to sound like. Studios have producers and composers who can help you improve your ideas. Don't skip the composing stage—it's key to finding your unique sound and growing your music career. You don't need to be an expert, but having some basic skills will really help.
Steve Fishman
Musician Producer
3
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Hi, While I dont understand the ins and outs social media marketing, algorithms, and ads I know it works to build an audience. What I do know more about is the music, musicianship and career aspects. Ive played with many well known artists all over the world. Its been an amazing ride but a roller coaster at times. Id say that you should become a specialist on one instrument or family ie strings. Ive been in the indie, alternative world with a foot in classic rock, punk, post etc. You can be a pro if you can play at a world class level, learn / chart music fast, not just reading, but by ear as well, have pro gear and great sounds while also having deep working or specialist knowledge of your primary genres and be able to play basics of every genre. There are more people wanting to do music for a living than jobs so you have to be a better asset to the artist. producer, label etc. Being a member of a successful band and/or writing production team is best. My friends from successful bands are the most financially stabile and have awesome lives. As far as acheiving high level proficiency in music, the best way is to just do it all the time. If youre serious, immerse yourself, play, practice at home ,at school, in bands, learn learn play play. live and breathe music. You should also set up a home studio and write/ record learn production. A laptop or ipad and used interface is fine. Then you can get writing under your belt. Id start with the Beatles songbook. They were overall the best writers in music with brilliant use of chords. Nirvana is also a good one and whatever your faves are as well. I look at it kind of like training to be an elite athlete. Work smart and hard. Try to find your own unique voice, style and approach as well. Play with power, dynamics, nuance and intent. I advise using your chi energy, your heart and connecting to Source when youre doing it. Best! Steve