8 answers
christin
Student
El Campo, Texas
1
Question
Asked
3800 views
What are the pros and cons of the music industry?
#music #music-industry
Login to comment
8 answers
Kevin Stiles
Drums
9
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Hi! The rewards can be monetary or just the personal satisfaction and the love of playing music! Of course one can make a career of the music business and be comfortable or very successful. Just know.... it is a very competitive business as I am sure you have heard. If this is you're dream than go for it! No boundaries as to what you may achieve. :)
Thomas O'Shea
Live Sound Engineer, Music Producer, Musician
60
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Pros- doing what you love everyday
Working with your friends on something you're really excited about
Working on something with people you otherwise would have never connected with
Expression and creativity (both are healthy and important for us humans)
The adrenaline of a performance
The rush after the performance
The feeling of support from you fans
Cons: Late nights
Choosing to work on your next project instead of watching that show, going to that movie, or hanging out with friends
Stressful situations like soundcheck, forgetting a part in the music, Late performance start times, etc
Technology not working (like Pro Tools crashing or speakers not working)
Always a chance that you go broke until you get a steady paying gig
Working with your friends on something you're really excited about
Working on something with people you otherwise would have never connected with
Expression and creativity (both are healthy and important for us humans)
The adrenaline of a performance
The rush after the performance
The feeling of support from you fans
Cons: Late nights
Choosing to work on your next project instead of watching that show, going to that movie, or hanging out with friends
Stressful situations like soundcheck, forgetting a part in the music, Late performance start times, etc
Technology not working (like Pro Tools crashing or speakers not working)
Always a chance that you go broke until you get a steady paying gig
Vineeth Rua
Client Support
90
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Vineeth’s Answer
Like many creative professions, the life of a professional musician has both its advantages and disadvantages. As such, some musicians opt to work part-time gigs rather than make music their full-time job, simply because of the sporadic nature of employment in an artistic industry where competition is high
Advantages of Being a Professional Musician
The primary "pro" of being a professional musician is that you get to enjoy your art and earn an income while following your passion and doing what you love. You have the opportunity to collaborate with other artists, travel and have a variety of new experiences, often while courting an admiring fan base. The highest level of professional musicians can earn a healthy salary, either as solo artists, session players or as part of a group or band. Other benefits include:
Perfecting your craft
Making a contribution to the artistic community
Making industry contacts that can help advance your career in other performance areas
Disadvantages of Being a Professional Musician
The lack of a steady schedule or a stable income is perhaps one of the greatest disadvantages of being a professional musician. While travel appeals to many, others may find being on the road has drawbacks, such as a nontraditional family life. Additionally, musicians don’t enjoy the benefits that come with a steadier job, such as health insurance and retirement income. It can be a struggle to make ends meet, particularly when you're composing, performing, traveling and continually trying to market yourself for the next gig. Other downsides to this career path include:
Unpredictable scheduling
Performing in smoky clubs, which can harm vocal cords
Exposure to a party atmosphere that may not appeal to all musicians
Having a background or education in business, finance or marketing can help you increase your odds of success as a professional musician. Many musicians have side professions or education or training in other areas they can fall back on in between gigs. This might include being a music or band teacher or tutor, or an entirely unrelated field of work. Some professional musicians find it beneficial to have a flexible secondary line of work that allows them to prioritize their music career while still having a financial safety net.
Advantages of Being a Professional Musician
The primary "pro" of being a professional musician is that you get to enjoy your art and earn an income while following your passion and doing what you love. You have the opportunity to collaborate with other artists, travel and have a variety of new experiences, often while courting an admiring fan base. The highest level of professional musicians can earn a healthy salary, either as solo artists, session players or as part of a group or band. Other benefits include:
Perfecting your craft
Making a contribution to the artistic community
Making industry contacts that can help advance your career in other performance areas
Disadvantages of Being a Professional Musician
The lack of a steady schedule or a stable income is perhaps one of the greatest disadvantages of being a professional musician. While travel appeals to many, others may find being on the road has drawbacks, such as a nontraditional family life. Additionally, musicians don’t enjoy the benefits that come with a steadier job, such as health insurance and retirement income. It can be a struggle to make ends meet, particularly when you're composing, performing, traveling and continually trying to market yourself for the next gig. Other downsides to this career path include:
Unpredictable scheduling
Performing in smoky clubs, which can harm vocal cords
Exposure to a party atmosphere that may not appeal to all musicians
Having a background or education in business, finance or marketing can help you increase your odds of success as a professional musician. Many musicians have side professions or education or training in other areas they can fall back on in between gigs. This might include being a music or band teacher or tutor, or an entirely unrelated field of work. Some professional musicians find it beneficial to have a flexible secondary line of work that allows them to prioritize their music career while still having a financial safety net.
Mark Davis
Retired Manager
14
Answers
Santa Clarita, California
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Hi Christin--
Raphael is right on target. It really depends on what you want to do in the industry. The Music business is like any other—it is a business and lots of it is not terribly glamorous. That being said, depending what you do, it is more fun to do it in a creative environment than in a strict, corporate environment.
Explore the different things you are interested in in the music business, and concentrate on learning what you can bring to a company. This will make you more valuable and well rounded for music or another industry.
Good luck!
Raphael is right on target. It really depends on what you want to do in the industry. The Music business is like any other—it is a business and lots of it is not terribly glamorous. That being said, depending what you do, it is more fun to do it in a creative environment than in a strict, corporate environment.
Explore the different things you are interested in in the music business, and concentrate on learning what you can bring to a company. This will make you more valuable and well rounded for music or another industry.
Good luck!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3512
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Cristin!
Let's dive into the world of the music industry, shall we?
On the bright side, the music industry is a vibrant space that allows artists to let their creativity run wild and share their unique talents with the world. It's also a major player in the economy, raking in billions every year and creating jobs for musicians, songwriters, producers, and many more.
Music, as you know, has an incredible power to stir emotions and unite people, creating a sense of belonging among fans and artists alike. The industry is always on the move, adapting to new technologies and platforms that support the creation and sharing of music. And let's not forget the diversity! With a myriad of genres, styles, and artists from all walks of life, the music industry is a melting pot of cultures and perspectives.
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The music industry is fiercely competitive, with countless artists battling for their spot in the spotlight. The financial aspect can be a rollercoaster, with income and career prospects often unpredictable.
Working in the music industry often means long hours, including nights, weekends, and even holidays, to meet tight deadlines and satisfy demand. This can lead to physical and mental strain, putting musicians and industry professionals at risk of injury, burnout, and mental health issues. And, even for those who find success, job security can be fleeting with contracts and record deals that can end just as quickly as they began.
If you're interested in delving deeper, here are a few authoritative titles to check out:
1. "The Music Industry: A Very Short Introduction" by John Shepherd
2. "The Business of Music" by Mark Haller
3. "The Music Industry: A Guide for the Confused" by Richard James Burgess
These books offer a thorough look into the music industry, covering its history, structure, and latest trends. They also shed light on the challenges and opportunities within the industry, making them a valuable resource for anyone considering a career in music.
Take care and stay blessed,
James.
Let's dive into the world of the music industry, shall we?
On the bright side, the music industry is a vibrant space that allows artists to let their creativity run wild and share their unique talents with the world. It's also a major player in the economy, raking in billions every year and creating jobs for musicians, songwriters, producers, and many more.
Music, as you know, has an incredible power to stir emotions and unite people, creating a sense of belonging among fans and artists alike. The industry is always on the move, adapting to new technologies and platforms that support the creation and sharing of music. And let's not forget the diversity! With a myriad of genres, styles, and artists from all walks of life, the music industry is a melting pot of cultures and perspectives.
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The music industry is fiercely competitive, with countless artists battling for their spot in the spotlight. The financial aspect can be a rollercoaster, with income and career prospects often unpredictable.
Working in the music industry often means long hours, including nights, weekends, and even holidays, to meet tight deadlines and satisfy demand. This can lead to physical and mental strain, putting musicians and industry professionals at risk of injury, burnout, and mental health issues. And, even for those who find success, job security can be fleeting with contracts and record deals that can end just as quickly as they began.
If you're interested in delving deeper, here are a few authoritative titles to check out:
1. "The Music Industry: A Very Short Introduction" by John Shepherd
2. "The Business of Music" by Mark Haller
3. "The Music Industry: A Guide for the Confused" by Richard James Burgess
These books offer a thorough look into the music industry, covering its history, structure, and latest trends. They also shed light on the challenges and opportunities within the industry, making them a valuable resource for anyone considering a career in music.
Take care and stay blessed,
James.
Raphael Tillman
Pharmacy Technician
6
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Raphael’s Answer
That is a pretty open question. Depends on what you are trying to inside the industry. I need a more specific question
As far as an artist goes when you are signed to a label there are rules you have to play by which may limit your creativity or who you can work with.
Pertaining to any other job I consider it like sales work. The money is great when there is work but you don’t know when your next check is coming.
Kenneth Roldan
Music Production
4
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Kenneth’s Answer
Hey!
There are many pros to this industry.
1. The connections you make are the most important part of this job. You get to create a community of people who aspire to also be a part of the music industry!
2. You will be pursuing your passion and your drive and dedication will guide you to work hard every day.
3. There is always room to grow as an independent artist in the industry
Cons:
1. Money will be an issue for a little while, but with time, connections will grow, offering you jobs that will fit your branch of work.
2. not everybody has good intentions when it comes to giving you advice. listen closely to people who have good intentions when they speak to you about your career.
There are many pros to this industry.
1. The connections you make are the most important part of this job. You get to create a community of people who aspire to also be a part of the music industry!
2. You will be pursuing your passion and your drive and dedication will guide you to work hard every day.
3. There is always room to grow as an independent artist in the industry
Cons:
1. Money will be an issue for a little while, but with time, connections will grow, offering you jobs that will fit your branch of work.
2. not everybody has good intentions when it comes to giving you advice. listen closely to people who have good intentions when they speak to you about your career.
Elen Khachikyan
1
Answer
Yerevan, Armenia
Updated
Elen’s Answer
Hey there! So, here are some positive and negative sides of music industry:
Negative
1. If you want to be a music creator, your whole day will be spent in front of a computer screen which makes you really tired
2. If you make music just for fun, it's not the same as building your career in that industry
3. You have to have the talent of hearing the notes. For example, when watching an unofficial clip for a music video, you have to pay attention on the music itself, so you can see if the music is right or a semi tone higher/lower
Positive
1. It's very amazing! No, seriously, when you are listening to other music you are like "hey, I want my music to be more beautiful". And you have that chance now!
2. You have the opportunity to practice for free! If you are a beginner, I recommend you to download Bandlab music editor. It is free and it can help you to know the basics of music creating
3. Music is the profession which requires talent only. You can start creating music from now! Music doesn't pay attention on age, but talent is required.
Elen recommends the following next steps: