2 answers
Ava
Student
Scranton, Pennsylvania
6
Questions
Asked
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What does a day in the life of a music industry professional look like?
I am a high school senior and I'm interested in pursuing a career in the music industry. Thanks! #music-industry #music #music-business #musiccareers
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2 answers
Steve Swisher
Category Manager of Procurement
69
Answers
The Woodlands, Texas
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Hi Ava,
This really sounds better than it really is. But, I would encourage you to try this vocation should you have the keen interest. Get professional lessons and do not self-teach yourself when learning how to play an instrument or learning how to sign. Best to learn from the subject matter expert, the pro if you will. Then try out an Open Mic night at a local restaurant or bar (depending upon your age), or if still in high school you may want to try out for band or chorus first and get that confidence and skill level.
I'm older and I enjoyed playing guitar all my life. One year, when I was 19 I received a call from a Promoter who asked if my band wanted to do a warm-up gig for a band out of Upstate NY named Black Sheep. We did the gig and had the chance to meet the other band leader - his name was Lou Graham - yes the one and only who went on to become FOREIGNER. Hey, you never know what can happen! :)
Get those lessons and practice, practice, practice. Be true to yourself and do not succumb to the dark side of the musician life (you know what I mean) that some have chosen.
Hope to see you in lights one day!
Steve
SWEETWINE (the band)
Syracuse, NY
This really sounds better than it really is. But, I would encourage you to try this vocation should you have the keen interest. Get professional lessons and do not self-teach yourself when learning how to play an instrument or learning how to sign. Best to learn from the subject matter expert, the pro if you will. Then try out an Open Mic night at a local restaurant or bar (depending upon your age), or if still in high school you may want to try out for band or chorus first and get that confidence and skill level.
I'm older and I enjoyed playing guitar all my life. One year, when I was 19 I received a call from a Promoter who asked if my band wanted to do a warm-up gig for a band out of Upstate NY named Black Sheep. We did the gig and had the chance to meet the other band leader - his name was Lou Graham - yes the one and only who went on to become FOREIGNER. Hey, you never know what can happen! :)
Get those lessons and practice, practice, practice. Be true to yourself and do not succumb to the dark side of the musician life (you know what I mean) that some have chosen.
Hope to see you in lights one day!
Steve
SWEETWINE (the band)
Syracuse, NY
Judeanne Armenti
Over 20 years of creative and outgoing music industry and event management expertise.
29
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Judeanne’s Answer
Hi Ava,
Though I encourage you to pursue your interests in the music industry, please keep in mind there is a great difference between being a "music industry professional" and a professional musician. I sincerely encourage you to dip your toes in both. If you go into the countless professions in the industry, musicians will always respect someone with musical knowledge in addition to management, financial, marketing, or other skills. Professionals will also respect a musician who is aware of the various business implications and demands of being a musician.
There are too many professions to choose from within the industry to explain a typical day. Know this - working in music is more than a job or a career. It is a calling, a vocation, and, most importantly, it is a lifestyle. Decide for yourself how much travel you want to enjoy, what tasks you love to do on a frustratingly regular basis, and how many people you prefer to interact with daily. That will give you some insight as to if you wish to work for a label, a management office, in accounting or business affairs, marketing, at a venue, in a studio, on the road, or any other options available to you in the industry.
Best of luck!
Judeanne
Though I encourage you to pursue your interests in the music industry, please keep in mind there is a great difference between being a "music industry professional" and a professional musician. I sincerely encourage you to dip your toes in both. If you go into the countless professions in the industry, musicians will always respect someone with musical knowledge in addition to management, financial, marketing, or other skills. Professionals will also respect a musician who is aware of the various business implications and demands of being a musician.
There are too many professions to choose from within the industry to explain a typical day. Know this - working in music is more than a job or a career. It is a calling, a vocation, and, most importantly, it is a lifestyle. Decide for yourself how much travel you want to enjoy, what tasks you love to do on a frustratingly regular basis, and how many people you prefer to interact with daily. That will give you some insight as to if you wish to work for a label, a management office, in accounting or business affairs, marketing, at a venue, in a studio, on the road, or any other options available to you in the industry.
Best of luck!
Judeanne