tamara
how can i be a singer and songwriter as well as a food and beverage server
Just want to know if thats a good opinion to work for. Even though thats my goal #singer #songwriter #songwriting
3 answers
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Embarking on a Journey as a Singer-Songwriter
Choosing a career as a singer-songwriter can be a deeply satisfying journey, offering you the chance to channel your creativity and touch people's lives with your music. Here are some proactive steps to help you achieve this ambition:
Hone your craft: This involves refining your singing technique and songwriting skills. Consider enrolling in singing classes, maintaining a regular practice routine, and consistently writing songs to enhance your abilities.
Create a collection: Produce recordings of your songs and performances to demonstrate your talent. This could be as straightforward as recording on your phone or investing in professional studio time.
Perform publicly: Seek opportunities to perform at open mic nights, bars, cafes, or other venues to share your music with an audience. This will help you gain valuable experience, cultivate a fanbase, and network with fellow musicians.
Team up with others: Collaborating with other musicians can foster your growth as an artist, broaden your network, and help you reach a larger audience.
Market yourself: Leverage social media, websites, and other platforms to promote your music and engage with fans. Think about creating a press kit or an electronic press kit (EPK) to provide potential bookers or industry professionals with information about you and your music.
Understand the business aspect: Registering your music with a performance rights organization (PRO) like ASCAP or BMI can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your work. You might also consider hiring a manager or agent to guide you through the industry and secure gigs.
Juggling a Career as a Food and Beverage Server
Serving in the food and beverage industry can be a flexible means of earning a living while you chase your musical dreams. Here are some strategies for managing these dual roles:
Organize your time efficiently: Prioritize your musical aspirations and arrange your serving shifts accordingly. This could mean working more during high-demand periods or seeking part-time or flexible serving jobs that allow you to concentrate on music during peak performance times.
Utilize your free time: Make the most of any free time during your serving shifts to tackle music-related tasks, such as songwriting, practicing vocal exercises, or promoting your music on social media.
Foster a supportive workplace: Inform your colleagues and supervisors about your musical pursuits and seek their support. They might be able to assist in promoting your music or accommodating scheduling requests that enable you to prioritize performances or recording sessions.
Stay driven: Balancing two careers can be demanding, but keeping your musical objectives in sight can help you stay inspired and dedicated to advancing in both fields.
In conclusion, it's feasible to chase a career as a singer-songwriter while also serving in the food and beverage industry. With thoughtful planning, efficient time management, and a supportive network, you can make strides in both fields concurrently.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Courtney Donohue
Courtney’s Answer
I've worked multiple jobs including fast food and waitressing.
It's nice to have something to keep you more stable while experimenting with the beginning steps of your dreams. My advice to you is to never stop practicing your craft! Write songs in your head while you're at work and hum some tunes. If your passion is music, you may already do that.
Something you could try if you have writers block or less time to write is making up stories in your head about things you observe on the job, or fictional scenarios between customers or employees. This could help your creative writing skills and build on your talent as a songwriter.
Practice is also a big key. Constantly find ways to hone in on your craft and don't be afraid to put yourself out there as much as possible. Having a lot of platforms for people to view your craft is important. Post as much as possible of social medias and keep up with consistent postings on socials like YouTube and Spotify.
Time management can be a lot sometimes as well. Don't overwork yourself in either category to where you will burn out. Make sure you make time for achieving your ultimate goal. Getting a degree will help, but also you can learn things like how to control your voice or even produce your own music on platforms such as YouTube. It's always great to gain as much knowledge as possible.
If you want/need to be a server now that is okay. It gives you time to figure out what direction you need to go and experiment with who you are as an artist and how you can connect with people. If being a singer/songwriter is your ultimate passion there will be a time where you may need to choose where you put all of your energy into to be successful. Each persons path is different, so there isn't a set way to go about things. Trust yourself and your audience will trust you.
I hope this helped and gave you some food for thought. All of the best luck to you and I hope to see you out there succeeding in your journey!
Tamara Smith, M.S., CPLC
Tamara’s Answer
Hi tamara,
I have never been a singer, but I waited tables for over 12 years. Working in food and beverage was always a second job for me, in addition to what I was truly passionate about, or what made the most money. My niece is named after me, and is in the same position as you. She is trying to get her musical career off the ground, and has worked as waitress throughout college and after. It is great, easy money for what it's worth. For you venturing into the entertainment industry, I suggest you ALWAYS AND CONSTANTLY sing! Stay in the studio and/or consistently post and promote your music by any means necessary. While you are working in food and beverage you will meet so many interesting people from all walks of life. Have a simple business card made that links to your website or YouTube page with your singing and music. If you don't have a website, then make one. There are several sites you can do this for FREE, and they are easy to make. Get your name out there in social media so people will always recognize it or not ever forget it (Tamara's are special!! Ha ha)! I also suggest you acquire a degree in some area as well, if you have not already. I suggest this as a back up because the music industry is TOUGH!! I wish you all the best, and welcome any other questions you may have.