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Where can i start to become a musician?

I want to know where to start so I can become a musician #artists #musicians

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Ld’s Answer

Hey there! Looks like you asked this a few months ago; I'll do my best to give you an answer and I hope it provides at least some insight! First and foremost: be advised that most people who live and work as musicians frequently have a second job that actually allows them to actually put food on the table. I'm retired military: there's no way I could do what I do without that pension. My brother is a professional musician also, but he teaches music in public school (in addition to playing a church job). A good friend down the street is a Grammy-nominated trumpet player here in LA: she's also a public school substitute teacher. You're probably going to need a second source of income. That being said, to start off: you've got to be a decent player. You knowledge of your instrument has to be good, and depending on the type of music you want to play, your ability to read and your knowledge of theory may have to really be solid. If you want to be a classical or jazz performer: this is without question. Classical and jazz musicians will always be able to find work, but be prepared to be playing church and wedding services, religious holidays (from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve), 4th of July, Memorial Day celebrations at military cemeteries, etc. If you're a rock musician, be advised that many weddings now use DJs, because it's cheaper and it's just one guy with a single pushcart and he can set up in about 15 minutes and be playing. He doesn't get tired and probably has EVERY song the bridesmaids and grandmothers want to hear in his iTunes library. In general, in certain markets (ie., LA, New York, Nashville, etc) if you're good enough you can become a 'session musician.' As such, you're playing for hire on recordings or shows done by other musicians. In general as well: be prepared to have to show up for any of your gigs at 6pm and work until after 1 or 2am, and if you have a lot of gear, then you get to break it all down yourself and take it back home or to the rehearsal space and be done at 3am. Learn to sing: take some lessons and just be able to sing backup - it's a secondary skill, but one that can make you more hirable. Be careful of the company you keep. Many other musicians just want to act out some fantasy - these chumps are to be avoided. If you're serious...really serious...you will have a solid sense of discipline and drive that keeps you focused. Even if you're old enough, avoid drugs and alcohol before or during playing: you will be terrible. You will think you sound great but in reality you will look and sound terrible, and NOT get asked to play there again. Don't let your bandmates do that stuff either. If someone consistently shows up to rehearsals under the influence, tell them to stop. If they can't get it together, fire them from the band. Forgive me if I have painted a "less than rosy" picture of this profession, but this is the reality of the situation. But when you're doing it, and when you're "in the groove" with other musicians, it's tremendously rewarding and fun!
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