5 answers
Grace
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
4
Questions
Updated
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What's the first step for starting a music career?
I am looking into a career in music and I would like to know what the steps are, how long it takes to get into it, and how much money will I make.
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5 answers
Brielle Biscocho
Film & TV Music /Admin
8
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Brielle’s Answer
It depends what area of the industry you are looking to get into which the other commenters of already addressed.
The local/indie music scene is a great place to start as you'll learn a lot more since you'll probably be balancing the tasks multiple departments would at a large music company. You could create your own music blog, volunteer at local events, offer to help a local band with their digital marketing/manage their bookings, etc. There are also record label campus marketing/ street team programs where you'll get PAID to help on their promotional campaigns. A lot music internships also don't require being a music major, just a passion for music!
In terms of pay - that will also vary based on what you pick. Thanks to salary transparency laws (at least in LA & NY) you can see estimated ranges on the roles you're interested in.
The local/indie music scene is a great place to start as you'll learn a lot more since you'll probably be balancing the tasks multiple departments would at a large music company. You could create your own music blog, volunteer at local events, offer to help a local band with their digital marketing/manage their bookings, etc. There are also record label campus marketing/ street team programs where you'll get PAID to help on their promotional campaigns. A lot music internships also don't require being a music major, just a passion for music!
In terms of pay - that will also vary based on what you pick. Thanks to salary transparency laws (at least in LA & NY) you can see estimated ranges on the roles you're interested in.
Paul Bordenkircher
Audio Engineer
76
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Paul’s Answer
HI Grace! To give you a good answer, it would require you to be more specific. Do you mean as a performer, a businessperson, an educator, or something else? Because these are all very different career paths.
For a performer, the number one thing is to perform! Practice and perform, to be completely true. Then you would need to continue to branch out your performance experience, including possibly a formal education. The same would apply to music production - just do it! Start with basic programs like Garageband or Audacity, and build your technical skills through use and formal education.
For an educator, it would essentially be no different than any other teaching career, with the exception that a performance background is also expected.
For a business career, it could include any or all of the above things. Many performers end up in music business careers over time, as do engineers, educators, etc. And knowing the business side of things is critical for anyone in any aspect of music and entertainment because I'm not going to lie, it can be a VERY dirty business! You must be equipped with the knowledge to protect yourself against bad deals and bad people.
Decide which area is your primary focus - performance, production, business, or something else.
Dig deeper into that area, and talk to people with careers specifically in that area.
Learn the business! No matter which part you choose, knowing the business will be key.
Expect disappointments. People are out for themselves, never more than this business. Frankly, expect to get screwed, and keep a sharp eye out for people or things that don't feel right.
For a performer, the number one thing is to perform! Practice and perform, to be completely true. Then you would need to continue to branch out your performance experience, including possibly a formal education. The same would apply to music production - just do it! Start with basic programs like Garageband or Audacity, and build your technical skills through use and formal education.
For an educator, it would essentially be no different than any other teaching career, with the exception that a performance background is also expected.
For a business career, it could include any or all of the above things. Many performers end up in music business careers over time, as do engineers, educators, etc. And knowing the business side of things is critical for anyone in any aspect of music and entertainment because I'm not going to lie, it can be a VERY dirty business! You must be equipped with the knowledge to protect yourself against bad deals and bad people.
Paul recommends the following next steps:
Mizael Dejesus
Singer and songwriter (Rap/R&B
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Mizael’s Answer
Starting a career in music can be a rewarding journey, but it can also be challenging. Here are some general steps and considerations:
1. **Skill Development:** Begin by honing your musical skills. This may involve learning to play an instrument, improving your vocal abilities, or mastering music production software.
2. **Education and Training:** Consider formal education or training. Many musicians pursue degrees in music, attend music schools, or take online courses to improve their knowledge and skills.
3. **Songwriting and Composition:** If you're interested in creating your own music, focus on songwriting and composition. This can take time to develop your unique style.
4. **Networking:** Build a network in the music industry. Attend local events, open mic nights, and connect with fellow musicians, producers, and managers.
5. **Recording and Production:** Learn about recording and music production techniques. This will help you create high-quality recordings of your music.
6. **Promotion and Marketing:** Develop a presence online and offline. Utilize social media, create a website, and promote your music through various channels.
7. **Performance Experience:** Gain experience by performing live. Start with small gigs and gradually work your way up to larger venues.
8. **Persistence:** Be prepared for setbacks and rejection. Success in music often requires persistence and resilience.
As for how long it takes to get into the industry and how much money you can make, it varies greatly. Some musicians achieve success relatively quickly, while others may take years to gain recognition. Your income will depend on factors like your talent, marketing efforts, live performances, and music sales/streaming revenue. It's essential to be passionate about music and pursue it for the love of the art, as financial success can be unpredictable.
Remember that it's a highly competitive field, and not everyone becomes a superstar. Many musicians supplement their income with teaching, session work, or other music-related jobs while pursuing their artistic goals. It's crucial to have a backup plan and financial stability as you work towards your music career.
1. **Skill Development:** Begin by honing your musical skills. This may involve learning to play an instrument, improving your vocal abilities, or mastering music production software.
2. **Education and Training:** Consider formal education or training. Many musicians pursue degrees in music, attend music schools, or take online courses to improve their knowledge and skills.
3. **Songwriting and Composition:** If you're interested in creating your own music, focus on songwriting and composition. This can take time to develop your unique style.
4. **Networking:** Build a network in the music industry. Attend local events, open mic nights, and connect with fellow musicians, producers, and managers.
5. **Recording and Production:** Learn about recording and music production techniques. This will help you create high-quality recordings of your music.
6. **Promotion and Marketing:** Develop a presence online and offline. Utilize social media, create a website, and promote your music through various channels.
7. **Performance Experience:** Gain experience by performing live. Start with small gigs and gradually work your way up to larger venues.
8. **Persistence:** Be prepared for setbacks and rejection. Success in music often requires persistence and resilience.
As for how long it takes to get into the industry and how much money you can make, it varies greatly. Some musicians achieve success relatively quickly, while others may take years to gain recognition. Your income will depend on factors like your talent, marketing efforts, live performances, and music sales/streaming revenue. It's essential to be passionate about music and pursue it for the love of the art, as financial success can be unpredictable.
Remember that it's a highly competitive field, and not everyone becomes a superstar. Many musicians supplement their income with teaching, session work, or other music-related jobs while pursuing their artistic goals. It's crucial to have a backup plan and financial stability as you work towards your music career.
Emily Barbar
Student
11
Answers
Glendale, California
Updated
Emily’s Answer
I feel like in starting a music career you need to go to a good school with a good music program that will help you network with others in the type of music you want to do. It doesn't take long to get into it but you have to be patient. The music and entertainment industry is very saturated and very competitive. I know people who first start in the music/ entertainment industry don't make a lot of money and have to work side jobs to make ends meet and don't make a lot of money starting out. The steps to look into a career in music are different for everyone there is no definite answer because there are very different paths when it comes to a career in music.
Thomas O'Shea
Live Sound Engineer, Music Producer, Musician
60
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
The answers here, while helpful, are overcomplicating things. The best way of starting a music career is STARTING. Do you like playing guitar and singing? Set up your phone and create videos of you doing covers and put them on TikTok or something. Do you like making beats? Reach out to YouTube channels and see if they want music for their videos- start off by offering free services with the catch that you can put the resulting project in your portfolio. That way you have something to show and will be able to start making money and start progressing towards the end goal. How long will it take? Who Knows. What's your definition of success? If you want to live off your music- probably years. If you want to make money using the skills you learn in a different part of the industry- you just have to go looking- most of my money is from live sound mixing. How much will you make? same answer- who knows? if you can show you're good at what you do- sky is the limit but you need to have something to show for. Without examples of your work you will make zilch, zero, nada from your music. But with the right connections and music released somewhere, anywhere, you can make plenty to live off of.