Career In Music: Be Open To Embracing Passion, People & Tech

Akin to most industries, the field of music is evolving, throwing a plethora of opportunities for the aspirants of the field. Independent artists or career music professionals not just grow but create new sources of income. But the passion for music must be there.

Have you got a passion for music?

If music makes you happier, then definitely, music is a good career choice. And, as knowledge is power, it is important to have the necessary education and skills required for different careers in the music industry.

Musically music career tour

Let’s take a tour of the most rewarding and thrilling adventure you can embark on. This tour will introduce you to a fascinating and active sector, especially considering how technology has opened a slew of new occupations and opportunities. The music industry has been a part of the expansion, changing, expanding, and developing to suit new demands. Rather than vying for traditional jobs in orchestras, chamber ensembles, or as soloists, aspiring string players are looking for new opportunities that will allow them to apply their skills in novel ways. The music careers that pay the most include a career as a singer, DJ, music producer, songwriter, opera singer, publicist, concert promoter, mastering engineer, editor, orchestrator, and the list goes on. With 4-5 years of hard work, the salary could range anywhere between 25 lakh to a crore, depending on the line of career you chose and the sweat you produce. Undergraduates now have more chances than ever to pursue a career in music. The possibilities are endless thanks to social media and worldwide communications. In fact, you have complete control over your musical career.  However, there are several actions you must take to ensure that you achieve your objectives.

List of actions, which should not be ignored:

1. Improving your musical abilities

If you want to make it in the music industry, you'll need a diverse collection of skills, including the ability to play one or more instruments, read music, improvise, compose, arrange, and more. You should devote a significant amount of time to all of these in the early stages of your profession.

To truly grow in all of them, you'll need to create and commit to a solid plan of action. Allow yourself several hours per day to practice your craft so that you can focus on other important areas of your job.

2. Putting together a professional network

You must seek your entrance into the music industry once you have begun to develop your musicianship. Music is a social activity, and you will always be reliant on the community in your profession. Rather than spending years honing your craft in your room without connecting with anyone, start building a professional network early on. To engage with, connect with, and share your music, look for existing communities online and in your area.

3. Change your perspective; you are an entrepreneur

The music industry differs from all others; it operates in a unique way. You must be proactive in taking the initiative and capturing opportunities when you see them. To do so, you'll need to learn everything there is to know about the music industry, including the jobs, stakeholders, and technologies.

You'll quickly find that the music industry is much more than simply music, and that to stay competitive, you'll need to keep up with the latest trends and innovations.

4. Develop new skills

Yes, establishing a long-term career in music necessitates a significant amount of effort, which can be scary or even overwhelming! If you're serious about working in the music industry, you should consider taking a professional music course or earning a music degree. This is by far the quickest method to get the help you need to improve your musicianship, connect with industry professionals, and build a professional network to help you maintain your career. Look for programmes that take a holistic approach to learning, not only in terms of expanding your musicianship but also in terms of developing the professional and personal skills necessary to succeed in the industry.

5. Make Your Online Presence

These days, social media is an integral part of our life. Apart from being a fantastic live performance, you must also have a well-maintained online presence that is relatable to your followers as an artist. Create dedicated pages on all social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and others. You must make a music website where your admirers can see all your work, find out about forthcoming shows, and get a glimpse into your creative process. You can build a website with WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix is a terrific alternative. Canva is a fantastic online image-making tool. These are excellent low-cost options for purchasing a domain. Some of them even include templates to assist you in creating your page.

6. Create a network of people who believe in your idea

Like other sectors, who you know can make all the difference between success and failure in the music industry. Develop ties with both new and old co-workers for the sake of your career. People who can assist you in generating new ideas and insights for your professional endeavours. It's also a good idea to put together an advisory board of your closest friends and family to help you make decisions. Influential entrepreneurs recognise that they cannot succeed on their own. To succeed, they'll need different perspectives and other people's specialities.

7. Make good financial and outreach decisions

Without a well-defined budget, no company can function. You'll be able to make informed judgments regarding the next steps in your plan if you know your income and expenses. If you don't already have one, consider hiring an agent. While growing your music career, an agent will work on commission, allowing you to make money while honing your performing skills.

It's never been easier to start a music career. All you need to do is focus; keep your passion for music alive and motivated throughout the process. It's uncommon for entrepreneurs to achieve sudden success. If you stick to your plans, you'll be able to achieve your goals.

There are numerous possibilities accessible nowadays. Don't put it off! Look around, choose the one that best suits you, and get started learning right now.

Dr Peter J. Folliard

Guest Author The author is Dean, School of Music at Augustana University, South Dakota, USA.