Ten Concepts to Enhance Your Career in Music

Steve Raybine:

Blog #34;

Ten Concepts to Enhance Your Career in Music

1.) Music is fun, as well as personally and professionally rewarding.

If anyone loses their love and passion for music and their ability to make/keep it fun, they will undoubtedly cease their pursuit of music, either professionally or avocationally. Keep a positive attitude and look for opportunities to express yourself musically. If you do so, your enjoyment for music will continue, which will enhance your life in multiple ways.

2.) Work harder than everyone else.

If you truly desire to be a great musician or to excel at any profession, you need to work extraordinarily hard at developing and maintaining your craft. I recommend setting realistic goals and striving to accomplish them. Once you've attained a goal, move beyond it and set new ones. Keep your 'eyes on the prize,' and make your goal(s) a reality--wishing for them to happen won't work, but attempting to make them happen may yield a positive result. Remember: 110% effort is better than 100% effort.

3.) You are always a professional.

All of my music students are treated and trained like young professionals within the music field. Once you decide to adopt a professional attitude and persona (showing up for gigs early; always being musically prepared; being collegial and respectful to other musicians; etc.), you'll never be an amateur again. Being a professional musician is not like turning a light switch on-and-off--once it's on, it stays on!

4.) Develop a musical repertoire.

All performing musicians need a repertoire (body/collection of songs) that they can play from memory at any time if they choose to do so...or are asked to do so. A musician without a repertoire is ultimately a non-functioning entity and is not a 'true' professional.

5.) Be collegial to other musicians.

People like to work with people they inherently like, so be friendly; kind; considerate; open-minded; flexible; generous; encouraging; loyal and trustworthy to everyone you work for or work with. Remember: it takes no more effort to be nice to someone than to be rude to them. We want to create a positive legacy, not a negative one.

6.) Persistence pays dividends down the road.

Every cliche' you've ever heard about not giving up, especially during tough or lean times, is true. Persistence and hard work are the only possible roads to success if you truly desire something...especially in music.

7.) Make money with your music and then save or invest a portion of it.

If you want to have a career in music, you need to make money with your musical skills. Repetitively giving away your talent(s) for free is not a way to earn an income within the music profession. If you do start making money with your musical abilities, I sincerely recommend saving a certain percentage of it, and hopefully, investing some of it so that your income grows over a specified period of time. Constantly being broke is a very difficult way to lead your life. Also, remember to pay your musicians in a timely manner and to accurately report and pay your money to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). As I've often said, "Don't mess with the IRS!"

8.) Invest wisely in the musical equipment that you need for your music career.

If you ultimately need to purchase some essential musical equipment (instrument; sound system; electronics; etc.,) in order to further your career, then do so wisely and prudently. Don't purchase equipment just because you want it, but because it is a necessary item for your career. Numerous musicians purchase expensive musical equipment that they either really don't need or truly can't afford. However, once you've made your musical purchase(s), make sure that you insure it with a reputable insurance provider.

9.) Don't be afraid to travel for your music career.

Frequently, musicians are required to travel for their careers. Don't be afraid to travel in order to either play for or speak to different audiences. By doing so, you will increase your fan base and will also attain greater notoriety within your field.

10.) Network effectively with individuals within the music industry.

Positive and regular communications with individuals within the music field such as: musicians; booking agents; club owners; managers; radio promoters; record company personnel; music retail folks; publishers; teachers; etc., will facilitate opportunities for you within the field of music. Remember: the music business, on every level, is a people-oriented business, so brush-up on your people skills--you'll need them.

Copyright 2008 Steve Raybine

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