It is pretty risky and difficult if you are hoping to become rich or famous doing it. If you just want to make a reasonable or meager living playing music or working in the music industry, this is definitely realistic and not uncommon.
It is possible to make a living in the music industry, and it is even possible to prosper as a musician in the industry. To become rich doing so is difficult almost to the point of impossibility. It can be done, but others get more rich quicker off of the musician. That is just the way it is.
Mega and mainstream artists, who make up 1.1 percent of all musicians, have a whopping 87.3 percent of Facebook likes, 88.4 percent of Twitter followers and 79 percent of YouTube and VEVO views. Moreover, artists with established fanbases are more likely to grow.
- Build Your Way Up To Fame.
- Have A Unique Selling Point If You Want To Become A Famous Singer.
- Market Yourself As A Singer.
- Learn How To Sing Properly.
- Collaborate With Musicians And Industry Figures That Are Bigger Than You.
- Join A Band & Generate A Ton Of Interest In The Music.
- Build Your Following & Own It.
- Never Give Up.
The number one reason why we don't “make it” or achieve anything is because of our mindset. This applies to musicians just the same. When we think that we are “no good” and our art and talent, as musicians, is not good enough, then that's the level of success we can attain.
A survey of over 200 independent musicians, DJs, producers and bands found that while record sales are down, they are making up the shortfall through merchandise and live performances. However almost a quarter (23%) actually lose money on their musical endeavours, and less than five percent of them made a living.
A CEO is the kingpin of any company, in charge of making top-level decisions, forming and implementing strategies, and managing operations. What's the likelihood of becoming not just a CEO, but a Fortune 500 CEO? Not great. Even if you hold an MBA, you have just a 1 in 135,000 chance.
There are a variety of reasons musicians and indie artists fail. Some lack real talent or work ethic. Some suffer from bad timing – like starting up a hair metal band just as grunge began to take over in the early 90s. Other artists lack motivation or let their fears win.
- William Hung. Truly great musical talents aren't often heard.
- Ludwig Van Beethoven. Considered the best composer of all time, Beethoven challenged authority by refusing to accept the cultural norms of the day.
- The Beatles.
- Michael Jackson.
- Louis Armstrong.
- Elvis Presley.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
- Bob Dylan.
Musicians & bands pursuing a successful career in music typically don't make it because they simply chase the wrong things. Here are the most common reasons for their failure: They believe success can be found by trying to get their music & name to as many music fans and music industry people as possible.
Painters peak at age 42. And classical composers produce their most popular works at age 39. As you can see, Franses's artists, writers and musicians peaked most often in their 30s. But the average peak age across the entire dataset is 42.
Six Signs That You Are A Musician
- You've been misunderstood.
- You've been kicked out of the house while playing your music.
- You are obsessive.
- You're not conventionally good-looking.
- You are never present unless you're writing (or playing) songs.
- You listen to your own music in the car.
It's never a waste of time. Composing music is a skill, and one that requires an excellent ear and imagination. It requires practice and study (of other musical specifically) on a daily basis in order to hone technique. But this doesn't have to be a long hourly process.
My 10 Tips to “Make It” In the Music Industry
- Don't Do Free Shows.
- Don't Contact Music Blogs.
- Don't Worry About “Getting Signed”
- Give Your Music Away For Free - The Legal Way.
- Submit Your Music to Jamendo, Frostwire & Free Music Archive.
- Charge For Your Music.
- Let Others Make Money Off Of Your Music.
Consider the following:
- Contracts can protect your rights and protect your friendships. Don't be afraid to ask for one, and don't be afraid to seek advice before signing one.
- Keep your appointments, show up for things on time and keep your communications professional.
- Consider expenses carefully.
- Meet your deadlines.
The lack of a steady schedule or a stable income is perhaps one of the greatest
disadvantages of being a professional
musician.
Other downsides to this career path include:
- Unpredictable scheduling.
- Performing in smoky clubs, which can harm vocal cords.
- Exposure to a party atmosphere that may not appeal to all musicians.
But when you consider the paths of many famous musicians, you'll notice that working a “regular job” while pursuing music on the side is something that many now-iconic artists have done. In fact, many successful musicians kept on working at their day jobs, even after “making it big” in the music business.
What Are the Advantages & Disadvantages of Being a Professional Musician?
- Advantage: Freedom to Chart Your Own Career Path.
- Disadvantage: Financial Risks.
- Advantage: Pursuing Your Passion.
- Disadvantage: “Feast or Famine” Lifestyle.
- Advantage: Flexibility.
- Disadvantage: Life on the Road.
- Advantage: Variety and Excitement.
In summary, the average working musician earns $35,300 USD gross revenue annually from their music career. However, the most important caveat to that number is that only 33% of study respondents make at least 75% of their income from music related sources.
Professional musicians often begin their careers without knowing it at an early age. Take lessons with a professional instructor and practice as often as possible. If you're a university student, depending on your level, consider playing an instrument in a band or orchestra. Use any opportunity you have to practice.
The universal life skills you pick up. Aside from the cognitive benefits of playing music, making a living as a musician teaches you about all kinds of business and communication skills (that could even be used later in life should you want to try your hand in another industry).
Benefits of being a musician
- Promotes happiness in the musician's life as well as other people:
- Enhances your skills of listening:
- Give you a sense of achievement:
- Music helps to express and releases stress:
Physical Benefits of Singing
- Singing strengthens the immune system.
- Singing is a workout.
- Singing improves your posture.
- Singing helps with sleep.
- Singing is a natural anti-depressant.
- Singing lowers stress levels.
- Singing improves mental alertness.
- Singing can widen your circle of friends.
Music Career vs Full-Time Career
- 1). Schedule in Advance.
- 2). Prioritize.
- 3). Keep Yourself Motivated.
- 4). Practice Self Care.
- 5). Create As Much As You Can, When You Can.
- 6). Don't Neglect Your Social Media.
- 8). Remember, it's All Temporary.
3 – 4 Hours/Week (20 – 40 Minutes/Day)
Daily practice is essential when it comes to practicing music. Routine and repetition make your practices stick in the long run. Many beginning students or young musicians will start with 30 minutes a day because it isn't a massive commitment.A survey of over 200 independent musicians, DJs, producers and bands found that while record sales are down, they are making up the shortfall through merchandise and live performances. However almost a quarter (23%) actually lose money on their musical endeavours, and less than five percent of them made a living.
Career Requirements
| Degree Level | None: but associate's or bachelor's degree (may be helpful) |
|---|
| Degree Field | Music |
| Experience | Several years training on a specific instrument or vocals |
| Key Skills | Musical talent, discipline, perseverance |
| Median Salary (2018) | $28.15 (hourly wage for musicians) |
New Study Reveals Amazing Data. Who says you can't make it with a music degree. Music Performance majors, on the other hand, are those that majored in a specific instrument, usually in classical or jazz disciplines, although popular music and even hip-hop have now become majors at some colleges.
Musician Education Overview
You generally do not need a degree to become a musician; persistent, life-long training is usually how individuals develop the skills needed. For example, composers and music directors may be required to hold bachelor's degrees, while university-level teachers must hold graduate degrees.
