|
Right
Here, Right Now! That's right, don't be afraid to start where you are. There are a few honest industry professionals who will help you where they can. But there's only so much anyone else can do. The majority of the work must come from inside of you. If you want to be surrounded by serious singers and musicians, then become one! Don't wait for someone with magic dust to sprinkle your head and announce it to the world ... that just ain't gonna happen! The key to success on any level is consistency. If you are a singer, then show the world by singing. Consequently, consistency is also what separates the hobbyist from the professional. When you go to work, you do it whether you "want to" or not, right? Well, the same is true for singing, songwriting, or naked underwater basket weaving! If you want to be a "professional," you have to treat it as your "profession" (otherwise known as 'work'). The fact that it is known as 'work' is no mistake. In a profession like the music business, there are bound to be many, many, many days of effort, sweat and frustration. So, prepare yourself now.
One day, the people in your life will look up at you and see an artist. They'll say, "Man, you are SOOOO lucky," to that you just grin and remember that old saying: "The Harder You Work, The Luckier You'll Be." Too Cool For School Unless you're being offered some great recording contract, I wouldn't recommend that you drop out of school. I say this for two reasons: First, if for whatever reason you have to seek employment somewhere else, you want to be as employable as possible. Second, using most of the modern equipment available nowadays will require a certain basic understanding of math, English and computer science. Of course you can get by without these tools, but I can tell you that having a tertiary education has made it significantly simpler for me to teach myself new concepts and recording techniques. Oh, and not to mention the fact that it would be much harder to rob me now than when I was in high school. But hey, that's just my opinion! As a business, music can sometimes take a while to get off the ground. In the meantime you'll have living expenses that need to be taken care of (unless you're already rich). Be creative, but be responsible too! Finishing high school and going to college to get an applicable degree is an excellent thing to do while youŒre in the process of developing your skills. This can be a major factor in your decision to relocate. Not only will it afford you some unique educational opportunities that are not available anywhere else on earth, in college you can experiment with your music, take classes, be in theatrical productions and get TONS of experience to apply to your career down the road. Remember, there is no single path to success in the music business establishment ... you simply can't take 5 years of classes and Œannounce1 that you are the next greatest hip-hop producer on the east coast and expect anyone (of importance) to care. No one (except maybe your mom) is gonna listen to you! Art just doesn't work that way ... however, the right education will give you some excellent skills that will be very applicable to your success (effective writing, speaking, singing, playing, etc) and could also introduce you to people that will be key in your path to stardom later. Really, there are no right answers, but for a lot of people, I recommend that they start by staying right where you are and get a great education. While you1re at it, take every opportunity to develop your chops, take classes, audition, perform and learn!!! Don'T Put All Your Eggs In One Basket You're bound to have heard these words at some time or other. And let me tell you, they more than qualify for that esteemed status of "word of wisdom." If you are considering entering this business of music, you need to come to the reality that despite your efforts, thhybridstudios.co.uk... User unknown ings can go wrong and not work out how you hoped. I'm not saying this to discourage you. On the contrary, I want you to be prepared for as many of the potential obstacles that lay ahead as possible. This way you'll be better equipped to press on and persevere and not allow yourself to succumb to the feeling of hopelessness that usually accompanies mistakes and failure! This, like most other business ventures, will be a learning experience. You'll probably make mistakes, waste some time, and maybe even lose some money, but don't despair - you're not the first and I doubt you'll be the last. One of the reasons I wrote this workbook is to make your journey a little more focused and hence easier. So right away you have at least one advantage, you're learning from my experience! Now let me give you a tip that might just provide you with another advantage. Having an alternate source of income is always an advantage. If you already have a job my advice to you is keep it, at least until you start making money from your music. Be sure you have a plan B just in case things totally crumble or you decide that music just isn't for you! Money, Money, Money, Money! Probably the biggest side benefit of an education is that it will also give you some skills that can earn you the money it takes to succeed. Yes, that1s right. You1re gonna need some money. Hey, think about it. If YOU are unwilling to invest some hard earned cash in your career, why would anyone else care two shakes about it? Earn some money, take some music lessons, take some music business classes, and buy a handful of books and study lyric writing. INVESTING in your dreams is also what makes them real. Some points to consider: 1. Do you have an income? If not, then get one. You're going to need some money to invest in yourself and your new profession. 2. How much of your money are you investing in your career today? Establish some boundaries, make a budget and determine some goals. Take this seriously. You'll only wander aimlessly unless you have a target. Here's the naked truth: No matter what you decide to do in life, you have to invest money and time. Becoming a lawyer or a doctor isn't free, why should the music business be any different. Being a great singer is going to require the investment of both time and MONEY! Put yourself on a budget. Open a separate bank account for your musical endeavors. Deposit $25 per week. Every week. Don't spend it on anything that's not related to music. Do you own any recording equipment? If not, then go out and buy some. You need to be comfortable with the tools of the trade. Start with a microphone. Get used to holding it. It should be second nature. If you don't want to be the recording engineer type, then find a studio where you can start making demos. Especially in the beginning, that's where the bulk of your time energy and yes, money, will be spent. Don't allow yourself to get overwhelmed. Start with you. In section three this workbook will help you make some larger goals once a year (preferably in January) ... and set your sights. Then put your head down and get to work. Do the "next" thing (whatever that is). Then the "next." ... you get the idea!
|
