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How can I Make It in the Music Industry?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Making it in the music industry can mean numerous things. You could become a powerful music industry lawyer, a skilled producer, the head of a record company, a sought after sound technician, or an instantly recognizable musician. Usually when people ask this question, they refer to making it as a musician, where “making it” implies a degree of fame and an ability to live on what you make from performances and recordings.

For all the musicians in the world out there, there are relatively few that will ever hit the top of the industry. This is no reason not to try, especially if you feel that you are born to become a musician. However, expanding your definition of “making it in the music industry” may help you launch a more successful career. Here are a few tips for making it in the music business:

Many recording labels have their own studio musicians under contract.
Many recording labels have their own studio musicians under contract.

1) Although there are a few musicians who have a certain "it factor" who get by on little talent, talent, knowledge and skill are all main requirements for the music business. Talent alone is not enough, but must be paired with continual practice, gaining new knowledge, and studying. No musician is made worse by learning more, but many musicians with natural talent fail to apply their talent and suffer from arrogance, thinking that they have learned all they need to know. Essentially, you should never stop learning, because in a lifetime, there is still more to master and learn.

Singers may be paid extremely well in the music industry.
Singers may be paid extremely well in the music industry.

2) People who want to make it in the music business need to take criticism seriously and well, especially from teachers. However, many now famous musicians ignored statements like “You’ll never make it.” Feel free to ignore these blanket statements, but tune in to criticism like “You are always flat on that high C, “ or “Your technique needs improvement.”

One option to make it in the music industry is to self-publish on YouTube.
One option to make it in the music industry is to self-publish on YouTube.

3) The music business isn't limited to sold out concerts, and making records. Take opportunities to perform, even if they seem beneath you. A good wedding singer can support him or herself while waiting for their more public career to launch. Every chance to perform can benefit you financially, and also hone your performance skills.

4) Don’t wait for your big break. Increase your exposure by performing, sending tapes to record companies, meeting people in the music industry, and writing letters to producers and agents. People who sit on their hands, waiting to get noticed, seldom do. As with any job search, you have to keep looking until you find someone in the business who believes in your talent. Interactions with record companies and agents should be professional, so come up with a good resume, a good recording, and a professional cover letter.

There are various career opportunities in the music industry.
There are various career opportunities in the music industry.

5) Stay away from the temptations that plague the music business and the entertainment industry. Lots of beautiful careers were cut painfully short by drug and alcohol addiction. If you do use drugs or too much alcohol, focus on getting clean prior to getting a contract. Likewise, don't fall victim to eating disorders to achieve the "celebrity" look you may feel is required. The music business can be grueling, and living a healthy lifestyle will get you far.

A lot of time and dedication spent playing a chosen instrument is important for a career as a musician.
A lot of time and dedication spent playing a chosen instrument is important for a career as a musician.

6) Work in careers that will keep you in touch with other musicians. Teach music, be a roadie, work as an assistant at a record company, work at a musical instrument store, or manage a box office. This keeps your exposure level relatively high, and gives you the chance to meet people that could influence your career.

7) Consider free self-publishing. You have to look at bands like OK Go that suddenly became hugely popular because they put a couple of videos on YouTube. If you have a great song you want the public to hear, then let them hear it. The general public, rather than the more standard music industry is becoming increasingly more effective in defining what they like.

Musicians may gain experience as part of an orchestra.
Musicians may gain experience as part of an orchestra.

8) Have a full and happy life aside from your music. If you do become famous at some future date, good relationships with family and friends from your pre-fame days can often normalize the experience. All musicians need to make music an important part of their daily life, but have other things in your life that make you happy too.

Even with these tips, you may never properly “make it” in the music business. Many try and few succeed. But you can do what you love to do, which is to play. In the end, getting to do what you love, even on a small scale, is still “making it.”

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon995723

I write love songs (just lyrics) and have a hard time finding that someone two write the music and sing it. I had an award from top records on my lyrics. I don't know where to go from here. Can someone please help?

anon347350

I haven't written anything in a while, but I’m thinking of starting again. I used to write and freestyle rap a lot when I was younger and all my friends and family or anyone else who has ever heard me rap things I’ve written have said that I'm really good. I guess I just always felt like anon260731, like no matter how much time I put into my music. it would never pay off because I didn't know someone who knows someone or I would never be discovered because of where I live and several other things.

The other day I was asked why I don't rap anymore and it kind of got me wanting to start again. so now I'm doing some research on what to do and how to do it to give myself a better chance of making something happen, or a better chance of being discovered by somebody. Even if it doesn't happen for a while or not at all, maybe I’ll at least build up some fans while I'm at it. Wish me luck, though. It’s going to be a while before I can get anything online or something. I’ve got to set up some accounts, but if anyone can give me any more pointers, I would definitely appreciate it a lot.

anon312505

I am a songwriter who doesn't play an instrument very well. I don't perform and don't know any musicians. I have recorded my songs in garageband just to get them laid down. How do I find a musician who is able to hear my song and work with me, following my lead as well as have a personality that does not clash with mine? I'd like to find someone like this so I could go into a studio to record the songs.

anon310407

Thank you so much. Some positive thoughts like yours do give a lot of strength.

anon276165

I've been working hard on my music and trying to learn more every day. I don't have much to my name other than my music. I can't afford studio time or even know anyone who's involved with that.

anon260731

It's not possible to get a foot in the door if you don't know somebody or have family in the industry. The only people who will disagree with this statement are people who are already in the industry. Ever notice that?

anon218710

Beware of the naysayers. People who say things like, "Oh you have to know people to get anywhere" or "Yeah, the music industry is hard to get into" are the people who won't ever make it. Don't be one of those people.

I promise you, if you work hard and dedicate yourself, you will get somewhere. Hard work beats talent every time. It's what we look for. You would be surprised at how difficult it is to find for us!

leigh

Solid common-sense advice for the up-and-coming musical artist.

As a professional musician and songwriter/recording artist of 25 years experience, that is exactly the same advice I would give to any aspiring artist.

Thanks for this well-written article!

anon132877

Thanks for the heads up. Nice article.

anon106829

This article helped me in many ways prepare for the music career I desire. Thank you for The tips. --The Musical Mastermind.

anon92555

this is a good article.

anon91424

i like this article.

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    • Many recording labels have their own studio musicians under contract.
      By: olly
      Many recording labels have their own studio musicians under contract.
    • Singers may be paid extremely well in the music industry.
      By: Anyka
      Singers may be paid extremely well in the music industry.
    • One option to make it in the music industry is to self-publish on YouTube.
      By: Kzenon
      One option to make it in the music industry is to self-publish on YouTube.
    • There are various career opportunities in the music industry.
      By: dmitrimaruta
      There are various career opportunities in the music industry.
    • A lot of time and dedication spent playing a chosen instrument is important for a career as a musician.
      By: Aikon
      A lot of time and dedication spent playing a chosen instrument is important for a career as a musician.
    • Musicians may gain experience as part of an orchestra.
      By: Nikolai Sorokin
      Musicians may gain experience as part of an orchestra.
    • Every chance to perform can benefit a band financially, and also hone their performance skills.
      By: Andrey Armyagov
      Every chance to perform can benefit a band financially, and also hone their performance skills.
    • Budding singers and musicians need to take advantage of all opportunities to perform in live settings.
      By: Andrei Tsalko
      Budding singers and musicians need to take advantage of all opportunities to perform in live settings.