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  • How do I start out with music as a profession? (p.6)
2016/12/17 16:09:54
MandolinPicker
Let me mention a couple of things that I haven't seen listed above.
 
The first is that of being a teacher. If you enjoy playing and can pass that on to others, teaching can be extremely rewarding. You won't be famous, probably not make a lot of money, but you will have a huge impact on a number of souls. Most folks who play music remember their first music teacher, or that band teacher from school that made an impact on them. That type of impact can be very rewarding and last a lifetime. I have seen folks teach during the day while playing gigs at night and weekends, so it is something that can be combined with other activities, and helps pay the bills.
 
Another area that may be of interest is local churches. Not sure about India, but many churches here in the US have music directors. While most folks think all they do is direct the choir and pick hymns for Sunday, it is often much more. There is the interaction with little kids as they learn some of their first songs. The music director may be involved with the kids musical productions, typically at Christmas time (if a Christian church) but other productions throughout the year. Depending on the size of the church, there may be a wide assortment of musical styles and age groups you would work with. Like teaching, you won't make a lot of money or be famous. But it can also be a rewarding path to take.
 
2016/12/17 17:17:29
Jim Roseberry
@ OP:
I don't think you can continue producing music (as you have been) and simply expect to get paid for it.
That's not a very realistic approach.
You need to find a specific area where you offer a needed skill/product.
This is true with any business endeavor (not just music).
Finding your niche can take time.
 
Life throws curve balls.  Your ultimate niche may not be exactly what you expected.
Way back in the day, I (as many others) had the dream of being a rock-star.
As my life progressed, it was becoming more and more clear that the rock-star dream was just that (a dream).
But... as that door was closing, the technical side of music opened up in a big way.
I don't regret it at all...
I'm not a rock-star, but I get to work with them.  
I've met music industry folks who I would never have imagined knowing (when I was a kid).
I get to spend every day helping other folks make music.
 
The music industry has changed radically over the past 20 years.
Many established acts no longer put emphasis on making records... as there's not much/any money in it.
Wonder why concert ticket prices are thru the roof?
Touring and Merch are how the bands (now) make money.
 
Playing live on a local level doesn't pay much, but you can make some spending money playing clubs/bars.
If it's all original music, it's a tougher path than being in a cover band.
 
In any business, networking is super important.
The bigger your network of friends/associates/colleagues, the greater the potential for business.
 
Though I don't have a specific answer for you, I know this...
It's going to take a lot of effort on your part.
You can't sit back and wait for folks to discover you.
You'll need to "pound the pavement".
You'll need to jam your foot in the first open door... and then work hard and deliver.
Once you've got the first job, you can use that as "leverage" (reputation/credibility) to get the next.
 
Two words come to mind...
Fire and Desire
If you have those two things, you'll ultimately find your way.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016/12/17 17:21:26
bayoubill
Words of wisdom Jim!
2016/12/17 19:57:49
Guitarhacker
I haven't read every post so this might have been covered.
 
Playing in a band is a hard way to make a living.  Long hours, low pay, and the varied and assorted problems you face on a daily basis. Most musicians hold day jobs for a reason. They like to eat more than once a week. I did it and it was fun.... heck I had a blast, but I also worked a day job for most of it.
 
If you are writing and recording shorter loops and such things, AND.... if you really like it...AND.... if they are decently recorded to broadcast quality..... writing cues for TV and film might be an option worth looking into. It is NOT an overnight path to paying your own rent and other bills. It's a business that takes time to build. Like other musicians, you will probably need to work a day job as you build your musical catalog and get publishers and libraries to not only handle it, but get it cut. I've had a few cuts in some TV shows and films, and I know a few folks who are pulling in high 5 figure and low 6 figure incomes from it.... but they have been at it for quite a while and are into some top notch libraries and work with some of the big names in the business.

The competition is tough and the bar is high, but there are hundreds of TV channels and shows and countless films that need music on a daily basis. It's an easier aspect of the business to get into than trying to break as an artist and it beats gigging all over the state at clubs that offer a percentage of the door take.
 
Any way.... just another possibility.
 
EDIT:  Oh yeah.... almost forgot... how to start.  Search on line foe MUSIC LIBRARIES and find a few. They should have a "How do I submit music" button somewhere on the site. Inquire via email. Or.... if they have a submission form, send them one or two of your best  for evaluation. They will either approve you or tell you to try again in 6 months. Don't stop with just one library. Put your stuff in multiple libraries paying attention to their terms. If they are exclusive, don't send that song to anyone else. If they are non-exclusive, send it to everyone else who is non-exclusive.
Keep GOOD records on your dealings and placements.
AND..... JOIN one of the Perfomance Rights organizations. PRO for short. BMI, ASCAP, SESAC. It's free for writers and..... That's who pays you.
 
Have fun and success.
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