Insight on a Career in Music

[friskinator]

Fascinating thread! Also hilarious how some people are questioning the validity of the advice/experience of the Pro who was asked about career success in his own forum!

Justin - Thanks for showing up in this forum regularly year after year! Interesting to hear that you sometimes have to take lowish-paying gigs to keep things moving forward. One thing I've found among successful people in any field is that while they possess taste, skill, and discernment, they don't feel that they're "better than" the work that needs to be done in the day-to-day.

I know people who are making a living in the music biz, even at this stage in the game. Some as performers, others as producers/studio owners/mixing or mastering engineers, making instruments or electronic gear, teaching, getting music placed in TV or movies -- or a mix of all the above. Besides talent, persistence, attitude, and people skills are what keep these folks in the running. It helps to be young with minimal living expenses and attachments, others I know have supportive spouses or family resources. I supported myself as a jobbing bassist for a few years, then realized I'd rather have a day job than playing music I didn't believe in.

Ari Herstand's site/book is essential for anyone considering a music career these days.
And Tape Op magazine is probably the best, most inspiring resource around for getting insight into how recording artists/producers/engineers have built and sustained their crazy careers.

I don't think anyone's questioning JMJ's validity. But the OP specifically mentioned that he's considering trying to make a career out of creating original music instead of teaching, which he's doing now. That's going to be a tough road, especially with family obligations.

 

[jmjbassplayer]

Fascinating thread! Also hilarious how some people are questioning the validity of the advice/experience of the Pro who was asked about career success in his own forum!

Justin - Thanks for showing up in this forum regularly year after year! Interesting to hear that you sometimes have to take lowish-paying gigs to keep things moving forward. One thing I've found among successful people in any field is that while they possess taste, skill, and discernment, they don't feel that they're "better than" the work that needs to be done in the day-to-day.

I know people who are making a living in the music biz, even at this stage in the game. Some as performers, others as producers/studio owners/mixing or mastering engineers, making instruments or electronic gear, teaching, getting music placed in TV or movies -- or a mix of all the above. Besides talent, persistence, attitude, and people skills are what keep these folks in the running. It helps to be young with minimal living expenses and attachments, others I know have supportive spouses or family resources. I supported myself as a jobbing bassist for a few years, then realized I'd rather have a day job than playing music I didn't believe in.

Ari Herstand's site/book is essential for anyone considering a music career these days.
And Tape Op magazine is probably the best, most inspiring resource around for getting insight into how recording artists/producers/engineers have built and sustained their crazy careers.

I try. Thanks. Good links, btw.

 

[Zac Watson]

I think where people can get hung up on this is that music has to be some all or nothing proposition. Like, you either are 'doing it' or not.

In Australia, you're dealing with a market of 26 million people, even the popular producers and musicians mostly hold teaching jobs because the place just isn't big enough. I'm fortunate enough to play with some great, frequently touring artists, do a lot of sub work with some heavy hitting players, and make records with a few indie producers. And guess what, I still have a day job. But each year I've been able to scale that day job back at bit, and watch my side business grow.

Market realties, your own personal circumstances, or whatever may mean you need to keep a job alongside your music. But that doesn't relegate your music career to a hobby. Do you get paid to make music? Great, you're a pro! Whether you have enough work to only do that is a seperate question, but if you're asking yourself how to be a professional musician, well you're already there!

 

[pbass2]

I think where people can get hung up on this is that music has to be some all or nothing proposition. Like, you either are 'doing it' or not.

In Australia, you're dealing with a market of 26 million people, even the popular producers and musicians mostly hold teaching jobs because the place just isn't big enough. I'm fortunate enough to play with some great, frequently touring artists, do a lot of sub work with some heavy hitting players, and make records with a few indie producers. And guess what, I still have a day job. But each year I've been able to scale that day job back at bit, and watch my side business grow.

Market realties, your own personal circumstances, or whatever may mean you need to keep a job alongside your music. But that doesn't relegate your music career to a hobby. Do you get paid to make music? Great, you're a pro! Whether you have enough work to only do that is a seperate question, but if you're asking yourself how to be a professional musician, well you're already there!

This outlook is especially accurate in the world we live in today. Whether you have a day job you balance with a burgeoning music career, or you have several income streams including music, it absolutely these days does not have to be all or nothing. Heck, I've been a music professional for over 20 years--writing, playing, engineering, producing....and on a fluke I've recently been getting hired for voiceover work, and producing podcasts. Gotta stay loose and flexible in today's climate.

 

[Tooned]

Reviving an OLD thread but... Something to mention (if it hasn't been already) is if someone striving for being independently employed is to consider passive revenue streams. These can help maintain your lifestyle and dependencies.
The OP says he's been a teacher - can you possibly record and sell lessons online? Selling knowledge online is apparently a big thing in some circles - it is in visual arts. Online learning has boomed since Covid hit. It might help to ease your transition to self employment and supplement your income.

I'm not a professional musician but I'm a professional digital artist working full time for others (for over 20 years). I've been researching transitioning towards independence so I can do more of the art that I want and less of other people's.
It's hard to make the transition when I have a family and mortgage but I feel it's doable if I'm willing to sacrifice a some extra time and work after hours.