5 things a novice found out about making a career in the music biz

I will hit you with a disclaimer first; I am no career counselor or career professional. Heck, I'm not even a music professional. I am just relying on common sense and what has been said to me probably hundreds of times. I was just so naive to ignore these steps and think that I can do it on my own, in my own steps any better. Guess what? I'm no further along in my journey than I was when I said I would lone wolf it.

Here's a freebie right off the get go from a person who's tried to lone wolf it; don't try and lone wolf it. You will likely fail. Don't think you know everything. I am sooooooo guilty of this deadly sin and it has caused me to stall out in the music biz. There are literally hundreds of pros out there for you to ask your questions to and get advice from. Don't be too proud to ask for help. You might find out something that you didn't know that you didn't know.

With that being said, here are 5 things that I've observed are paramount if you intend on making a career in music. Do these things, and you're likely closer to not only being a better musician, but being a better person overall.

1.) Practice More.
We all knew that this one was coming. If you intend to get a gig where you're going to have to audition for a part or a spot, there's probably 10-20 people or more that are gunning for that spot as well. You need to be on top of your game, well rehearsed and ready to go every day. You are only setting yourself up for failure if you're only practicing a few times a week. If you can set aside an hour a day to keep your fingers limber, run through songs and charts, or even practice patch changes, that will only benefit you in the long run. Showing up to a gig unprepared not only makes you look like a dunce, but it wastes everybody's time, and time is money!

2.) Be a kind human.
This is basic knowledge. Nobody likes to hang out with a douchebag. Don't be that guy. Remember what your momma taught you; Say "Please" and "Thank You". "Sir" and "Ma'am" go a long way as well. Coming from a customer service background and dealing with angry or disgruntled customers on a regular basis, you'd be surprised at how quickly you can turn someone's day around with a smile and a good attitude. Always be appreciative of compliments and remember to stay humble.

3.) Learn to market yourself.
Honestly, this is something that I've struggled with for a long time. I am a complete noob at the whole marketing thing and I am still trying to figure it all out. The best thing I can recommend is figure out a way to start creating content. Don't just be a consumer, bring value to the marketplace. Try creating a YouTube channel. Set a weekly goal for how many times you're uploading. Make interesting content that showcases who you are as a person and a musician. Try making a blog, or writing your own music. Use social media to your advantage. You'll have a harder time being sought out if you don't have an online presence.

4.) Find a mentor.
As I said before, If you decide to lone wolf this endeavor, you're waayyyy more likely to fail. Find someone who you can get in your corner, who's in this business currently, whom you look up to and can get you where you want to go. Don't be afraid to ask frequent and dumb questions. Turns out, most industry pros are some of the nicest people around and are more than willing to answer our dumb questions if we approach them with the right attitude. They were all in our shoes at one point too.

5.) Play out more.
This goes along with marketing yourself. If you want to get your name known by other musicians and start getting more calls, then it makes sense to start making yourself available for more local shows, doesn't it? Start out by hanging out at the venues in your town. Meet the bands that play at the rooms in your town. Introduce yourself, make yourself known and known that you're available. Always say yes to gigs if you can. Support your local artists and musicians and they will do the same for you. If you can do this at a local level, you will have an easier time getting calls which might end up to getting calls for national acts someday.


As I've said before, I am not a professional but I am using common sense and tips that have been passed onto me over the years. I have been too arrogant and naive to use these tips to their full advantage. There is no reason that if a musician does these 5 things, that he shouldn't be successful.