Guest blog by Taylor Forcier
You would be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t love at least one type of music. Whether it is country, hip hop or rock, there is a genre of music out there for everybody. If you really have a deep love for music, you may be thinking about creating your own music. There are thousands of people each day who pick up a guitar or start striking a piano in order to make a name for themselves in the music business. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people making music today are completely anonymous. For every Justin Timberlake or Katy Perry, there are a million unknowns out there. While this may seem daunting and discouraging, it is important to remember that anything is possible. If you put your mind to it and work hard, you can make a name for yourself in the music business.
Get a Music Degree
Perhaps the best way to make a name for yourself in the music industry is to get a music degree. Most colleges and universities around the country offer some type of music degree program. While in college, you learn important technical skills that put you a step above all those people trying to make it without any training whatsoever. Most music schools allow you to get a music degree in a specialty of your choosing. That means that people who play an instrument where lessons are not usually offered can receive training thanks to a degree program.
Obtaining a music degree is also beneficial because of all of the people that you will meet while in school. Music schools only hire the best musicians to teach classes. As a result, you know you will be learning from the best. In addition, you will be surrounded by classmates who share your love of music. You will be able to find out new techniques and share ideas in an environment that fosters learning.
If you do not want to attend a traditional university, several online music production schools exist. These programs offer a similar education to what you find in a traditional college and can be taken from the comfort of your home.
Get Your Name Out There
In the music business, it is all about who you know. You won’t be able to make it anywhere if you spend all of your time cooped up in your bedroom making music. You need to get out into the world. You should start playing as many local shows as possible. You never know who you might meet at a local bar or music venue. Fellow musicians might have a contact that can help you break into the music business. In addition, you would be surprised how many talent scouts attend local music venues. Record companies have people whose sole job is to find new talent. By getting out and playing shows, you increase your chances of being noticed.
Be Unique
The talent scouts you see at local shows are looking for new and interesting musical acts. They aren’t looking to find a band or singer who is an exact replica of an existing artist. Due to this, you should try to create a unique sound that is all your own. You will stand out and record companies will take notice. If you are having trouble creating a fresh sound, think about your favorite musical groups. You can try to combine certain sounds from different groups to create music that is fresh and original. While following these tips does not guarantee that you will break into the music business, they will certainly help. One last tip, if you do gain notoriety, be sure to stay humble. Nobody likes an arrogant rock star.
About The Writer: Taylor Forcier has been playing violin since she was six, she also guest teaches part time at local grade schools to encourage students to become enthused about music. Through her partnership with Onlineschools.org, she is able to not only teach young people near her home, but can also work with students from around the world.
Caveat: Dwight Yoakum’s photo was used it illustrate the subject of the blog article. To the best of our knowledge Mr. Yoakum does not own nor endorse Namba Gear products.
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