100 Tips for Becoming a Career Musician

  1. Develop your craft: Invest time in honing your musical skills. Find a mentor or take lessons to improve your playing and songwriting.
  2. Network: Introduce yourself to industry professionals, make friends with other musicians, and join online forums to build relationships.
  3. Take advantage of technology: Use the internet to find gigs, promote yourself, and sell your music.
  4. Perform live: Get out and play shows, even if it’s for free. You never know who might be in the audience.
  5. Record your music: Make recordings of your songs, even if it’s just a demo, to showcase your talent.
  6. Build a website: Create an online presence to promote your music, share tour dates, and make it easy for people to purchase your music.
  7. Establish a fan base: Interact with your fans on social media, send out newsletters, and keep your followers up-to-date on your career.
  8. Play to your strengths: Identify your strengths and use them to your advantage.
  9. Get a degree: Consider getting a degree in music or a related field to help you gain career experience and an understanding of the industry.
  10. Find an agent: Find a reputable agent to help you book shows, negotiate contracts, and manage your career.
  11. Invest in yourself: Invest in the tools you need to succeed, such as instruments, equipment, and studio time.
  12. Learn copyright law: Understand the legal implications of using other people’s music.
  13. Develop a business plan: Create a business plan to help you stay organized and focused on your career goals.
  14. Have a good attitude: People will be more likely to work with you if you’re personable and professional.
  15. Do your research: Research the industry and the people you’ll be dealing with to gain a better understanding of the music business.
  16. Be persistent: Don’t give up if you don’t get the results you want right away.
  17. Take risks: Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things to help you stand out from the crowd.
  18. Be organized: Keep your finances and schedule in order to keep your career running smoothly.
  19. Manage your time: Stay on top of your schedule to make sure you have enough time for your music and other obligations.
  20. Develop a brand: Create a brand that reflects your music and your identity as an artist.
  21. Market yourself: Promote your music and yourself on social media, through press releases, and in other ways.
  22. Collaborate: Collaborate with other musicians to create new music and gain exposure.
  23. Seek out new opportunities: Look for new opportunities such as festivals, workshops, and contests.
  24. Have a budget: Set a budget for yourself and stick to it so you don’t overspend.
  25. Develop a positive attitude: Believe in yourself and stay positive even when faced with rejection.
  26. Connect with other musicians: Network with other musicians to exchange ideas and gain support.
  27. Join a band: Join a band or form one of your own to get more experience and increase your exposure.
  28. Set attainable goals: Set realistic goals for yourself and work towards achieving them.
  29. Take care of yourself: Make sure you’re taking care of your physical and mental health.
  30. Follow up: Follow up with people to show your interest and commitment.
  31. Be professional: Be professional in all your dealings with industry professionals.
  32. Focus on your music: Keep your focus on your music and don’t get distracted by other pursuits.
  33. Try something new: Try out new genres and styles of music to broaden your horizons.
  34. Build relationships: Build relationships with other people in the industry.
  35. Stay up to date: Read up on the latest industry news and trends.
  36. Have patience: Don’t expect success overnight; success takes time and dedication.
  37. Be flexible: Be willing to adjust your plans and schedules if needed.
  38. Take notes: Keep notes on your progress, ideas, and goals.
  39. Find inspiration: Find inspiration in the music you listen to, the people you meet, and the places you visit.
  40. Have a backup plan: Have an alternate plan in case your career doesn’t take off.
  41. Develop your own style: Stand out from the crowd by developing your own unique sound and style.
  42. Keep learning: Continue to learn and grow as a musician, even if you’ve been playing for years.
  43. Seek feedback: Ask for feedback from other musicians and industry professionals.
  44. Participate in showcases: Attend and participate in showcases to get your music heard.
  45. Learn to promote yourself: Learn how to promote yourself and your music effectively.
  46. Find a support system: Surround yourself with people who will support and encourage your career.
  47. Live your passion: Live your passion and be true to yourself and your music.
  48. Be active on social media: Use social media to stay connected with your fans and industry contacts.
  49. Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
  50. Speak up: Don’t be afraid to speak up and voice your opinions.
  51. Take advantage of free resources: Take advantage of free resources such as podcasts and online courses.
  52. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes: Mistakes are a part of learning, so don’t be afraid to make them.
  53. Have a plan: Have a plan for the future and for achieving your goals.
  54. Create a press kit: Create a press kit to help you get press coverage.
  55. Create a budget: Create a budget to help you manage your finances.
  56. Keep a positive attitude: Remain positive and optimistic even when faced with challenges.
  57. Focus on quality: Focus on creating quality music rather than quantity.
  58. Don’t be afraid to try something new: Don’t be afraid to try something new and experiment.
  59. Listen to criticism: Listen to criticism and use it to improve your music.
  60. Take chances: Take chances and don’t be afraid to take risks.
  61. Find a mentor: Find a mentor to help guide you in the right direction.
  62. Be confident: Believe in yourself and your ability to succeed.
  63. Join a musician’s union: Join a musician’s union to help protect your rights.
  64. Get involved in the music industry: Get involved in the music industry by attending conferences, workshops, and seminars.
  65. Learn the business side: Learn the business side of the music industry to help you make informed decisions.
  66. Don’t be afraid to fail: Don’t be afraid to fail and learn from your mistakes.
  67. Spend time with other musicians: Spend time with other musicians to learn from each other.
  68. Have an online presence: Have an online presence to help promote your music.
  69. Don’t be afraid to ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek advice.
  70. Create a schedule: Create a schedule to help you stay on track.
  71. Learn the industry: Learn the industry by reading books, magazines, and websites.
  72. Take advantage of opportunities: Take advantage of opportunities as they arise.
  73. Find a balance: Find a balance between your music career and other aspects of your life.
  74. Be professional: Always be professional in your dealings with people.
  75. Create a style guide: Create a style guide to help you stay consistent.
  76. Have a positive attitude: Have a positive attitude and don’t be afraid to take risks.
  77. Build relationships: Build relationships with other artists and industry professionals.
  78. Don’t be afraid to negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate for better deals.
  79. Think outside the box: Think outside the box and come up with creative ideas.
  80. Learn to market yourself: Learn to market yourself and your music.
  81. Take care of yourself: Make sure you’re taking care of your physical and mental health.
  82. Get feedback: Ask for feedback from other musicians and industry professionals.
  83. Be patient: Be patient and don’t expect immediate success.
  84. Find a mentor: Find a mentor to help guide you in the right direction.
  85. Be professional: Always be professional in your dealings with people.
  86. Invest in yourself: Invest in the tools you need to succeed.
  87. Don’t let failure define you: Don’t let failure define you; use it as a learning experience.
  88. Get organized: Keep your finances and schedule in order.
  89. Take time for yourself: Make sure you have time for yourself and your hobbies.
  90. Have a positive attitude: Believe in yourself and stay positive.
  91. Collaborate: Collaborate with other musicians to create new music and gain exposure.
  92. Practice: Practice your craft and stay sharp.
  93. Be proactive: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; go out and find them.
  94. Take care of your finances: Make sure your finances are in order and you have enough saved up.
  95. Create a portfolio: Create a portfolio of your work to show to potential employers.
  96. Be prepared: Be prepared for any situation.
  97. Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
  98. Find a support system: Find a support system to help you stay motivated.
  99. Don’t be afraid to dream: Don’t be afraid to dream big and strive for your goals.
  100. Stay true to yourself: Stay true to yourself and your music.