As a student, your finances are likely limited. Plus, you’ve got assignments to do. So, entering the music industry while getting your credentials isn’t exactly a walk in the park, even if you want to get a head start.
Reality can often betray expectations, even as you begin to take steps towards developing your fledgling career.
The music industry is not a nine to five job, but a demanding world where employee mindset doesn’t apply.
So, here are four important things music students must know about the business of music.
Being a Great Musician Does Not Turn You into an Instant Show Biz Pro
The most important thing you must know about the music industry is that being a great musician doesn’t mean opportunity will flow to you.
Any student who’s serious about music is going to put time into developing their craft. You’re already surrounded by skilled and talented musicians.
And, you’ve got so much to learn, whether it’s building a website, starting your own label, developing a social media following, growing an email list or otherwise.
If you don’t put some effort into understanding the business side of music while you’re studying in university, you could leave school having no clue what your next steps might be.
Popularity Doesn’t Always Mean Profit
Just because you have a big following doesn’t mean you’ll be able to turn a profit from it.
Reviews, press releases and show attendance are all important components of a successful career.
But there are many costs to building a music career, including studio time, engineering work, music equipment rentals and other expenses. So, you aren’t guaranteed to be able to cover your costs just because your popularity is growing.
First, set goals. Be clear on what it is you want to accomplish. Once you’ve done that, come up with a strategy detailing exactly how you’re going to achieve your goals (revenue goals included). This will help you get clear on what you need to do to drive profit from your music career.
Even As a Student, You Can Start Earning Immediately
You don’t need to wait around until you graduate to start earning an income from music.
You can offer private music lessons, go busking, perform at a coffeehouse and more.
Ensure that you can do this sustainably before diving headlong into taking on work on the side.
Ask for Help if Needed
Success does not come overnight and it takes hours of practice and dedication! Being in college can make it difficult to balance your workload, especially if you are focused on doing a lot of things all at once.
You risk failing your courses if you don’t keep up with the work, which can sometimes add to the stress of trying to balance your studies and music.
Remember that you can pay to have a research paper written on your behalf and ask for professional help that includes detailed proofreading, formatting, spelling, structure, and even plagiarism checks. Turning to an expert for your writing needs makes it easier for you to stay on top of everything.
Understand that even the brightest, most dedicated students can’t always handle everything that’s on their plate. Seek out guidance and mentorship as you require.
Always Remember, Fun Comes First!
Whether you are in a college band trying to make it big or study classical guitar for a degree, remember that inspiration, excitement and joy come first. Music is a beautiful art form.
The music business is closer to a rollercoaster ride than a leisurely ride on a train. So, make the most of each opportunity as you enter the challenging showbiz environment.
Learn from others, never give up and walk an extra mile to focus on your education because a musician with a university degree is ace!
- Top 6 Sites for DIY Music Education in 2023 - November 16, 2022
- 3 Effective Ways to Promote Your Music in College in 2023 - November 14, 2022
- Music Business for Students: 4 Important Things to Know - January 17, 2020
