5 Things You Need to Be a Successful Musician

At some point in everyone’s life there is the dream of being a rock star. The thought of having millions of people swooning over your musical talents is appealing to even the most introverted of people. Fame and freedom, nothing beats it, and the pop and rock stars that we all love make it look so easy! Well, if it were we would all be famous. The truth is the music industry is about as competitive as it gets and the rise to the top is no easy feat. If you’re serious about being the next Elton John or Led Zeppelin than there are a few guidelines that should be considered before you embark on this risky but rewarding endeavour.

Talent

This seems obvious, but from the standpoint of an individual who’s watched numerous talent shows on TV, some don’t see talent as a requirement. Who can count how many times we’ve had to sit through some of the most awful racket on earth whilst smiling and giving these talentless creatures the thumbs up. It’s literally painful to watch.More often than not these musicians were convinced that the problem lied with the sound engineers rather than their lack of singing or instrumental abilities. Remember the recording studio is able to clean up your sound, but it has to have at least some redeeming qualities to begin with, recording studios are not miracle workers, at the end of the day the talent aspect is all on you, and sadly you may not have any.

A Course in Music

Just like anything being a musician is a career, and careers require education. A born structural engineer may have been building erector sets their whole life, but when its time to apply your talent to a real world situation, your experience with legos and building blocks won't do you much good at all. The same goes with music, a certificate IV in music will not only look great on a resume it will also introduce you to the various aspects involved with writing and playing music that you may not have considered.

Learning music theory for example can really enhance the way you write and play music as well as introduce you to various styles of music that can be integrated into your own work.

A Manager

Your unending talent and innovative musical vision will afford you a whole lot of nothing if no one knows who you are. A music manager’s sole purpose is to get your name out there by booking the proper venues for your style of music as well as using the right publicity outlets to get you the maximum amount of exposure. Trying to be musician and manager will do little more than spread yourself thin, let the managers do the job of managing so you can focus your attention on what you do best, making music.

Leave the Ego at Home

No matter how riddled with amazing talent you are (or believe you are) an irritating ego will more than overshadow it. The fact is the music world is one of the most competitive industries there is. There are literally thousands of outstandingly talented musicians standing behind you in line waiting for their shot. A bad attitude mixed with a swollen head will shut the door in your face before you get the chance to play your first cord, so keep it modest and humble when and if your “big break” finally does come around.

Patience and Good ole Fashioned Perseverance

You don’t often hear successful musicians say that after playing their first gig the record label offers came pouring in. That would be nice, but the reality is that the road to the top is a long and uphill one.

Be prepared for YEARS of playing for pennies and pints at the local pub before any real exposure happens. Many singers and bands have given up on their dream not because they didn’t have it but because they couldn’t put their life on hold anymore, and that unfortunately is a big part of walking the road to fame. At the end of the day it’s a fine balance between following your dreams whilst acknowledging that they may be out of reach for long time, but that’s no reason not to give it a try!