Leaving aside the occasional Cinderella story, the reality for most musicians looks like this: juggle day job. Cram in practices and show. Repeat. And then, it is start to happen...you start getting a little ahead of the curve financially with your music. Your shows are making some money, and maybe you are moving some merch or have even released some music that is selling. And you ask yourself - can I leave day job for dream job? Can I really be a full time musician?
Well, you can. It all comes down to a little realistic planning. Tempting as it may be jump immediately, failing to build a good foundation for whatever you're doing in music usually has the same result: you end up two steps back because you don't have the plan or the resources to see it through. Imagine throwing caution to the wind without taking a close look at things and then ending up having to work two jobs to pull yourself out of a really fun three months. There goes practice and playing time. Give yourself the best chance for success at making the leap to being a full time musician by making sure you're really ready. Find out some of the things you need to consider.
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- Should I Play Music Full Time?
- How to Make Money as a Musician
Should You Go Full Time? originally appeared on About.com Music Careers on Monday, January 25th, 2010 at 07:43:43.
SXSW is technically in full swing, but the music part of the event starts on Wednesday. Will you be there? Are you prepped? Find out about getting trade show ready so you can make the most of your time in Texas. Is your plan already in place? Let me know what is on the cards for you - what you hope to achieve at the event, and of course, which shows you can't wait to see.
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Prepare for SXSW originally appeared on About.com Music Careers on Monday, March 15th, 2010 at 08:29:19.
Last week, we talked about how to pay for your music career (see here if you missed it). Now, let's talk about how to spend the money once you have it. Make no mistake about it - spending your money the wrong way can be as detrimental (or maybe worse) than never having the money at all. When funds are limited, investing in the wrong thing can stand in your way of making future progress. Ready to figure it all out? Here are some things to keep in mind when you're budgeting your cash.
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- Music Industry Funding: How to Spend It
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How to Spend It originally appeared on About.com Music Careers on Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 at 09:16:59.
OK, musicians, ready to share your stuff? Add a listing to our brand spanking new database, and let us hear all about it. What are you working on? Where can we hear your music? How do you promote your music? What tips can you share with your fellow musicians? Get in on the action and spread the word.
More New Databases - Add A Listing!
You're Up, Musicians originally appeared on About.com Music Careers on Tuesday, January 26th, 2010 at 09:49:04.
You've found a good manager, they've decided to take the job - now how do you make sure things run smoothly? A manager can help your music career, but you've got to help them help you. That means defining roles, keeping them informed about things that are happening and taking up any management problems with your manager and not with the bands you're sharing a bill with tonight. How can you make your management relationship work? Learn more.
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How To Work With Your Manager originally appeared on About.com Music Careers on Thursday, January 7th, 2010 at 08:19:15.
So, you need money for music project. That is hardly a unique position to be in - but where can you turn? Personal loans and credit cards are often relied on, but they are rarely the best choices. There are other options you can explore that can help you get the money you need without destroying your personal credit in the process. Consider these common music industry investors to get some idea of where you may be able to turn for help.
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Music Industry Investors originally appeared on About.com Music Careers on Thursday, March 11th, 2010 at 09:45:04.
