Success in Today’s Market As a Musician
Succeeding as a Musician in Today’s Market
As a young, naïve college student in the early 2000s, I was confident with my decision to pursue a career in music. If I didn’t turn out to be the next world-renowned soloist, I would audition and join the violin section of a major U.S. orchestra or pursue my doctorate and teach in a university.
This goal was attainable as the music industry was booming, and jobs were available to those who were talented and highly motivated.
Fast forward 20 years, and I barely recognize the industry. Colleagues are without work; orchestras and studios are in financial distress, publishing companies are experiencing massive downturns, university positions are difficult to find, and the private teaching market is inundated with musicians trying to find any way to make ends meet.
Yes, I have just painted a bleak picture of the job market. Is it, therefore, impossible to pursue a career in music? NO! Despite a shrinking market, one can succeed and be happy in this industry if they possess a creative mindset and have an unending passion.
While I am no expert, throughout the course of the past twenty years, I have found the following to be true:
Define your expectations and be realistic:
My goal to become a world-renowned soloist is an example of an unrealistic expectation. While I was talented, I was unaware of the talent pool that flooded the industry.
Of course, every goal should push us to our limits; however, unattainable goals only frustrate an individual and waste critical time. When pursuing a musical career, survey the industry and determine multiple paths you could take to be successful. Only consider career options that you truly would enjoy.
For example, if you do not wish to be in the public’s eyes, don’t pursue a career as a recording artist! In other words, just because there is a job opening or opportunity, it does not mean it is for you.
Learn to appreciate a variety of work and be prepared:
When graduating from the University of Southern California, I dreaded sitting through another long commencement speech. After all, I was a doctoral candidate, and this wasn’t my first rodeo.
However, within only a few sentences, I was on the edge of my chair, listening to words that would forever change the course of my career. The message was simple; adapt to the market and realize you will, most likely, end up doing something other than what you had planned. Oh, how truthful these words were!
With a doctorate in hand, I was going to teach at a university… Or, was I? Within three months, I found myself behind a desk, cold-calling to string teachers with hopes of selling their students instruments and bows.
To survive in this competitive field, you must be willing to juggle a variety of work, as it is rare for a musician to have only one job. While it is advantageous to have one ‘main’ position (perhaps one with medical benefits and a 401K), I know many musicians who are widely successful without it.
I would encourage you to write down a list of your employable skills. From that list, then survey the field and determine where you could be best utilized. An example would be an orchestral musician who also performs in the recording studio on their off days.
I would encourage you to think outside of the box. Do you have writing skills? Become an editor. Do you have an outgoing personality? Find a sales position or work as an administrator. Do you have exceptional leadership skills and a business mindset?
Work to become an independent contractor. Once you attain experience with different positions, you can then learn what you truly enjoy and are successful at.
To survive, you must also be prepared. It seems like common sense, but have your CV/Résumé, cover letter, and recordings ready to go at a moment’s notice. Create documents that can easily be tweaked and adjusted depending on the open position(s). Turn in your materials as soon as possible, as time is critical. Have references prepared.
Talk to former professors, producers, bosses, and colleagues that are willing to provide a recommendation at a moment’s notice. Choose a variety of people to represent you, as recommendations are critical, especially if you’re trying to break into a segment of the market that is new to you.
Network and build strong relationships with your colleagues and peers:
Building strong relationships are crucial to your success. Network early and often. It may seem daunting at first, especially if you tend to be more introverted; however, you are solely responsible for advertising and building your brand. Establish a strong social media presence (YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) and professional site profiles such as LinkedIn.
Submit recordings to every local producer. Attend conferences and introduce yourself to anyone who will shake your hand. Submit proposals to present, as that, in itself, will provide you the opportunity to showcase your talents in front of a larger group.
Send out emails or handwritten notes to potential employers and always try to identify the ‘decision-maker’, or the individual who is actually responsible for hiring. Surround yourself with colleagues that will inspire and encourage you as you navigate the ins and outs of the business.
Do not burn bridges:
The music industry is a “small world.” Therefore, I cannot stress how important it is to never burn bridges. That boss you don’t like, that colleague who annoys you, that contractor who doesn’t know what he’s doing…
Think what you may, but do not act upon it. There are expectations in the music industry that you must abide by: Be on time, be prepared, and keep your commitments. If you follow these simple rules and always present yourself professionally, other opportunities will present themselves.
That former boss will provide a recommendation for a new position, that colleague will invite you to collaborate on a new venture, that contractor will give your name to another agency. You never know when you will run into someone again, so put your best foot forward and avoid unnecessary conflict.
In Conclusion
Leonard Bernstein once said, “To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time.”
I would encourage you to sit down and establish a plan. Determine what success looks like. If you can’t quantify your success, you will always be disappointed. A plan will go nowhere unless you have a relentless passion for the job.
As I was once told, if you can leave your instrument under the bed for two weeks and not miss it, you are in the wrong profession. If you have a plan and the passion, you have a recipe for success. It is then your job to organize and collect the ingredients that will help you create your own unique brand.
