"What are the most important things to do on the path of wanting to become a “professional musician” in writing, teaching, and performing?"
This is a tough one because, unlike being (for 2 obvious examples) a doctor or a lawyer where there is a single path to the goal (and by "single path" I mean schooling and licensing), there is no such single path in any of the arts.
I will also assume his question embraces self-employment, as opposed to getting, say, a teaching job as a college professor or high school band director (or other such employment that lends a degree of financial security to the equation)....which is almost another question entirely.
So much of the focus of this discussion will be $$$, but certainly not all. And, as usual, I'll over-simplify much for the sake of brevity, but I'm happy to expand any areas where any of you reading have specific questions....so don't be shy about commenting below or contacting me directly.
And yes, for anyone reading who doesn't know me already, I am and have been for decades a self-employed musician. Financially speaking, my path has many highs and lows (I've had a lot of money and I've had $12 in my pocket while sleeping in my car) which I'll recount in more detail in another piece...but I've managed to keep trucking on in this wild and crazy business. So.....let's proceed.
First, you need to define exactly what you want as a musician. What does that "dream job" look like, exactly?
Next, what DOESN'T it look like?
Simply put, there are easier way to make money than the arts.
But if you're dead set on this idea and I can't talk you out of it (haha!), then there are a few things to remember (let's just do a half dozen to keep things short):
1) Work your craft. You must do quality work or nothing else will matter. Period. Linger on this point....grok this point....do not ever stop returning to this point.
Study. Study your voice, your instrument, the art of writing...or whatever else it is you intend to do.
Even guitar legend Chet Atkins had a series of guitar instructors his entire life. Beyonce' has a vocal coach, as do most top-flight vocal stars. Joe Perry of Aerosmith periodically takes guitar lessons when working on specific projects. Michael Jackson had a vocal coach his entire career as has Katy Perry. And the list goes on across time & musical style. If its good enough for them, then get on it. Right now.
2) Make a plan. But first, envision what your ideal situation looks like. Do so in fine detail, or as detailed as you can at this point. Then you can make a plan.
But your plan needs to be multi-layered. You have to have the long-term goal but you also need smaller interim goals to be able to track progress, alter trajectory, improvise with unexpected scenarios (like, say, a worldwide pandemic that in 2018 would have sounded crazy to say), and make changes if your desires change.
The plan is always subordinate to your goals. Remember that.
If others can do it, so can you. Remember that as well. But also remember that their path is not, and cannot, be yours. Volatility - remember?
3) Embrace the crazy. Both self-employment and anything in the arts is extremely volatile, in terms of a paycheck. So you get the double dose of crazy.
Learn to live with uncertainty. Learn to live with violent fluctuations in income. Learn to budget with an eye on annual income rather than that big stack of cash you pulled this week that you may not see again for 3 or 4 weeks or more. Learn to expect - and calmly negotiate - the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. Learn to be calm in all storms.
If you (or those who rely on you, if you're in such a situation) don't react well to the grounds moving under your feet, you need to re-think Your Plan. See below for examples.
4) Find multiple revenue streams. Even A-list pop stars have multiple revenue streams (they make money through music sales, sheet music sales, ticket sales, merchandise sales, airplay royalties, etc), so don't think all your cash should be coming from your stage time.
That in mind: There are many ways for a musician to get paid (performing, teaching, recording, various royalties, record production, event production, custom composition, music sales, merchandise sales, patronage support, ad revenues, artist grants, product endorsements, etc), but you want to make sure your focus is on the areas that draw you to being a musician in the first place.
Example: If you love teaching your craft, do so. But if you don't enjoy teaching, don't do it anyway just for the potential cash. You'll burn out, you'll demonstrate a tolerance for producing & disseminating low quality work, you'll hurt your reputation, and you'll be doing a disservice to your community, fellow musicians, and music lovers.
5) Branch out. Explore other areas of the music industry that may interest you (artist management, booking, concert promotion, instrument repair, music retail, and more) and be prepared to add any of those to your plan that are interesting, challenging, and potentially lucrative.
I know a LOT of musicians who work in a music store for a reliable paycheck and find they actually love customer service, sales, maintenance/repair, and everything else that goes with the retail experience. And this is often a great way to also score gigs performing or recording or teaching and the like.
Using myself as an example, I perform, record/release music, support other artists on stage & in studios, produce studio projects, produce events, teach private lessons, group classes, workshops, conduct performance clinics, compose/record custom music, and more. The balance of these facets of my career shift as rapidly as the green grass through a goose and as unpredictively as the desert sands....and always has.
6) Cultivate calm & the highest degree of professionalism. If its your name on the marquee, remember all the people who work so that you have that opportunity. If you are working in support of someone else, remember why you're there. Either way, leave your ego at the door. Seriously, no one has time for you to pretend you're more important than those around you - because you're not.
My personal philosophy is that all I do is in service of others. As a teacher, I serve the student. As a sideman, a serve the artist & their project. As a composer, I serve the client & their project. And so on.
"But what about when you're a creative artist, writing & recording & performing?"
That's easy: As an artist, I serve The Art.
But perhaps this approach doesn't work for you. That's OK. Just find one that does. Then show up early, dress appropriately, be prepared, work harder than anyone around you, have an easy & accommodating demeanor, and be the last to leave.
In other words, be a pro and do quality work.
BONUS TIP: Always make business decisions with music in mind, but never make music decisions with business in mind. Ever.
Sooo.....there's more. A LOT more. But that would be my quick list.
As always, if you want more information on any of these points or have additional questions, comment below or contact me directly.
Now get out there and play!
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If you find this piece of value and would like to support my work:
Monthly support: https://www.patreon.com/skinnydevilmusic or https://www.paypal.me/skinnydevilmusic (Pay What You Will)
One-shot support: https://www.paypal.me/skinnydevilmusic or www.venmo.com/David-McLean-47 (Pay What You Will)
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