Getting Started as a Musician

You are in one of 3 scenarios:

1. You are in your teens or twenties and you’ve decided college or working full time is not for you and you want to be a musician and break onto the scene.
2. You’ve just graduated music school with a degree in music and you want to break onto the scene as a musician.
3. You are in your 30’s, 40’s, 50’s or 60’s and you have always wanted to be a musician.  You’ve decided now is the time to break onto the scene.

The question I get most often in lessons or at clinics is, “How do I get a gig?”

This is a million dollar question.  No matter what your proficiency level or age, this is an answer everyone wants to know and as soon as I find the answer, I will write an article titled, “I have the answer on how to get started and how to get a gig.”  In the meantime, I’m happy to share a few suggestions that I’ve learned through personal and professional experience about getting started.  This is by no means, an all inclusive list and it comes with no guarantees.

Let’s start by addressing 3 things:

Issue #1 – Honest Assessment.

How good are you?  What do you have to offer?  How do you stack up next to other people who are doing what you want to do?  Are you flexible and easy to work with?  Are you willing to devote the time necessary to be a musician?

There are no wrong answers, it’s just vital to be aware of them.  I strongly suggest the use of a private teacher to help you assess your ability.

Issue #2 – Gather Information.

Determine what kind of music you want to play and the kinds of musicians (if any) you want to be surrounded by and move forward.  Are you looking to be a sideman or a front man?  Do you want to be part of an existing group or do you want to start your own group?  Do you want to play original music, cover music, art music or commercial music?

What are the opportunities available in your area for the kinds of music you want to play?  Is there anyone already doing it?  Who are they? Etc, etc.

Investigate, talk to people, and ask questions.  I have yet to meet a musician who doesn’t like to talk about themselves and wouldn’t give a few minutes to someone who wants to get started.

Issue #3 – Set Reasonable Goals.

I can think of no quicker exit to a music or performance career than rejection.  Setting unrealistic goals will lead to rejection and disappointment.  If you are good, determined, and you have a positive attitude, I believe you will eventually be granted a chance to get started.

Now, you’ve assessed your ability to the best of your knowledge, you’ve gathered the necessary information and set reasonable goals.  You’ve practiced for years and years, and you’ve studied with some reliable teachers or you have a natural ability that needs to be heard.  Now what?

I’ve assembled a list of suggestions that are really great places to get started.  Results will vary depending on the size of your city, the music market, and your ability to network.  Remember, there are no guarantees and doing any one of these things might not lead to anything.  A little determination, persistence, and a positive attitude will go a long way.  Nothing worthwhile is easy!

1) Internet Bulletin Boards – Before strapping your ax or microphone to your back and hitting the streets with your newly printed business cards, why not do some research right in your own living room on your computer?  There are literally hundreds of social networking sites online now, but a few places to start might be MySpace, Facebook, Craig’s List, and The Recycler.  Send email and correspond with people playing music that interests you.  Be polite, be respectful, and be courteous.  These are excellent places to find opportunities in your area.

2) Trade Papers –  In Los Angeles we have the LA Weekly, The Music Connection, and The Recycler.  In New York you have the Village Voice, The New York Times, and the New York Press.  In Chicago you have The Reader, Chicago Jazz Magazine, and the Illinois Entertainer.  Browse the musician wanted ads or place a musician available ad.  There are papers like this in every city.

3) Go See Live Music – This is clearly the best and most important way to get started.  There is almost always a natural networking circle at every live performance.  If you are unable to meet and talk to the musicians in the band, there is a good chance the person standing next to you in the audience is a musician and looking to meet people too.  Shake hands, and introduce yourself.  You’d be surprised how successful this can be!

4) Ask for Professional Advice – This could mean asking your teacher, or other successful and working musicians.  Music Lessons are imperative, informative and may be the most important part of your development as a musician, but the whole purpose of studying music is to eventually get out there and do it!  A private teacher can be a great resource for information and recommendations on getting started, it’s what you are paying them for!  Successful musicians are also a great source of information.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions, most of us remember what it was like trying to get started and are happy to offer a few useful suggestions.

5) Garage Band – Pick up the phone and call family, friends, and co-workers that play, be proactive.  Put your own band together even if it’s just for fun or to make some noise.  Learn a few of your favorite tunes and count it off!

6) Rehearsal Hall Bulletin Boards – In all major cities there are rehearsal buildings with bulletin boards.  These bulletin boards are covered with musician wanted ads.  If there are no ads that appeal to you, place your own musician available ad.

7) Referral Services – Musicians Contact, Musicians National and Let’s Jam are also good places to start.  These places have a sign up fee, but cater to a wider range of opportunities than the trade papers.

8) Church – If you have any religious upbringing at all, you know that music is now part of almost every service in every denomination.  I would not suggest going to a church or religious gathering purely for the sake of an opportunity to play music, but if your beliefs and convictions comply with a particular situation, it might be a good opportunity for everyone.

9) Performance Rights Unions – AFM, AFTRA, SAG, EQUITY.  These places all have membership fees and work dues, but offer several benefits in return.  Simply joining will get your name into a database of available players or vocalists.  All these unions have a built in referral service and can be a good way to network with other musicians and get started.

10) Club Owners and Agents – This is my least favorite suggestion and why it’s last.  Approaching club owners and agents might be good if you are either a solo act or a self contained band looking for a place to get started.  This is a difficult and tiring approach because both club owners and agents are often bombarded with various acts and often struggle to keep up with simply returning phone calls or listening to the high volume of CD’s they receive on a daily basis.  Unfortunately, inevitably you will have to deal with both of these people.

When I was getting started I jumped at every opportunity to play regardless of time and money.  Music is what I wanted to do and I was determined to do it.  Often times, one situation led to another, but getting started was the hardest part. Everyone’s time commitment is a little different, but if you are willing to devote some time and you have the patience, personality, and networking ability to meet the right people, the music business is accessible to anyone.

Good Luck!