HOW TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN It s not about the things you have to do . . . It s about the person you have

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HOW TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN
It"s not about the things you have to do . . . It"s about the person you have to become. I asked myself all the typical questions such as, "How can I go on a world tour?", "Where should I send my CDs to?", "Who should I talk to at the record company?", "How can I earn more money with my music and talents?", "What should I do to sell my music in other countries?" etc. Nonetheless, I may not have been adequately prepared for any of that yet. You might be ready as a musician, but you might not have truly mentally prepared yourself. When
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becoming a professional musician, it is not just about the actions you need to take, but also about the mindset and personal development that are crucial for success in this field. Here are some steps and considerations to help you on your journey:

1. Develop your musical skills: Start by honing your musical abilities. Take music lessons, practice regularly, and learn to play different instruments. Focus on improving your technical skills, musical theory, and comprehension of various genres.

2. Set clear goals: Determine what you want to achieve as a musician. Do you aspire to perform on stage, compose music, teach others, or work as a session musician? Setting specific goals will help you stay focused and motivated throughout your journey.

3. Expand your musical knowledge: Delve deeper into music theory, harmony, composition, and arrangement. Learn about different musical styles, historical periods, and influential musicians. This knowledge will enhance your creativity and versatility as a musician.

4. Develop your personal style: Discover your unique musical identity and develop your own signature style. Experiment with different genres, techniques, and emotions to find your true voice as a musician. This will help you stand out in a crowded industry.

5. Gain practical experience: Start performing in front of others as early as possible. Play in school bands, join community ensembles, participate in local gigs, or perform at open mic nights. Embrace every opportunity to gain stage experience, build confidence, and develop your stage presence.

6. Networking and collaborations: Connect with other musicians, industry professionals, and music enthusiasts. Attend music events, workshops, and seminars to meet like-minded individuals. Collaborating with others can provide valuable insights, exposure to different styles, and potential opportunities.

7. Create an online presence: In today"s digital age, having an online presence is crucial for musicians. Create a professional website or portfolio showcasing your work, engage with your audience through social media, and upload your music to streaming platforms. This will help you reach a wider audience and attract potential fans and industry professionals.

8. Develop business and marketing skills: To succeed as a professional musician, you need to treat your music as a business. Learn about music marketing, branding, copyright laws, and contracts. Develop basic financial management skills, such as budgeting and bookkeeping, to ensure your music career remains sustainable.

9. Seek guidance and mentorship: Reach out to experienced musicians, music teachers, or industry professionals for guidance and mentorship. They can provide valuable advice, share their experiences, and help you navigate the challenges of the industry.

10. Embrace a growth mindset: As you progress on your musical journey, embrace a growth mindset and be open to continuous learning and improvement. Understand that success in the music industry may require persistence, resilience, and adaptability. Be willing to learn from setbacks and use them as opportunities for growth.

Remember, becoming a professional musician is a long and challenging journey that requires dedication, passion, and hard work. Stay focused, believe in yourself, and continue to nurture your love for music. Good luck on your musical endeavors!