A musical journey often begins as a personal hobby and ends in uncertainty and disappointment. One of the top reasons is because we let our fears win. It’s great to be an aspiring musician but to make it to the top, it all boils down to believing, practicing, staying open, and having the right mindset.
Spending two decades in music production, music direction and playback singing, I know first hand that there is really no shortcut. However, there is a way to approach success and failure in the music industry.
I would like to share 10 insights from my life, hoping it’d guide you on your journey to becoming a seasoned professional.
Balance Passion and Practice
It’s important to find a balance between doing what you love and working hard at it. There are no easy ways to get better at something, so keep practicing and enjoying your skill.
Imagine you have a passion for playing the guitar or the piano. It’s like having a fire burning inside you that makes you feel excited and happy when you play. You want to make the people listening to you feel the same way you do. But loving the music isn’t enough; you have to practice regularly, like training for a sports team, to get better at playing your favorite songs.
You need to find a balance between having fun playing your favorite tunes and working hard to improve your skills. It might be tough sometimes, but remember that even famous musicians had to work hard to become great at what they do.
Discover Your Unique Artistic Voice
Explore your true self to shape your musical identity. Let your emotions and experiences influence your compositions, creating a genuine connection with your audience that goes beyond just the music.
In my music career, I have enjoyed seamlessly merging the old and new to develop my distinctive musical style.
Have you found yours yet?
Cherish Your Cultural Heritage and Education
Explore your cultural heritage and find your inspiration. Pursue a well-rounded education that encompasses both traditional and modern aspects. Let the tunes and melodies of your upbringing form the basis of your musical skills. Allow them to shape and enhance your artistic expressions.
Drawing from my own childhood experiences, I urge you to let your personal journey be a guiding force in your musical endeavors. By immersing into your heritage, you not only enrich your musical palette but also establish a profound connection with your audience, creating a timeless and authentic resonance that resonates with the essence of who you are.
Dare to Experiment and Innovate
Let your creativity roam freely, exploring new sounds and styles without fear. Challenge traditional norms, daring to venture into different genres and musical realms, different traditions. Each experiment can demonstrate your adaptability and versatility, showcasing your growth as an artist.
For instance, if you love classical music, you could try exploring jazz, adding its free-spirited style and lively rhythms to your compositions. This blend might give your music a fresh and dynamic touch, expanding your musical range.
Similarly, if folk music is your passion, you might want to experiment with electronic sounds. By adding elements like synthesizers and digital effects to your folk tunes, you could create a unique, modern sound that still keeps the warmth and storytelling feel of folk music.
Cultivate Resilience Through Dedicated Practice
I truly believe that there are no shortcuts; the longest way is the best short cut.
So there is no replacement for hard work.
Consistent practice is vital for honing your musical skills and ensuring a strong command over your craft.
Here’s how you can stay motivated to practice regularly:
- Create a consistent practice schedule and stick to it.
- Break down your practice into smaller, manageable sessions.
- Reward yourself for small achievements along the way.
- Try out new techniques and styles to keep things interesting.
- Find a supportive community or mentor for encouragement and feedback.
Collaborate with Fellow Musicians
Connect with other musicians and people in the music industry who love making music as much as you do. When you work together, you can create fantastic songs that you might not have been able to create alone. It’s like having a team where everyone brings something special to the table. By surrounding yourself with these people, you can all help each other to get better at making music. Together, you can create a strong community that supports and inspires each other’s musical journeys.
Make Use of Technology
Use technology to make your music even better and share it with more people. Learn about new software and tools that can help you create awesome songs and reach more listeners. You can use the internet to show your music to people all around the world. By keeping up with the latest music technology, you can make your music sound even more amazing and connect with a bigger audience.
Cultivate a Resilient Mindset
Whenever you face a problem, stay strong and believe in your music. Turn any problems you have into chances to learn and get better at what you do. Being resilient means not just getting past problems but also using them to become even better at what you love. Here’s how you can strengthen your resilience in music –
- Seek constructive feedback to improve your musical skills.
- Practice mindfulness and positive self-talk during challenging times.
- Set specific, achievable goals to maintain motivation and focus.
- Learn from setbacks by analyzing what went wrong and how to improve.
- Cultivate a support network of fellow musicians and mentors for guidance and encouragement.
