In older times, being a musician was designated to those who studied music for several years. After they had perfected their instrument, theory and understood the concepts of music, they would work as musicians through commission. In Western music, this would be done by working for courts, churches and off a commission from those who wanted to hire a musician for a performance or to compose.
Beginning in the mid-1800s, the idea of being a musician wasn't subjected to these specific areas of performance and composition. Musicians began to rebel against the concept of working strictly within courts and churches and began to become more independent with performances on various stages and the ability to have more freedom to work as performers, composers and artists in their own way.
Today, music has evolved into several career fields, all which contain a combination of performances, composition, recording and working in different areas of music, either through other entities or as an independent artist.
You not only have the designation of being a musician, but also have several career fields that you can move into to make a living. This is dependent on the type of lifestyle you want as a musician, as well as the interests that you have in music.
You can be a performer. Musicians that are performers will work on the stage for various functions. This may include anything from weddings to large venues. As a performing artist, you can choose to work solo or can work with a band in order to get your music heard.
Many musicians also move on to being a composer or songwriter and arranger. This type of musician isn't in the public as much and will typically make a living off of writing and selling music. This may be music that they write and promote themselves, or may be as a commission for an artist, performer, recording company or other individual.
Some musicians find satisfaction as an instrumentalist. Individuals that play instruments, or even sing, have the option of not only performing, but also of working as a musician for hire. With this, there is the option to work as a recording artist, meaning that you will be in the studio or on the stage.
Finally, some musicians prefer to be a record producer. These individuals have the capability of recording other artists, as well as themselves and promoting the music on CD and the Internet. Within record production is the ability to find several career paths, such as engineering, production and so forth.
No matter which career field you decide to work on, there are several factors you will want to consider before moving forward. This will help you to become completely professional and will allow you to succeed. The main concept that you want to keep in mind if you are considering your life as a musician is that there will need to be consistency. Music is different than other career fields, mostly because the learning is never over. If you are a performer, you will always need to practice. If you are a composer, you will always need to learn new theory. If you are a producer, you will need to stay in touch with technology. Making sure that you are dedicated to the practice, time and concepts first will help you to work towards success in the career field.
After you have considered the time it will take, you will need to also consider what else it takes to be a musician. Once you are worked into a professional level, it will be time to put together a package to show what type of musician you are. Most musicians have the need to start almost as their own business. This is important if you are going to be a solo artist, composer or other type of musician. You will need to market yourself to get exposure and will need to continue producing a portfolio or performances to work your way up to the top.
There are two routes that you can take when you begin to work your way up as a musician. The first is to work for another company as a musician. With this, you will want to make sure that you understand the contracts, regulations and concepts that are associated with this company, especially pertaining to creative right. The second option is to stay as an independent artist. With this, you will need to make sure that you are able to represent yourself, market and continue to put your new style into the public so that you gain recognition. Once this starts, you will be on your way to bigger and better things. Getting the business "know how" in will help you to completely reach the top.
There are many that will say that being a full time musician, especially when being independent, is completely impossible and should only be a part time job. This is one of the largest myths of not only individuals that aren't musicians, but also musicians themselves. If you are able to look at your music as a product and a service, as well as like a business, then with a little hard work, it is easy to begin moving forward and to overcome some of the hurdles of being in the music business. The more you understand of how to approach this career field, the more likely you will be able to succeed.
If you are really serious about being a musician, then the step towards success is studying your music, working on your styles and being persistent about your own success. Whether this is building a portfolio so that you can work for another entity or building your musician image so that you can get the fame that you need, you can make a career out of what you love the most. Even though it may take some time, your perseverance and dedication can take you to the level of musicianship that you want to achieve.