To become a full-time musician requires training and practice. Most musicians begin their training during childhood, but there are a few exceptions. Some famed, non-classical artists are actually self-taught. Private study is the standard for those with professional aspirations. If you are not sure whether you want to commit to a career, a group lesson or class is a good way to get a feel for musical study. Whether you study privately or teach yourself, there is no way to avoid hours and hours of time playing your instrument. Practicing day in and day out takes dedication and attention to detail. It can prove lonesome, painstaking and can sometimes seem like drudgery. In addition, seeking out opportunities to perform is advisable. You may participate in competitions, talent shows, school music groups or recital groups. Many cities maintain youth orchestras to provide valuable experience for high-school-age classical musicians.
Many musicians skip postsecondary education, but if you are inclined to attend college, a number of universities and conservatories offer excellent music training programs. In addition to instrumental studies, you will have to take courses in music theory, composition, interpretation, even conducting. These programs prepare the musician for a professional career. Acceptance typically requires an audition, along with credible recommendations, at minimum. Winning awards, scholarships or competitions before college can certainly improve your chances.
Whether you are a pop, jazz, or classical musician, when you are starting out, you will likely have to prove yourself. Competition for positions is fierce, and music schools are churning out well-trained and determined new graduates every year. Auditions, and their attendant rejection, are an unpleasant fact. Elite classical musicians should play in international competitions. Even untrained jazz or rock musicians will have to schmooze their way into those first few local gigs. A thick skin, together with concrete determination and a burning drive to succeed are your best allies at this stage.
Now, you have that first contract, or hired to play with a band or studio group. Yet, you can’t sit back and relax. If anything, keeping your skills up is more important than ever. If you are working in a studio, you will need to learn as many different styles of music as possible. If a bossa nova track is required, you'll have to be able to produce that sound right away. Competition for music jobs is so fierce, there is always someone waiting in the wings to take your spot. For any musician, practice and rehearsal are important. In addition, late hours in performance, travel, and touring can prove challenging. If your contract covers health insurance and other benefits, you are fortunate. If not, you will have to find a way to provide coverage for yourself.
After all the years of hard work and striving, some find it difficult to maintain professional status. Stories of pop artists, especially, who fall victim to addictions of every sort are legion. Add to these the untold tales of lesser known musicians, and you'll find it's wiser to sidestep addictive habits altogether. Full-time musicians are also prone to repetitive stress injury, which can end a career if not treated properly. In addition, if you are playing in the band of a major artist, for example, and the tour suddenly canceled, you may find yourself without income. Take care of yourself physically, emotionally and financially to avoid adding your tale of woe to the chorus of musicians past.