What do musicians want

Sound Technician for clubs and concerts. Every touring musician knows that this is the person who can make or break your show.

Tact, great ears, superior understanding of the room and equipment are all essential components to doing well at this job. A good music supervisor can be as influential as a good film or video editor. Music Clearance Specialist. Music Publisher. Publishing companies need musicians on staff help shepherd books through the production and marketing process.

It might be a new venue or it might be the house of an audiophile—when people want the sound to be just so, they need someone who understands music and what the technology can accomplish within the given space. Audio System Salesperson. The best audio stores know that selling hi-fi equipment is not like selling cars or appliances. Shoppers want to know that the salesperson understands their passion for music and can match the equipment with their tastes.

Staff Positions: Many music-related organizations hire employees who have musical backgrounds. Dealing with the millions of details that come up on the road on a daily basis, solving problems and always remembering to take a moment to enjoy the ride have been the touchstones of every step of this journey.

They also happen to be the skills one needs to run a company or an association like NAMM. There are many jobs for which musical ability, when combined with additional coursework and specialized training, can lead to a prestigious career—and make you extremely valuable to clients.

These include positions such as accountants, attorneys, vocal coaches and physical therapists. A few others are below. Music Librarian. These positions exist in many institutions, including universities and museums. Cataloging music, and retrieving it when needed, is an essential function that requires a broad appreciation of musical history, genres and artists. Music Therapist. Researchers are discovering how important music can be to unlocking emotions and regenerating damaged neurons.

With the U. Musicologist Professor of Musicology. These academicians have a deep understanding not only of cultural and geopolitical matters, but also musical techniques. Corporate Executive. Business training paired with musical training can be a potent combination. Risk taking, improvisation and overall creativity come in handy when one is crafting corporate deals that center on music and entertainment.

Self-employed Artist. Kudos to them. For others, the preceding 49 jobs might spark some ideas for a new career path. Lonnie Smith, one of the greatest musicians to ever touch the Hammond B-3 organ, died Sept. The tables were slightly fewer in number. The air filtration system was new. But when the Village Vanguard reopened in…. All rights reserved. DownBeat is an internationally registered trademark of Maher Publications.

Toggle navigation. News, From the Magazine,. In other news DownBeat's Most Read Stories. On Sale Now. Featured Music Lisa Hilton. Sign up for our e-Newsletter Get monthly updates right in your inbox. Stay Connected Facebook Twitter. Do more than you ever thought possible by playing live whenever and wherever you find the opportunity. Feel every opportunity to play or work with someone in the industry might be the step that will lead to the right person discovering you and giving you your big break.

If you can, find out how currently successful artists got their start. You can copy or use some of their methods at the very least. At best, you can find out from them how they achieved the success they enjoy today and ask them to mentor you.

It is almost impossible to learn the ropes of the music industry without someone teaching you how to tie a knot. Each of these artists only became ultra successful after they obtained a mentor who already knew the industry.

Above all, in order to achieve success in the music industry, you must love your art. In order to push through the difficulties that most certainly lie in front of you, you must hold, unwavering to your passion for your art, your music. The music alone must be enough to drive you.

However, if you would sooner do without air than your music, you might just have what it takes to achieve success in this incredibly competitive industry. Know The Game Has Changed Decades ago, artists would sign with a specific record label and then they together would produce copies of an entire album that would then be sold in whatever form was popular at the time from 8-tracks to CDs. Sooner or later, every artist must redefine their path moving forward.

As in most business, every five years you should take inventory of where you are in your career and map out the next five years with your team. Music artists, including myself when I was younger, can have a slightly egotistical view of their music and persona after they receive some success.

There is no positive outcome here. Being a diva never results in long term success, it simply results in having a bad reputation. The generation behind you needs your support and wisdom. Reach out, donate money to arts and education, teach, mentor! There is nothing more gratifying to the soul than watching a young person flourish from what you have shown them. If you are experiencing success, donate to a cause that provides opportunity to underprivileged kids so they can experience something larger than themselves — the gift of music!

Well, there you have it. I hope you soaked some of this in and can use it on your musical journey. Good luck and keep on rocking! Do you have any more music industry tips, or questions about how to make it in the music industry? Let us know in the comments below! Nick is a multi-platinum selling composer and producer. Learn more about Nick here! Skip to content. Trust me, this will be tested!

Still feeling optimistic? Keep reading…. Form a Strong Professional Peer Group as Your Sounding Board Family and friends are great but they are often too biased to give proper guidance and advice when it comes to your music.

Incorporate Your Brand At first you most likely will be pinching pennies at every turn, so be smart about your cash flow and your spending! Yes, there is a learning curve. Register Your Works If you are writing and recording your own music then you need to have a clear understanding of what Performing Rights Societies are and how they collect money for you!

Understand What a Copyright Is Copyrighting is a process used to protect your works from theft. Distribute Your Music Effectively It used to be that having your music distributed was reserved for signed artists to large record labels.

There are many distributors, large and small, now operating in the music and media business. Have a Clear Focus on Social Media Platforms This is a topic that rarely needs significant discussion, as everyone today is a social media pro. Make sure your social media platforms are engaging fans and representing your overall brand. Having a great team player for your social media will soon become a top priority for you. Create an Amazing Team This takes time and can be in constant flux.