For my first blog, I want to talk to those of you interested in entering the music industry. You may fancy yourself playing on stage at Glastonbury, but there are many other interesting and fulfilling roles in the music sector.
People choose to learn for a range of reasons – not just to forge a career, but perhaps most importantly to enjoy, learn, relax, build confidence and socialise. Music offers the potential for you to do all these things. Many jobs in music do not even require you to play an instrument for a living.
In addition, as you develop your own skills you can help other people, by teaching, playing in a group, composing and recording other artists and organising concerts for audiences to attend. You can specialise in one of these areas or dip into all at them as the opportunities or need arises.
I am often asked if going to university is a good strategy for a career in music – a question almost impossible to answer.
It is true that universities have much to offer and some people like the opportunities and challenges that a higher-level academic environment offers. If you can find a syllabus that suits your interests, it provides you with three years to wholly concentrate on your dream and be around like-minded students who are doing the same – and in professional surroundings with great equipment.
However, many individuals have been enormously successful in the music arena without spending money and time on higher education. Unlike many sectors, music-related work – whether as an employee or self-employed – rarely requires a degree. However, it is required to teach in state education and may be impressive on your cv.
There are many other options outside of university. Music remains a “people industry” in which you can start work on the first rung and climb the ladder by building connections – social networking – and gaining work experience. The well-trodden paths of becoming an artist or song writer can be navigated with dedication, self-promotion, consistency, and continual self-improvement. Alternative paths, such as sound engineering for festivals, concerts, theatres, cruise ships, etc. Audio engineers are needed in games design, TV, podcasts and radio. You could manage, publish, negotiate TV-placements, etc; teach instruments, technology or band craft, etc; retail or repair musical instruments.
Lamp seeks to give music students opportunities to meet and talk with industry professionals and universities, to help them make informed choices about the future. So far, we have spoken with BIMM University, Walter from Wolf Tone, Church Studios and Indie from the band Over Pass. During the next month, Lamp students will be hosting talks with Vic from DR-um – the drum shop in Leamington, Harry Lightfoot, film composer and Kate Livingstone, who runs festivals and public events around Warwickshire.
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Charting the course for the next stages in a musical journey! 🚀🎶 Whether it's refining your sound, reaching new audiences, or exploring innovative collaborations, the evolution of a music career is a dynamic and exciting adventure. Try to increase the popularity of your music with youtube promotion: https://artistpush.me/collections/youtube-promotion