How to Become a Music Entrepreneur

If you are a musically-gifted person, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to earn a living from your talents. There are many different avenues that you can pursue. Jobs such as record producer and film composer are just a few examples. In the sections below we'll cover many of these job possibilities, and the steps needed to prepare yourself for them.

Things You'll Need

• Musical talent A good work ethic Good people skills Musical instruments A way to record your music

Instructions

1. Become a professional. If you want to get into the music business game, you'd better make sure that you've got the skills to play. Hone your talents. Go to school, and get your degree. Study the musical artists who inspire you. Get feedback from other working professionals. You may be musically gifted, but before you start to use those gifts professionally, you need to make sure that you've developed them to the fullest extent.

2. Invest in the tools needed for the job. No matter what field you're getting into (record producer, performer or composer), you'll need to be able to produce musical recordings. Whether you're working for free, or making millions, a good home studio is the best way to go, particularly for producing demos. Invest in some quality recording equipment, professional microphones, instruments and musical software.

3. Set up a studio. Find a room, or set of rooms, in your home or office that you can turn into your recording studio. Soundproof the walls in each room. You can either pay to have this professionally done, or simply tack up some large foam pads yourself. Ideally, you'd have a two-room setup. One would be a control room, and the other would be a room to record vocals, and put acoustic instruments in, with a glass partition between the two rooms. If this setup is not possible for you, just do the best you can with what you have. Use your bedroom as a control room, and your closet to record vocals or instruments.

4. Set up your business. Go down to city hall, and get your business license. This will vary depending on your specific business. Next, register your business domain name, and create a website. Having a website to direct potential clients to will be an invaluable tool for your business. Advertise your business in as many places as possible. Try to target areas specific to your type of business. Job sites such as Craigslist.com are also good places to try to find work.

5. Spread news about your musical services through word-of-mouth. Once your business starts to get on it's feet, try to cultivate good relationships with your clients so that they'll be sure to send referrals your way. If used correctly, this method of self-promotion will generate a good portion of your the work you get, possibly even 75% of it.

Tips & Warnings

• Be professional. Be courteous. Be punctual. Always aim to exceed expectations.

• Don't be unreliable. Don't be rude. Don't keep people waiting. Don't expect to coast on your reputation.

Resources

• For Independent Musicians in the Business of Selling, Promoting or Doing Music on the Internet