What is the potential income for the average musician who makes a living in their career?

Well , the answer is about $28,000.00 all things considered.
Now, that is not counting the stars with the millions,
It is not counting those that mostly make nothing.
It is counting those that actually put 40 hours plus into their career and usually have several sources of income tied together by their musical talent.

Is it worth it?
Of course it is if you are alright with that.

If you are not then I suggest you pursue careers with much higher average salaries and do music on the side.
You cans still play music a lot and still use the weekends where the best gigs are anyway!

So, there you have it.
Music as a career is not the best choice if money is very important or even moderately important.

If it is only minor though and you just need enough to get by it is an awesome choice and you will find plenty of opportunities.


There you have it.


Kyle Ohlenkamp

IS IT STILL POSSIBLE TO HAVE A CAREER IN MUSIC BESIDES THE 1% THAT GET LUCKY?

IS IT STILL POSSIBLE TO HAVE A CAREER IN MUSIC

First the good news: I believe it is possible for 20-30% of those that really try can make a living in the music business. 

The bad news: For almost all of these people it will not be the dream career and you will not be a star. 

It is simple math. 

There is little room at the top. 

There is less room now than ever. 

So, if you are going to make money in music you have to look at the laws of supply and demand. 

Look at what people are willing to pay for.

Make a list of top careers:

1. Audio And Technology For Commercial Related Work

2. Music And Recreation Therapy In Schools And Medical Types Of Settings. 

3. Private Music Teacher

4. Being A Part Of A Cruise Ship, Dinner Theater, Live Theater Backing Band, 

5. Software Engineer Combined With Music Composition Skills. 

6. Promotions and Marketing For Larger Touring and Promotion Companies. 

7. Church Music Jobs

8. Instrument Repair

9. Employee For Corporate Music Groups

10. Commercial and Contract Songwriters

Now, none of these include what I assume many of these same people can do as a great part-time gig and that is play in a band. 

So, as long as you ditch the need for your ego trip and needing to be a star your chances are pretty good that you can have a comfortable career in music and technology is not going to take that away it is only going to add to the opportunities.

Kyle O

www.musiccareerresources.com

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF MUSIC BLOGGING SUCCESS (Declan O' Flaherty)

Let's bible this baby up a little with what I believe are essential commandments we must all obey. And obey you must :) 1) Thou shalt sacrifice on the alter of greatness and be willing to perform acts that others will not 2) Thou shalt always be willing to sacrifice your comforts in the quest for what's Important to your "best" self 3) Thou shalt never give "fear" the role of captain. It should be an adviser, and nothing more 4) Thou shalt never forget that your knowledge will never determine your results and outcomes, but your "attitude" will 5) Thou shalt always rely on your own strength instead of someone else's compassion 6) Thou shalt take a cold shower every morning for at least 30 days 7) Thou shalt not be a monotone conforming spineless human being that blends into the background. Thou shalt piss some people off 8) Thou shalt not listen to anything I say, and take at face value unless it jives with your already built in guidance system. Your gut will tell you what's what 9) Thou shalt realize that dumb fucks will outshine you every time because they're so used to failing more often 10) Thou shalt never forget that you have outstanding resolve and unlimited potential, you just need to create a daily ritual that solidifies that belief into your subconscious The Money Map Method Training Course

THE MAGICAL 4 STEP PROCESS THAT WILL CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR MUSIC SUCCESS

Whether you plan on making a career in the field is not the easiest of career paths.

However, nothing worth doing is easy.

In fact, the things that I find the most valuable are the things that require what I like to call, " The Reach".

"The Reach" is when you set your sights on the vision that your soul calls out for.

What I am trying to convey is that it is not about the dream it is about the reality.

The reality is that many artists and musicians spend a great deal of time working toward their dream while at the same time very few have a realistic game plan and have broken down the bigger goals into smaller and more achievable goals and then gone the extra step and broken those goals down into a simple daily action plan that you can follow.

I am going to give you a simple example of how you can create a more effective way of setting reaching your goals with less stress and more enjoyment because it is important that you not be putting off your dreams for the big payoff but rather living them day by day and experiencing that feeling if success that goes with knowing you are on track and moving toward something. This is not possible without a success map. That is what we are going to create for you today. 

STEP ONE

The first thing I want you to do is take a look at your goal long-term and where you would like to be at in 5 years. Next I want you to create 3 different versions of that because musicians need to adaptive. I know you hear the stories about the single minded musician who will make it no matter what. I know hundreds that were as good as any that became famous but there are very few openings at the top. The good news is creating your own opportunities is better attained now than ever. The key is diversity. So write down three short paragraphs of where you would be satisfied and happy being in 5 years. 

STEP TWO

Now look them over and see if you can condense them all into a purposeful statement without the limitations of , " I will be touring the world and opening for an A Level Band. " There is too much of that you have no control of.  A better way to state a similar goal would be, I am going to be in the position to make a full-time living using my creative musical talents."

You see the the difference there? The one is limiting and setting you up to fail the other is very much within your control but truth be told still going to require incredible amounts of time and practice and work. 

STEP THREE

Next, Do the same thing but look out only a year from now. It is better to set your sights a little higher rather than lower. So, do not be afraid to go big with your vision. Just make it inclusive and open to adaptation. 

I always wanted to tour as a singer and guitar player. Turns out I got to tour as a bass player instead. Did my dreams come true? You bet they did because I was not hung up on every detail having to be my way. Also, I eventually got to be the guitar player in a band because of that!

STEP FOUR

Now, last part, break that year down to one month and ask what the 3 goals you could reach in a month would get you closest to the year goal and of course eventually the 5 year goal. Do you need to refine your musical direction? Focus on your song-writing? Networking skills? Whatever it is the key is to give yourself a way to measure your progress in a way that is based on your ability and not luck. Getting 5 gigs is a goal but not under your control. Defining a target audience, locating 10 potential places to showcase and contacting them with your best promotional materials is a great goal and oneYOU control. Do you see how much of a difference that is?

Well, if you do you are already on your way because most people and not just musicians will sadly never understand this vital key to success. 

Dream Big And Act Bigger,

Kyle O.

FIND ME AT MUSIC RESOURCE GUIDE

MUSIC AND THE BIG DREAM

TODAY I ANSWER Email ABOUT MUSIC CAREER TOPICS

My boyfriend is in a band and he is determined to make it as a musician.. Besides doing shows how would he achieve this?

Additional Details

He wants to do whatever he can with music. he is super talented and has no addictions besides guitar. He's good at everything but loves guitar. I was looking at schools but don't know if going to school is better than first hand experience (getting out there).

AMANDA Z,

Thank you Amanda for supporting your boyfriend. I have seen so many people in your situation become jealous and try to make him choose between his art and his relationship when really one ALWAYS compliments the other. 

To answer your question there is no doubt in my mind that education is NOT going to hurt anyone who wants to pursue a career in music. Now, paying for a good one may be an issue but I would encourage him to get both because he will if he goes to a college to study music. 

I myself went to Berklee and there is nothing better than playing with people that are way beyond where you are at because it forces humble attitude adjustments (which musicians need) and it forces you to get better! Win/Win.

The other thing I would suggest is to take advantage of the infinite music resources available on the internet. 

Music Think Tank is great. There are many free discussion groups and get together and he can start networking and lining up his career right there. 

Fame is a numbers game and the odds are in the millions to one. However, making a living at music is absolutely possible if a person is willing to work, work, work at it. 

I hope that helped. 

Well, that is it for today folks but join me again next week for another question and coming up later this week a blog about creating your music career blueprint. 

Much easier than WINGING it!

Peace,

Kyle O

www.musiccareerresources.com

CREATE GREAT MUSIC

Create Great Music

Yes.

That is my purpose. 

That is why I am here. 

I hope I can be of service to you in your quest to make music. 

I have worked in the music industry my whole life from my mid-teens on. 

I once worked with the people that made Kiss the most popular band of their time. (Also, the most wealthy)

I have friends all over the world and I a almost certain there is one band you like that I know somebody that plays with them.

What about me?

Well, I wanted to go that route. 

I actually came closer than I ever dreamed I could. 

That is a story for another time though.

The only reason I am mentioning this is because I feel it is important you know I know what I am writing about. 

I graduated from Berklee College Of Music. 

I have worked with Prince And U2's Management.

I get it.

But you know what?

Things have changed and not just a little bit. ( I bet you knew that didn't you)

Many people finally believe music as a business is over. 

I think that is seriously funny but I totally understand it. 

Most people never have a chance to understand how it works at the level where music becomes an art and a vocation.

I have never known anything else.

Most of the major touring bands have LESS OF A CLUE than a music major in college who also DOES NOT GET THE TRUTH.

But my friend, I am giving it to you. 

On this blog.

Every day. 

For Free.

You know why right? Because I am selfish and I want to be you and have the chance to really have a chance by knowing things that save untold money, suffering and years. 

So, meet me here tomorrow for the first unveiling of the material. 

I will be writing about why you were born at the perfect time to make music and money at the same time. 

Never in history has there been a better time and I believe when you read and see the evidence you too will see that it is time to get going. 

Your Dream Is Calling.

Peace And Possibilities,

Kyle O.
MORE AT MUSIC RESOURCE GUIDE