Q&A for How to Become a Musician

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  • Question
    How can I improve myself as a musician?
    Tomas Michaud
    Guitar Teacher
    Tomas Michaud is a Guitar Teacher and Owner of the Real Guitar School and Starland School Of Music in Alameda, California. With over 40 years of experience in the music industry, Tomas creates step-by-step lessons for adult beginners that want to play acoustic guitar and create their own music. He is passionate about making fun and accessible material for people wanting to learn a new instrument. He has recorded six CDs and has a B.A. in Music from California State University - Easy Bay.
    Guitar Teacher
    Expert Answer
    First of all, be patient and really learn the basics. It's okay to try and emulate other people, but if you emulate someone too strongly, you might end up trying to do something that you're not ready to do. This will create bad habits that you'll have to either live with or undo over time. By focusing on foundation first, you don't have to go back and correct things so much, and you'll also avoid the frustration of trying to do something you can never really quite do the same.
  • Question
    Can I still be a musician if I only play one instrument?
    Community Answer
    Yes, of course! Anyone who plays music at all can be considered a musician.
  • Question
    Can I become a real musician if I am a teenager?
    Community Answer
    Of course. Practice a ton and get yourself a good agent.
  • Question
    I play guitar and sing well, but can't find a group. How should I proceed?
    Community Answer
    You could be a soloist. Keep practicing at both and start sharing your talent. Play for your friends and family first, then expand out and play in talent shows and local festivals and establishments.
  • Question
    How can I learn to produce music?
    Community Answer
    Find an experienced producer to become your mentor. Look online or in your community.
  • Question
    Can a flutist be a part of a rock band?
    Community Answer
    This will depend on the type of rock music the band plays. There are flutists in rock bands but very rarely.
  • Question
    Can I become a musician if I can't play my instrument very well?
    Jelke de Jong
    Community Answer
    Of course! Just practice a lot, and over time you will get better at it. Try to take every opportunity you get to play with others and learn from them.
  • Question
    Do I need a license to be a musician?
    Community Answer
    No, you just need to learn how to play an instrument or sing!
  • Question
    How do I become a tabla player?
    Community Answer
    Purchase a tabla and look for lessons in your area.
  • Question
    I really want to become a musician. I think I can sing pretty well, but how do I begin as a musician?
    Community Answer
    Singing and playing music are two different things. Someone who sings Is called a vocalist. To be a musician you must play an instrument, so you should probably start by choosing one you'd like to learn and taking lessons. Many singers choose to play the piano or guitar -- do either of those appeal?
  • Question
    If I can't play any instruments, can I still be a musician?
    Community Answer
    No, a musician is somebody who plays an instrument(s) for a hobby, profession, or talent. You can, however, learn how to become a musician by learning how to play an instrument.
  • Question
    I want to become a musician, but I am shy. I have lots of good songs, but I don't have anyone to support me. What can I do?
    Spaghetti Sauce
    Community Answer
    Reach out to other musicians. You will grow out of the shyness soon -- it never stays there forever. Follow your dream, and you won't regret doing it.
  • Question
    I don't have access to a music teacher. How can I learn music by myself?
    Community Answer
    You can watch YouTube videos. Find a song you want to learn and search for a tutorial, or simply search for basic lessons for your instrument. When you practice, it might be a good idea to tape yourself and listen for your mistakes - or even look at yourself in the mirror.
  • Question
    Do I need to know instruments to become a DJ?
    Spaghetti Sauce
    Community Answer
    No, all you have to know is how the instrument sounds and its capabilities.
  • Question
    How do I release a musical album?
    Community Answer
    Record your album, and then find an experienced person to produce it. If it sounds good, they'll release it for you.
  • Question
    I am stuck on recording my music. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    You can get some of your friends and brainstorm ideas together! Also, you can ask a teacher who you think might be able to help you.
  • Question
    Can I become a concert pianist if I just start to learn at the age of 18?
    Community Answer
    Anything is possible, however, most concert pianists start training as young children. You'll have a lot of catching up to do.
  • Question
    Can I still become a musician if I can't play music with rhythms?
    Community Answer
    You could, but you'll have to practice a lot! The rhythms will come, but just like you practiced playing the right notes, you'll have to practice playing the right rhythms.
  • Question
    How do I make music with my computer?
    Community Answer
    Try using SoundTrap.com. Making an account is free, and so is making music, though you can pay for access to extra features.
  • Question
    Can I teach myself to be a musician?
    Community Answer
    It is possible, but its highly recommended to find an experienced musician to teach you in the field that you are interested in. If you are going to teach yourself, then prepare for a lot of reading; you'll need to learn the theory of music first, then try the practical side. An experienced instructor can cover the theory and the practical at the same time, plus you will be making a contact, which will be extremely important if you are wanting to make this a career.
  • Question
    Can I make a stable income from being a musician?
    Community Answer
    It's possible, though it depends on a number of factors in addition to your skills and talents, such as how large a city you live in, how good you are at using social media to promote yourself, your social/professional connections, the popularity of your genre, the uniqueness of your act, and oftentimes, pure luck. Most musicians have to start small until they're established, performing on evenings/weekends around the schedule of a day job.
  • Question
    How can I become a famous tabla player and have a high income?
    Community Answer
    If you haven't already, buy a tabla and learn how to play it! Then, when you'll be really good, you can think about going pro. Do gigs, record music, sell it, eventually, you might get famous and have a high income.
  • Question
    How do I join an orchestra? Which instrument should I play?
    Community Answer
    Choose an instrument whose sound is attractive to you. Practice with it until you're a good player. Then inquire about auditions for a local (or nearby) orchestra.
  • Question
    I am in 6th grade and love music so so so much. I play the violin and sing, too. Do you think that I could be a musician?
    Hugo Thompson
    Community Answer
    You are already one. The moment you picked up your bow or sang your first note with passion and love is when you became a musician.
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