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How Do I Become a Recording Musician?

Geri Terzo
Geri Terzo

The path to become a recording musician can be a lifelong quest, and regardless of any personal sacrifices made, there are no assurances that success will be attained. Still, there are some behaviors and activities that will propel someone with musical talent closer to a recording career. Of course, the emergence of Internet videos and some television programming has opened new methods for individuals to garner the attention of music producers and the public. A lot of hard work and persistence for someone with wide appeal coupled with some luck can get you there.

In order to become a recording musician, an individual should be committed to the idea and the industry. The musical profession is highly demanding and can be ruthless at times. A person who will be successful must develop thick skin, so to speak, and be able to take rejection and keep pursuing this dream.

Musicians may work as backup players for marque talent.
Musicians may work as backup players for marque talent.

If part of a musical group, one person should be responsible for writing new songs. This will reduce any competition or disagreements that might emerge on the path to become a recording musician. Some collaboration might always be necessary, but if everyone in a group has a designated role, this will create more of a unified front, which can work to your advantage.

Musicians can upload their music to various websites.
Musicians can upload their music to various websites.

You should accept as many live gigs along the way as possible. Playing in front of a live audience is good practice, and it can also lead to greater opportunities. It is also an opportunity for a musician to hone the skills, such as pitch, that must be on target during a live performance. Obtain studio time and create a demo tape. Recording a demo is vital to become a recording musician because this is what will be used as a marketing tool to gain the attention of record labels.

Recording musicians should learn about the different types of microphones.
Recording musicians should learn about the different types of microphones.

The proliferation of reality television around the world has changed the way that some people, young and old, follow the path to become a recording musician. Global recording studios sponsor certain programs and offer the winners of these programs large sums of money in recording contracts as rewards. Even the performers who do not win the ultimate prize may still have flourishing music careers because agents and labels pursue talent regardless of the outcome of a reality program. Musical performers may audition for a spot on one of these shows and showcase any talent in front of the public, program judges, and possibly record label producers.

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    • Musicians may work as backup players for marque talent.
      By: olly
      Musicians may work as backup players for marque talent.
    • Musicians can upload their music to various websites.
      By: Kzenon
      Musicians can upload their music to various websites.
    • Recording musicians should learn about the different types of microphones.
      By: Tiler84
      Recording musicians should learn about the different types of microphones.
    • Musicians might perform as part of an orchestra.
      By: Nikolai Sorokin
      Musicians might perform as part of an orchestra.
    • Having access to a recording studio can help musicians have a polished sound.
      By: David Stuart
      Having access to a recording studio can help musicians have a polished sound.