Making a career in music? A contradiction in terms? Not at all if you approach it in the right way that said there probably isn't a 'right' way if there was we would have all done it, however, there is 'sure' way to do it which will help you avoid the myriad of pooh traps that lie along the way to your goal.
If you write or perform music as a solo artist or band and have an ambition to start a career in music then this superb course will reveal to you many of the secrets about Making a Career in Music, you might not make millions from this career, but you can make good living at doing something you love. It is not just another "How To" course it explores areas not normally covered by books or other publications and is bursting with information and useful contacts. In addition YOU are provided with ongoing support at no extra cost after you have completed the course.
The course is aimed at those who have just started to make their way in the music business or would like to. It is based on my experiences and the experience of others who have had to find out the hard way and is designed to help and advise those of you who want to get real about the music business and your part within it.
"I wish I had known this stuff before I started out" - Student Weston College
"I have found this really helpful, so much I did not know" - Eddie Williams USA
If it is not your intention to make a career out of music that's OK fear not there will be plenty of hints and tips to improve your performances. At the end of the day you have to do your own thing, but if that is what you want to do then do it well and don’t give up.
The course is delivered by post or email in 12 monthly instalments. You do not need to sign up to the whole course instead you can purchase individual parts. The cost of the course is an amazing £49.99! Individual parts are £9.99p each incl postage (MU members receive a further 10% off). The first topic of the course is deleivered immediately upon payment.
If you have questions then please feel free to contact me.
"A Career from Music?" consisists of the following topics which are being updated regularly to ensure you get the best information. The extracts are linked to give you a flavour of what to expect.
To purchase the full course which will be delivered in installments or simply purchase individual parts simply go to the Online Shop
The Basics
Are you cut out for a career in the music business? This session provides a few check lists for you to consider.
Starting Out
Who can you turn to for help and or constructive criticism? This is a no holes barred overview of the reality of trying to break into the music business. It identifies organisations which can provide support and assistance. It also provides you with a guide to self assessment.
Songwriting and Copyright
This is a broad overview about writing songs it considers topics, construction, genre, the pros and cons of using personal experiences and universal topics. It gives hints and tips on collaboration when to pay and when not to pay for support. It also identifies a number of web sites which provide assistance to songwriters. The session provides information on copyright, what it is and how to get it. It discusses the importance of copyright and provides information on appropriate web sites where further information can be found.
Self Publication & Recording
This session looks at the pros and cons of self publishing and recording. It considers what an individual would need and start up costs. It should put most sane musicians off even considering it!
Marketing
This session looks at the how to approach publishers and record labels and discusses the etiquette involved including presentation of the material. It discusses contact lists and how they should be used. It provides information on useful web sites. It also considers as a way of marketing, performing and uses a couple of anecdotes from my personal experience to drive the point home about being flexible and prepared to change ones material if it means it will sell.
What is the Work Like?
A complete overview of what to expect when you work in the music business as a musician
Forming a Band or Going Solo?
This session looks at how teams work because if you are in a band then you are in a team. It considers auditions, what to look for, what goes on at subconscious levels in team dynamics such as processes of Forming, Storming, Norming and Performing. It considers attitudes through anecdotes and what usually causes a band to split and how to avoid these situations.
Performing and Presentation
This session considers what an individual needs to think about if he or she is a performer. It covers such topics as attitude, individual appearance and image, punctuality etc. It also considers different type of band or performers and their likely hood of obtaining work. There is also a section on health and safety included.
Getting Work – Agents, Managers, Promoters & DIY
The session looks at the pros and cons of having an agent and or manager, promoter and how much they cost and what they do and how they can help you. It also looks at how to go about obtaining work without the assistance of an agent or manager.
Finances and Self Employment
How much does it cost to go out on the road legally? This session discusses equipment, equipment depreciation, Income tax, transport, deductions, self employment and your CV.
Getting Signed
This session looks at the world of A&R people, who they are what are they looking for, how to contact them, but most importantly how to get noticed.
Ten Hints and Tips for Performers
This session encapsulates much of what is in the course and acts as an aide memoir. It also provides some new advice.
Once you have completed the course you will be presented with a certificate, We will keep you informed with regular updates and articles and I will be available to give you advice.
Dissclaimer
The Certificate does not provide a qualification it simply provides proof that the student has completed the course. Completion of the course does not guarrantee employment in the music industry and M2S can not guarrantee that that all the techniques therin will work for all individuals.