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If you have a real passion for music, the key to obtaining a career in the music
industry is to gain as much practical hands-on experience as possible.
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Volunteer
Be prepared
to begin at the volunteer level for little or no pay. Most industry professionals
began by:
- playing in a band; or working
with friends who were in a band.
- volunteering at a recording
studio, a live-band nightclub, a lighting company, a sound company, an equipment
services company, a professional theatre company, or with local community festival
organizations.
- working on amateur theatre
or music productions, or with amateur theatre/music production companies.
As a volunteer, you will be
asked to perform countless tasks that you may feel will have little relevance
to your job goals. Be patient. If you demonstrate that you can handle the stresses
of this industry, your work will be noticed and opportunities will open for you.
Do Your
Research
Try a variety
of volunteer areas to broaden your interest and develop your abilities.
Ask your colleagues and
your supervisors where they think your strengths are. Ask them to identify your
weaknesses and to suggest ways of improving your skills.
Learn
as much as you can about music and the music industry.
Take classes, read books,
surf the Net, talk with the pros. Discuss your knowledge with family and friends.
Their support will become very important as you pursue your career.
Go to School
Complete
any required training within your specific area of interest.
While technical training in certain areas is available, be sure to include business
training, computer training, communications and multi-media programs in your educational
repertoire.
Show Them
Your Stuff
Connect
with professionals through your volunteer efforts.
Make yourself available
and indispensable. Treat your volunteering experience as a chance to learn new
skills, and to apply those you already know. Remain humble and always accept "No!"
for an answer.
If you show that you are
willing to learn from the professionals, then it is likely that one of them will
become a mentor for you. This will eventually permit you to try your skills on
your own for smaller projects. Once you have gained some notoriety for your work,
you may be able to launch yourself into a full-time career.
The Canadian Pacific Music Industry Directory provides a comprehensive listing
of music industry professionals in British Columbia. It can be purchased from
the Pacific Music Industry Association
(PMIA) in Vancouver. The PMIA is a non-profit organization which represents
the interests of industry professionals from all facets of the music industry.
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