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Musician
Corben W. Wolsey
Educ 1300, North Central Texas College
Mrs. Anne Lehew
Oct 23, 2023
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Musician
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved music. Whether it was singing along to the

radio on a long car ride or seeing one of my idols performing live and in person, music has

always been a part of my life.

More than simply my love for music, my Career Cruising results show that I have the

interest and abilities needed to be a musician. My results show that I have skills like listening,

innovating, and reading, all core of being a musician. Along with these core skills, I am already

an instrumentalist. I play guitar at local gigs, and in the school band, I am a percussionist. These

skills will give me a jumpstart in pursuing a musical career.

Regarding the personal side of things, the whole “What am I getting out of this”? I think

the best way to phrase it would be from a quote from the musician Sting in an interview with

Q102 (2017), “I make music because I love music and that's its reward, just playing and singing.

Whether it's to two people or the dog or 20,000 people, for me, it's the same thing.” (para. 4)

When we approach any task we love, which for me is music, we find in it a sense of fulfillment

and purpose. That is why I love music so much, not just because I like how it sounds I like it

because it allows me to express myself, and music is the thing I find fulfillment in.

Music would be the best way for me to expand my abilities and effectively use them. It

would provide me with the necessary tools to evolve and grow in a personal and professional

world.

Job Description

The demands to be a musician vary widely depending on your level of professionalism.

To just be local, all you'd need is an instrument and somewhere to play, but being a professional

is much different from that.

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Musicians are people who use their musical abilities to create music, what is music, you

ask. Well the author Mark Cook describes it in his textbook (2012) as “Organized Sound” (pg.

6). Whether that be in a group or as a solo act. Some musicians can play musical instruments like

guitar, drums, piano, violin, trumpet, saxophone, and others. Most also can compose music or

sing. Musicians have many responsibilities, which all help them be successful in their careers.

One of these responsibilities includes practicing regularly, which helps them increase their

musical abilities. Another may be writing music for their bands or solo acts, both allowing them

to be successful in their careers. Musicians can have varied educational backgrounds, but most

have a degree in music or a related field. They can also attend music schools, conservatories, or

other institutions to learn specific techniques and skills.

Many musicians start their careers by playing in local bands or performing locally to gain

experience. These people often aren't making as much money as the aforementioned

professionals, but their schedules are much less stressful. These local musicians do not have to

worry about getting from city to city in twenty-four hours. These careers seem much more

rewarding personally. Getting involved with a city’s musical scene allows you to meet with your

fans and have a relationship with them. Of course, though, the ultimate goal of local musicians is

to become professional, have a wider fanbase, and make more money.

Something many people don't think about, but is a very important part of being a

musician is digital outreach. Taking the time to create and edit long and short-form videos can be

very time-consuming, but crucial for building a fanbase. Another crucial aspect of promoting

oneself is interacting and responding to fans, doing so makes the artist seem more personable and

likable to the general public.

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Another important job of a musician is to attend media interviews. A major musician

would attend these more for publicity, or if they have an opinion to share maybe. However, local

musicians attend these interviews for their livelihood. These interviews allow the media and

press to show off these people's talents.

A Day in The Life

A day in the life of a musician can vary depending on their level of professionalism and

the type of music they create, for this description, we will assume that the musician is a

professional performer who creates and performs music for a variety of audiences.

The day starts early for most musicians, as they need to practice and perfect their craft

regularly. They spend a considerable amount of time rehearsing with their band members or

practicing solo, involving playing their instrument, singing, or composing music. After a few

hours of practice, the musician might head to a recording studio or a concert venue for a

soundcheck. It is a crucial part of their day as it ensures that all the instruments and equipment

function properly and the sound is perfect for the audience.

The musician then prepares for the show, rehearsing with other band members, reviewing

a setlist, or working on their stage presence. They might also have to attend media interviews,

meet with fans, or sign autographs. Once the show begins, the musician performs for the

audience, singing, playing their instrument, or both. They might perform their original music or

covers of other artists' songs. The performance could last for several hours, depending on the

type of event and the musician's contract. Afterward, they might meet with fans or attend a post-

concert party.
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While some musicians might work in an office, most performers spend their time on

stage, in a recording studio, or on tour, they might travel extensively, performing in different

cities or countries, and work long hours, including weekends and holidays. Musicians often work

in a team, collaborating with other band members, sound engineers, producers, and promoters,

however, they can also work independently, especially when composing or recording music.

Someone based locally will spend their day practicing, but they will also be reaching out

to local businesses looking for somewhere to play. In an interview completed by The Rearview

Mirror with the local Lubbock outfit, Jeune, their lead guitarist stated (2023),

“There has always been a good local scene here, but recently there has been a TON of

development for the local music scene in our city. Lots of resources, venues, and much

more with the introduction of things like the LHUCA campus. It really helps out

musicians year-round and drives an extra incentive to write and create music here with

the city’s support.” (para. 20)

This goes to show that a good music scene can be almost just as rewarding as being a big

international star.

Positives and Challenges of the Career Today

The music industry has undergone significant changes in the past decade largely due to

technological advancements, changes in consumer behavior, and globalization. These changes

have brought both opportunities and challenges for musicians.

One significant positive change in the music industry is the ease of access to music.

Today, anyone can listen to their favorite songs anytime, anywhere, and on any device. The rise

of streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music has made it easier for
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people to discover and access new music, creating opportunities for musicians to reach broader

audiences and connect with fans worldwide. Another is the democratization of music production.

With affordable recording equipment and software availability, musicians can now produce and

distribute their music independently, producing more diverse and creative music and giving

musicians control over their careers.

However, there are also challenges facing musicians, one of the biggest being the issue of

fair compensation for musicians. Streaming services have been criticized for paying low

royalties to artists, leading to a decline in revenue for many musicians. WIPO, the World

Intellectual Property Organization, stated in a study (2021),

”Spotify’s 2018 direct public offering as a “pure play” music service demonstrated the

value of the recordings created by performers and did so with disproportionately little

revenue paid 6to featured performers and no revenue paid to non-featured performers.

These market forces have exposed a pronounced imbalance between the significant

market benefit to streaming music platforms derived from the world’s performers

compared to the relatively scant financial benefit received by these same performers. The

systemic imbalance is particularly acute for non-featured performers.”. (p. 4)

An issue many are recovering from is that with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, concert

revenues plummeted, causing a massive loss in revenue for many performers. Another of the

biggest facing the industry at the moment is illegal downloading. Illegal downloading and

sharing of music have led to significant revenue losses for the music industry.

Despite these challenges, the occupational outlook for musicians is positive. According to

the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of musicians and singers is projected to grow by one
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percent from 2022 to 2032(U. Statistics. 2023. Singers and Musicians.). The demand for live

performances, music education, and music production will drive this growth.

From Here to There

Throughout the research I’ve conducted in this essay, my passion for pursuing a music

career has only strengthened. Music has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember,

and I have the necessary skills and interests to excel in this field. Additionally, my Career

Cruising results align with my desire to become a musician, confirming my decision even more.

The first thing I must do to become a musician is practice. Practice is one of the

fundamental skills of being a musician. One must practice regularly to have success, it’s pivotal

because while you may have natural talents, one must hone those skills. This isn't just in music

that I can relate to. The ability to practice one's talents can be applied to any quarter of life.

While I'm in high school, I can look into programs designed for young musicians, like the

YoungArts program, this would allow me to gain some prestige, as well as gain connections in

the music industry. Others I could look into are more local ones, in places like Forth Worth and

Dallas.

Once I graduate, I can look into four-year colleges that offer a music degree. One good

option is the University of North Texas, which is a highly respected school worldwide for music.

The Princeton Review said about their music program (2017), “Among the 100 or so

undergraduate majors available here, the cream of the crop are the ‘excellent visual art programs’

and the ‘amazing,’ dynamic, nationally renowned, and ‘very difficult’ College of Music”.

Another school that has always been a dream college for me is Texas Christian University. Their

music program is ranked seventy-second in the United States and is large enough to provide

world-class service, but small enough for a personalized experience.

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Regarding topics addressed in the class, the most important for a music pathway are

communication and memorization. Communication is essential because as I've said, musicians

need to be able to reach out. Whether that is to promoters, agents, other artists, or fans, staying

connected is essential to being a musician. Meanwhile, memorization is a key skill musicians

need to have the ability to memorize music, chords, and notes to be able to play.

Conclusion

In summary, music can be a career that is both rewarding and fulfilling for those with a

passion. With the right talents, one can create music that resonates with fans and brings self-

fulfillment. Whether I stay local or go professional, there will be many opportunities to grow

and strengthen my skills. It will require constant effort, strong motivation, and practice, but it is

rewarding enough to be worth the work. So, I will not hesitate to pursue this career.
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Bibliography

Musicians and Singers: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. (n.d.). Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Retrieved November 22, 2023, from

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/musicians-and-singers.htm

Standing Committee. (2021). World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Standing Committee on

Copyright and Related Rights. (SCCR/41).

https://www.wipo.int/edocs/mdocs/copyright/en/sccr_41/sccr_41_3.pdf

Sting Has Some Advice For Aspiring Musicians. (2017, December 6). Dublin's Q102.

https://www.q102.ie/news/buzz/sting-has-some-advice-for-aspiring-musicians/

Horvat. R. (2023, June 17). Interview with Jeune, the Texas Indie/Alternative rock band you need to

know. Rearview Mirror. https://the-rearview-mirror.com/2023/06/17/interview-with-jeune-the-texas-band-

you-need-to-know/

University of North Texas. (n.d.). The Princeton Review. Retrieved November 24, 2023, from

https://www.princetonreview.com/college/university-north-texas-1023686

Cook, M. A. (2012). Music Theory (1st ed., Vol. 1). Anonymous.

https://2012books.lardbucket.org/pdfs/music-theory.pdf