Here's how you can make decisions that lead to a successful music career.

define your goals clearly and write them down. revisit them often, asking yourself: what 10 steps are you taking towards one of your goals? what's not working? what's holding you back? remember - success takes time and not by intension but actions.

So, at the onset of my career 30+ years ago, I was considered a Classical Guitar prodigy. It was a real exciting time and the idea of being a working a Classical Guitarist and working in a Rock band was exciting. I started being present consistently at local recording studios. If you are supposed to be at the right place at the right time, how would I do that? I couldn't control the right time, but I could the right place. So, if I was at the right place all the time, eventually the right time would come along and it did. The 80s and 90s were great times commercially in the music industry. I was able to be involved in many multi platinum productions early on.

Long-term goals in my music career function as guiding lights. They help me prioritize what is most important, whether it's mastering a new instrument, releasing an album, or touring. By having specific milestones in mind, i can break down my journey into manageable steps, making it easier to measure my progress and stay on track. When defining my long-term goals, it is crucial to ensure they are achievable. Setting realistic and clear objectives allows me to maintain focus and keeps you motivated. Consider what i want to achieve over the next five to ten years. This could include reaching a certain level of expertise, developing a unique sound, or building a dedicated fan base, this journey takes time, and patience is key.

Music Writing is my goal, how it impacts mental health, and undiscovered artists. I have thought about a podcast called the request line. People miss when you would call and dedicate songs. I also want more music acts in my City.

Set clear career goals to guide your decisions and keep you focused. Identify short-term and long-term objectives, whether it’s landing gigs, signing with a label, or building an independent brand.

Understanding the music industry isn’t about mastering every aspect yourself, but having the right level of knowledge and understanding to make informed decisions and steer your career in the right direction. Artists don’t need to be marketers or strategists, but knowing who does what, how things work, and which levers to activate ensures they maintain control over their project rather than being at the mercy of others. This industry knowledge is also key to choosing the right collaborators. The more an artist understands the mechanics of the business, the better they can delegate strategically, protect their interests, and build a career on solid foundations.

At the beginning of the internet in the late 90s and early 2000s, the music industry so a massive paradigm shift. People were no longer buying music, but downloading it. Labels started closing their doors, because they didn't want to invest in artist development, if they were not going to get an ROI. This left us in a precarious situation in the studio business. Technology was advancing, people had home studios, and music was being pirated. What were we to do? Originally concert tours promoted new music. Later the songs promoted the concert tours. Since no music was selling, artists recouped their revenue by charging hundreds or thousands in ticket sales, since no music was being sold. Long gone were the $25 concert ticket.

The music industry's landscape is constantly evolving, with current trends emphasizing the importance of streaming platforms. These platforms have revolutionized how music is distributed and consumed, allowing artists greater access to global audiences. Additionally, the rise of social media has transformed marketing strategies, giving independent artists a voice and a platform to promote their work effectively. Record labels, distributors, and streaming services each play integral roles in the production and distribution of music. Record labels often sign and promote artists, while distributors ensure the music reaches consumers. Meanwhile, streaming platforms have become a primary outlet for music consumption.

In light, of selling units of records or CD's, but was time to look at how to find other ways of monetizing music. At this point, I started looking into publishing and licensing of music. This was uncharted territory for me and it required to find people well versed about this aspect of the music business. It's important to always surround yourself with people who are more experienced and knowledgeable than you. You need to set your ego to the side and start the to learn as much as you can. The music industry had changed and I needed to now what the new way of monetizing music was.

At its core, networking involves creating and nurturing relationships within the music community. This can include connecting with other musicians, producers, agents, and even fans. By attending industry events, concerts, and online forums, I can meet like-minded individuals who share my passion for music. These connections can lead to collaborations, gigs, and various opportunities that might not be available otherwise. Artists can promote their work and engage with their audience in real-time using social media which enable professionals to connect with decision-makers across the globe.

Since, I was classically trained with two University degrees in music and plenty of composing, arranging and recording experience, I now had to use these skills in a new way. Instead of composing for Pop/Rock music, I had to create instrumental orchestral music for multi media. Learning this skill was already there. It was applying it to the a different medium. The endeavor was finding the right people to show your skills. This requires patience and perseverance.

Artists are constantly seeking ways to stand out in an ever-competitive landscape. It's not just about having a beautiful voice or masterful instrument skills; it's about how i leverage that talent to create connections and opportunities .To make the most of my talent, building a personal brand is essential. My unique sound and style form the foundation of my identity in the music world. As I cultivate my talent, think about how to communicate my artistic vision and engage with my audience which attracts listeners and industry professionals who recognize the value of unique talent.

Always remember, everything in life is temporary. If you are fortunate enough to start deriving money, don't go and buy a fancy car, that will depreciate. Be wise with your money, invest it, save it, because tomorrow the phone might stop ringing. A lot of people miss this discipline and people often wonder how someone, who made so much money is now completely broke. Remember there is music and then there's music business. When you decide that music isn't just a hobby, but something you want to pursue as a career, it becomes work, like any career. There will be projects you might not care for, but you are in the music business to make money. Remember, the song that artistically satisfies, doesn't necessarily commercially satisfy you.

Treating my music career as a business ensures that i can sustain my art in the long run, enabling me to create and perform without financial strain. Thera are various revenue streams available in the music industry. These include income from live performances, streaming services, merchandise sales, and licensing deals. By identifying where my money comes from, I can make informed decisions about where to focus my efforts for maximum return. Will create a budget that accounts for anticipated expenses and be mindful of investing in my growth. Whether that's in production, marketing, or education, knowing how to allocate my resources is vital to sustaining my career.

Chappell Roan called out record label executives during her Grammy speech for not paying artists a livable wage. And if you read some of my earlier posts, you'll learn that it takes hundreds, sometimes thousands of streams of a song to even make a dollar. And touring can cost more than what you're being paid to perform. Don't rely just on streams or relying on other people's whims. Offer other things to sell like memberships, sheet music, limited time merch, classes or services of something you're good at.