What if I could go back? With what I know know now, what would I tell myself?
I've been asked this question many times, and my response is usually very similar. It's not one single statement, but a list of some essential topics. The following is a list that I feel others just starting a career in music should consider.
Don't Take On A Large Amount Of Debt!
If you choose to pursue a music degree in college and you can't afford it, then consider if taking out a large amount of debt is worth it. Especially consider the big picture if you are pursuing a degree in performance. Too often the idea is that you must go to a highly recognized school which puts you in thousands of dollars of debt. Don't forget that student loan debt is not forgiven (except is some very rare cases) and is not bankrupt-able.
Put The Instrument Down
Too often I obsessed on having to practice. I felt that I was never good enough so I constantly had the guitar in my hand. This obsession made me feel as though I had to constantly be doing something music related or else I was wasting my time. Instead, I should have taken time to socialize more and understand that living life correlates to the creation of music.
Learn About The Financial Aspects (The Business) Of Being A Musician
After graduating college, I had no idea that I would be considered self-employed for my tax returns. This means that I had no clue that I was supposed to pay a quarterly tax. I had taken a personal finance class which discussed balancing a checkbook and investments, but I had no clue that I should be filling out 1099’s. Nor did I know that I would be responsible for filling out invoices or W9‘s. I could tell you what scale to play over which chord and I could play Giant Steps and 12 keys, but I had no idea how to handle the financial aspect of being a musician and private instructor.
Start Booking Gigs Sooner
Like I had said before, I never felt that I was good enough, especially in undergrad. It wasn’t until I was in grad school in Philly before I considered that my degree was useless in every sense if I wasn’t willing to try to perform. After all, my Bachelors degree is in guitar performance and my Masters in jazz studies. I began booking a few gigs while in Philly and then immersed myself into the process once I moved to Cincinnati. I would open up the phone book and call any place that I thought would be willing to have music. I dealt with a number of rejections, and still do.
Stop Over Analyzing, JUST DO IT
I constantly analyzed everything that I did and would play it out in my head and find reasons why I couldn’t or shouldn’t take a chance. Maybe it’s because I’m an introvert that I prefer to think things through excessively. I can only imagine where I might be today if I would have got out of my own head and listened to what my wife said about overthinking.
Lighten Up And Don't Be So Hard On Yourself
As stated previously, I never felt that I was good enough and I still have those thoughts today. Everything that I would do I would consider to be worthless and a waste of time. I find that this is a tough issue for musicians and for all of those that pursue a creative field. We constantly judge ourselves and often we are too harsh. The benefit is that we can push ahead and escape the limits that we set upon ourselves. The negative, we put ourselves in a state of mind where we want to give up. Take the time to recognize your accomplishments!
