Profession: Musician

Experience: 8 years

Location: New York City, USA

 

My Personal Experience: 

As a kid, I was the editor-in-chief of our schools’ magazine. It happened more by coincidence, but I liked it. After school, I studied psychology but worked for different outlets writing stories. And I actually never planned to stay in journalism because I was interested in finding a job in psychology. But it all turned out differently. I interned with a big travel magazine – coincidence again because the women’s magazine in the same publishing house did not like my work – but hey! in travel, I did quite good.

After my internship, they recommended me to another magazine until I got pregnant and they decided a mother is not able to be a good travel journalist. So I had to prove them wrong. My Mom had a small B2B-publishing house. Very small. She was her only employee. So I decided that we work together and create a luxury-travel magazine for the German-speaking market. That was 18 years ago.

We have grown from 10,000 issues to 100,000 issues. We have grown from 2 employees to twelve and another dozen freelancers. We have grown from one magazine to 4 different magazines, 5 online sites, and one blog.

It hasn’t always been easy. You need to be patient, you need to be real, and you have to work for something you believe in. Something that you consider as fulfillment. I might not be able to sell you a vacuum cleaner, but I can sell you my product because it is my baby. And I put a lot of passion to create a product that is read by others.

 

The Hard part I feel about this profession as per my experience till now:

Being a musician is not all glamour and fame. It requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and persistence. One of the toughest challenges I have faced is breaking into the industry and getting recognized. It’s a competitive field, and standing out among countless talented musicians is no easy feat.

Another aspect that I find challenging is the financial instability. Unless you make it big or have a steady stream of gigs, it can be difficult to make a consistent income. As a musician, you need to constantly hustle, network, and market yourself to secure gigs and opportunities.

Furthermore, the pressure to constantly create and innovate can be overwhelming. There’s a constant demand for fresh music, and staying relevant in a rapidly changing industry requires adaptability and creativity. It’s not just about playing an instrument; it’s about writing original songs, experimenting with different styles, and connecting with your audience on a deeper level.

 

Things I find interesting or feel “happy” about this profession are:

Despite the challenges, being a musician brings immense joy and fulfillment. One of the most rewarding aspects is the ability to express myself through music. Whether it’s composing a heartfelt melody or belting out powerful lyrics, music allows me to share my emotions and connect with others on a profound level.

Moreover, the opportunity to collaborate with other talented musicians is incredibly inspiring. Sharing ideas, jamming together, and creating something beautiful as a collective is a truly magical experience. Music has the power to bring people from diverse backgrounds together and create a sense of unity and harmony.

 

Pros And Cons which I feel about this profession:

Pros:

• Creative freedom: As a musician, I have the freedom to explore various genres, experiment with different sounds, and create unique compositions. This artistic freedom is liberating and allows me to express my true self through my music.
• Emotional impact: Music has the power to evoke emotions in ways that words alone cannot. Being able to touch people’s hearts and leave a lasting impact through my music is an incredible privilege.

Cons:

• Uncertain income: The music industry can be unpredictable, and financial stability is not guaranteed. Depending on gigs and album sales can lead to fluctuations in income, which can be stressful at times.
• Long hours and travel: Being a musician often involves late-night gigs, rehearsals, and touring. It requires a lot of dedication and sacrifices, including time away from loved ones.

 

My suggestions for newcomers in this profession:

• Hone your skills: Dedicate time to practice and improve your musical abilities. Master your instrument, develop your vocal range, and continuously learn and grow as a musician.

 

• Network and collaborate: Connect with other musicians, attend local jam sessions, and collaborate on projects. Building a strong network can open doors to new opportunities and help you grow as an artist.

 

• Embrace social media and online platforms: In today’s digital age, social media and online platforms are essential for reaching a wider audience. Create a strong online presence, share your music, engage with your fans, and leverage these platforms to promote your work.

 

• Stay persistent and resilient: The music industry can be tough, and rejection is common. Keep pushing forward, believe in your talent, and never give up on your dreams. Stay true to your unique style and don’t let setbacks discourage you.

 

Becoming a successful musician takes time, effort, and a genuine passion for music. It’s a journey of self-discovery, constant growth, and connecting with people through the universal language of music. If you are willing to put in the work and embrace the challenges, the rewards are immeasurable. So follow your passion, stay dedicated, and let your music shine.