Expert: Terrance Copley - 9/29/2007

Question
Terrance,

I am a sophomore at the University of Central Florida, and I have an immense love for music. I have been playing piano since I was eight years old, and I have been teaching myself to play the guitar for about a year now. I took piano lessons for a while, but then I began teaching myself more advanced techniques. I started writing songs a few years ago, and have amassed a nice little collection. I am not very good at reading music, but I can play almost anything, in any style. I was wondering if you could give me some advice on how to become a professional musician. I am interested in song writing, or even just being a piano player for hire. I have alot of talent, I just need a little guidance in directing that talent into something worthwhile. Any advice you have is appreciated. Thank you for your time!

Answer
hey josh....great question and sorry it took so long to get back to you. all of us in  The Catz in the Hatz band play by ear...a good thing. oh..we cant read music either !

LOTS AND LOTS OF LOCAL PRESS FIRST...
PLAY AT LEAST 4 TIMES A MONTH OR MAYBE 2
DO SOME BENEFIT SHOW
START WITH YOUR TOWN THEN TRAVEL THE COUNTY, THE STATE ECT.
TOURING GETS YOU DISCOVERED
UPLOAD YOUR MUSIC ECT ON EVERY MUSIC WEBPAGE YOU CAN (GOOGLE " FREE WEBSITES FOR MUSICIANS")
SELL YOUR CD AT CD BABY
LIST WITH WWW.MUSICSUBMIT.COM AND RADIODIRECTX.COM. THEY WILL GET YOU THE RADIO PLAY.
HERE IS E-JAMS SITE FOR EXAMPLE :Attention Record Executives and Aspiring Artists
If you are looking for a recording contract, eJams can help. We are constantly receiving information from record companies, looking for new talent to sign. Many of these same companies frequently check this site for potential recording artists. If you are waiting for your big break you need to be listed on this page.

If you are a record company executive, we welcome you. Please bookmark this page and visit often. There are many talented individuals listed on this page who are one song away from becoming a major recording artist. Many of the artist listed have demo tapes and are willing to do whatever it takes to make it in the music business.

Our Services Include:
Customizing a web page for you, featuring your music and bio, and linking it to eJams
Adding your contact name and email address to this page
Booking Shows
Featuring your CD in our album review section
Sharing inside information about record companies looking for talent
Email consultations for unsigned acts
DONT BE A CLONE TO WHATS ALREADY OUT THERE ON THE CHARTS....BE /SOUND AND LOOK DIFFERENT
LIST YOUR GOALS FOR THE FIRST YEAR ONLY
ASSIGN EACH BANDMEMBER A JOB ( ONE DOES PRESS, ONE LINES UP GIGS, ONE DOES BUISNESS ECT)
GET A STREET TEAM TOGETHWER IN YOUR HOME TOWN TO PUT OF POSTERS A WEEK BEFORE YOU PLAY...ALL OVER TOWN. BE SURE TO TAKE THEM BACK DOWN AFTER THE GIG OR YOUR NAME WILL BE TRASH.
TRY YOUR LOCAL RADIO FIRST IF ITS THE TYPE OF MUSIC YOU/THEY PLAY.
MYSPACE !!!!!!!!
IF YOU DONT DO THIS....YOUR NUTS !
REMEMBER, YOUR SELLING A PRODUCT. RIGHT NOW, YOU LOOK LIKE EVERY OTHER CAN OF CORN ON THE SHELF.......BE DIFFRENT
READ....THE BUISNESS OF MUSIC, MARKETING AND PROMOTION ( GET IT FROM THE LIBRARY)
IF YOU WORK AND WORK AT THIS DOING SOMTHING EVERYDAY, YOU WILL BE LIKE US...WE STARTED THE SAME WAY AND 4 YEARS LATER (NOW), WE ARE UP FOR A JAZZ GRAMMY.


most important to do........GOOGLE ' "How to become a pro musician" and you will be amazed athow many sites there are dedicated to this.

GOOD LUCK,

TERRY