| Everyone wants to be famous: live in a mansion, | | | | fallen by the wayside because they were unable to |
| drive a sports car, tour the world in your private | | | | simply show up. Cancelled gigs, forgotten meetings, |
| plane, date a model, float around in the pool while | | | | and missed auditions say to the Musical Powers That |
| collecting royalties for CD sales, and drink beer right | | | | Be, "I'm a huge flake who doesn't think your |
| out of your private tap. But not everyone is aware | | | | opportunity is worth a half-hour of my precious time." |
| that, with any career that has the potential to end in | | | | This is a really bad thing. Entertainment is a small |
| a bounty of riches and beautiful babes, climbing your | | | | town with a huge memory. Don't give people any |
| way to rock stardom is very hard work. | | | | reason to think that you're not the person they want |
| So, how does your average musical genius go from | | | | to work with, give the job to, book for the gig, sign |
| penniless Pop Tart-eater to Lifestyles of the Rich and | | | | to their label, write about, talk about, and help any |
| Famous? How do you move on up from mom's | | | | way they can. Remember there are tens of |
| garage to a deluxe apartment in the sky? What's | | | | thousands of musicians waiting to take your place, so |
| your first baby step on the Yellow Brick Road to | | | | step up to the plate and seize each chance with |
| fame and fortune? That's simple…be | | | | optimism and enthusiasm. |
| committed! | | | | 3.) Take Initiative---Don't wait for opportunities to |
| It sounds silly, but many a musical boat has sailed | | | | come to you. The world is a virtual cornucopia of |
| with a crestfallen unsigned artist standing confused | | | | information, so reach out and nab yourself some |
| on the dock, for lack of nothing else but | | | | chances at stardom. Comb the internet, join music |
| follow-through. Commitment to your deeds and plans | | | | communities, visit open mic nights, take classes and |
| is the single most essential skill towards achieving | | | | workshops…put yourself out there where |
| your goal of Ultimate Superstardom. Entertainment is | | | | there are cool musical happenings and let others |
| a fickle business and chances don't come along every | | | | know that you can be relied upon and want to be |
| day. One missed opportunity now could have spiraled | | | | involved. By going out and seizing your own |
| into dozens even hundreds of opportunities down the | | | | opportunities, you may double, triple, etc. your |
| line. | | | | resources and chances, and expedite your journey to |
| It may be true that talent is a gift you carry with | | | | success. |
| you from birth, but commitment is a learned skill that | | | | 4.) Do The Best Job You Can---As important as it is |
| you need to hone every day. So, how can you make | | | | to show up, it is also essential that you come off |
| sure that you've got what it takes to gather up your | | | | efficient, talented, and professional when faced with |
| supreme musicality and conquer the universe with it | | | | a new opportunity. Being there is half the battle but |
| continuously? | | | | the other half is being the best that you can be and |
| The following are a few tips that may help you to | | | | impressing industry, press, clubs and your fellow |
| make sure that you're truly committing yourself to | | | | musicians enough to make them want you to be |
| your musical career on a daily basis: | | | | involved in anything and everything they do. Make a |
| 1.) Follow Up On All Leads---No matter how | | | | commitment to put on the best live show possible, |
| insignificant they may seem at the time, it's important | | | | to have a terrific CD, to make a professional |
| to follow up on every musical lead that's thrown your | | | | presskit, and to spread the word about your music. |
| way. Letters, calls and emails should be answered | | | | Be punctual, be courteous, be positive and be fun. |
| politely and in a timely fashion. New contacts should | | | | Don't give anyone any reason not to work with you |
| be logged in your address book for future | | | | again and you'll see that it becomes easier and easier |
| correspondence. Opportunities should be taken, | | | | to get what you want for your artistic career. |
| invites accepted, and chances to network relished. By | | | | It really is as easy as simply showing up, following up |
| starting out with just these simple rules you'll watch | | | | and giving it your all. Making it in music is not |
| your resources and mailing list grow. Suddenly you'll | | | | impossible; it's just a lot of elbow grease, a little |
| have music community friends with which to share | | | | organization, a bit of strategy, and the simple |
| your leads and ideas, ask advice, trade experiences, | | | | sculpting of your talent into a marketable commodity. |
| and combine talent and energies. Through these | | | | There are thousands of chances offered every day |
| friends, you'll meet new friends and fans and from | | | | to musicians...reach out and grab them by the handful, |
| them even more new connections. Soon, you'll have | | | | make every opportunity your own, get everything |
| so many opportunities that your concern will change | | | | you want from this business and when you're richer |
| from lack of opportunity to lack of time in the day | | | | than Oprah and more famous than Madonna, |
| to pursue each new chance. | | | | remember that it was you who made it happen. You |
| 2.) Just Show Up---Sounds so simple it's stupid, but | | | | were a pro. You showed up. You committed. |
| you'd be surprised how many talented people have | | | | |