This article gives indie musicians three starter ideas and tips they should use to begin planning their music careers.

It is often said failing to plan is planning to fail. Yet many in the independent music community choose not to make plans for their own careers. This makes absolutely no sense though! As an independent musician you are literally in competition with millions. Not only that, but you are in direct competitions with artists and companies with literally millions and billions of dollars behind them. These individuals all make plans, so why is it you as an independent musician feels it unnecessary?

The answer to this may not be as simple as one may think. Some Independent artists simply may have never known or even thought to plan things out. How would you plan getting signed to a major label and becoming an international superstar anyway? This is one of the biggest road blocks a musician can hit in trying to create a plan for their music career. Artists usually don’t actually have enough knowledge about the industry itself to create a solid enough plan in the first place. That being said, here is a list of 3 things you as an independent musician should look to do to begin to reach toward that ultimate goal of music career success:

1. Gain more knowledge about music in general and the music business itself. This is an industry that can create massive fame and wealth for a select number of individuals. That is why so many are making serious strides in being in it each and everyday. This is also why you must respect it as such. You wouldn’t look to become a doctor without the necessary training, right? Then why would you even attempt to do so with your so called passion? Get books, attend seminars and conferences, network with everyone you can, train under higher-ups, read articles, subscribe to trade magazines, maybe even look into some college courses. These things will bring you that much closer to your desire and you can start doing most of them right now.

2. Network. This step is easily one of the first steps you must take. Only through networking will you gain access to those you really wish to know as an independent artist. You must know somebody that is in to get into this industry so networking is a must. You must begin to go out and interact with your local scene and continuously reach out to others already doing what it is you are looking to become. They are the gatekeepers to your desires and can cut your timetable and even your learning curve if you make connection with them. As an independent musician it is up to you and not anyone else to make and manage these connections, so realize that in this sense you hold the keys to your networking success.

3. Lastly you will want to begin to formulate a support team. Your support team will eventually be a lawyer (specializing in the music/entertainment industry), a publicist, manager-most important key person, an agent, and possibly an accountant (for tax issues of course). These individuals aren’t all needed right away, but as you move forward, they will definitely move you toward success, that’s their jobs after all. You must however make sure that these individuals are trust worthy and honest. You don’t want to place your career into the hands of someone seedy do you? Of course not!

These are just a few things you as an independent artist must think of while creating your five year music career plan. How you actually go about it is completely up to you though. That’s the beauty and pain of being an independent artist–Everything Is Up To You! Realize the importance of your need to plan though and these numerous decisions as they come along become easier and easier to deal with. If something doesn’t fit into your goals and plans, simply disregard them and refuse to move down that direction. Take these ideas and expand on them and you will soon begin to see the fruits of having your music career plan.

For more education on careers in the music industry, check out: http://www.music-career-guide.com

***