The music business???????

Question

Ok, I am 17. I have a high school diploma. And like everyone else my dream is to become famous or do anything with music. Music is my life. My question is would anyone even hire someone who is 17? Do they require college?

If it matters I play guitar and drums and some piano

Answer 1

It really depends on what area you're planning on going into. If you plan on being famous by means of your guitar, drums, and piano skills then skill is all you need to succeed. If you plan on going into a more stable area of the music business then most companies hiring will be looking for someone with a degree of some sort.

Many companies will want someone who has at least some experience in the music field, a degree helps get you through the door. While it's easy to show up and say "hey I have some skill hire me" often times they want someone who is business savvy and well educated. Music isn't all about fame, there is a lot of difficult serious issues that coincide with it.

The best advice I can give you is to get a degree majoring in communications or public relations and minoring in music. Courses in those degrees will give you a great deal of knowledge that would take you decades to acquire on your own. The music biz is all about who you know so in the mean time put in the work on the streets promoting yourself and creating some networks. That way when you shoot for the stars you have plenty of references, knowledge, and connections for that job of your dreams.

Answer 2

it depends on what you want to do.  You have to already have some pretty great connections to do anything but intern when you're seventeen.  If you're trying to become a musician, go to a music conservatory,  if you're trying to be a producer, business school,  if you're trying to be a talent scout, intern at a label,  it's all in the connections you have.  You need to do a lot of networking.  Some routes are easier than others.  Some of the best places to get your music out there are austin, chicago, and portland.  Some of the best places to get into the business I guess would be L.A. and N.Y.  Good luck, and try not to sell your soul for money and fame.  There are still people out there who need help.  Become a musician for yourself and get a job that will help others.

Answer 3

you should try to go to several of those music competitions where people vote. i forget what they're called... OH YES. Battle of the Bands.

NOT american idol. but i guess that wouldn't be a bad idea either..

and if you win top 20 or something, then you might have a chance..

but music business is very competitive. good luck!