If you’ve been learning an instrument or working on your singing, you’ve probably considered whether you should pursue music as a career. Oftentimes, our families and friends love the fact that we play an instrument, but once we decide to follow music as a career, they’ll often try to discourage us.  Are their objections valid?

Living outside the box

I have been a female musician (guitarist/singer/songwriter) for most of my life. I love the music business. I love musicians and what they represent. They are the thinkers and dreamers of the world. They believe that life doesn’t have to be boring and only about landing a 9-5 job. Musicians are the ones who get out there and make things happen. Musicians and artists live outside the box. They deeply desire to influence people with their gifts.

The call of the wild

I read a novel in high school called the ‘Call of The Wild’. It was about wolves that had been tamed by men, but eventually felt the calling to return back to the forest. I have often drawn a parallel with that theme and the notion of being a musician. Musicians may stray to some other field but they will always have that inner voice compelling them back to their artistry.

For the past 25 years I have been blessed to be full-time in this profession. It hasn’t always been easy. Between my husband and I, we own a recording studio, work at clubs and jazz venues, have taught students, worked on cruise ships… all in order to make a living. When things get tough, I ask myself if I should have chosen a different profession. My answer always comes as a resounding NO!

Even though I haven’t attained great wealth, or own a mansion, I have obtained something much more valuable: creativity and freedom of time. There’s nothing wrong with working in an office if that’s what you chose to do, but it’s just not for me. I’d rather live with a little less luxury than be stuck in a higher paying career I don’t love.

Now everyone thinks different and some people are good at working in a structured environment, but I am not one of those people. Believe me, I have tried it. I’ve been fired around 10 times at jobs ranging from being a waitress to working in retail. I worked for five years in the corporate world in order to purchase a house, but during that time I felt like I was dying inside.

March to the beat of a different drum

A true artist will never be satisfied with the regular life that meets the status quo. We just aren’t built that way. We are the idealists, the visionaries. Our dreams propel us forward against all odds, and often against other people’s advice. Some of us musicians succeed and some fail, but at least we attempt to pursue our passions. And I have noticed that people who drop their passions in life end up losing that spark that comes with youth. As Henry David Thoreau said: “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.”

Should you follow the musician’s path? This is a big question that deserves serious reflection. Ask yourself the following:

a) If I never make it to the big time will I still be content making a living in music?

b) Will my partner be supportive of my choice to pursue music?

c) If I pursue a different career, can I play music part-time and still feel satisfied?

This is for those who are pursuing a solo career: How much time will I allot to make it in the music biz before I consider pursuing it part-time or dropping it completely.

What am I willing to sacrifice to pursue my dreams? What am I not willing to sacrifice?

These questions will take time to answer and require real soul-searching. The important thing is to always be honest with yourself. Perhaps music is simply something you love to do and don’t mind doing it part-time. But maybe you have “caught the bug” as we say, and feel you can’t live without going after it big time.

“A prudent question is one half of wisdom”
– Francis Bacon

Only you can make that decision. Look around at the other musicians in your surroundings and see if you like their lifestyle. Better yet, ask them how it’s going for them. If you’re still pumped even after you’ve heard some gruesome stories from the trenches, maybe it’s time for you to take the plunge.

Today’s Quote:

Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart …
Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.

– Carl Jung Psychologist 1875 – 1961