Archive for June, 2009

Careers in the Music Industry

Monday, June 1st, 2009
Ty Cohen asked:


There are tons of other jobs in the music industry besides being a musician. It is often found that these jobs are less commonly discussed. Obviously now everyone in the music industry is an artist or performer. Maybe you don’t play but love music and a career in the industry is really what you desire. Or maybe you do play but would rather be a professional. Let’s discuss these other roles and what they involve.

Music contacts in the industry are vital no matter which field you want to explore. Not everyone is an independent artist or someone trying to get signed. Have you ever heard of a music promoter? This job is exactly as it sounds because it involves promoting or publicizing concerts and shows. In this field, one will work will managers, bands, clubs, venues and agents. If marketing, promoting and negotiating are you skills, then this position might be for you.

Music agents or booking agents are another role played in the music industry. These guys work directly with musicians that are signed or involved in independent music. Agents act as liaisons between clubs, venues, promoters and record labels and the artists themselves.

Maybe management is your milieu. If this is the case then a band or artist manager position may be in your future. A manager would send out demos or press kits, book gigs, invites labels to shows, book studio time and budget for the band. Managers are almost always contracted and make a percentage of what the band pulls in.

Does an A&R position interest you? People who love music and want to scout out the next big thing often work in the A& R field. A&R people have a tough and busy job. They have to deal with artist of every level of talent, listen to piles of demo tapes and attend thousands of shows. But, if that sounds like a great time to you, then A&R might be your calling.

The music industry is fast and piping hot. You don’t have to be involved with independent music or searching for a record deal to be considered part of the music industry hopefuls. In addition to the above jobs, there are hundreds of others. Pick a field, do an internship if possible, find out what aspect you love and make tons of music contacts. This is the best way to break into the music industry. But most of all, have fun while doing it and hopefully you will find the career of your dreams.



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Promoting Your Music

Monday, June 1st, 2009
Veronica Lane asked:


Obviously the days of the demo tape seem as distant as the gramophone but when it comes to promoting your music you’ll be spending more time at your computer then anything else. When promoting your music you will be competing against thousands of others who are just like you, trying to make it big. If you and or your band are looking to generate interest, the first thing to do is make sure you have a tight unit dedicated to promoting your music . Knowing just how to promote your music will determine the difference between you playing in a “so-so” or even terrible venue or the place that you really had your eyes set on performing at.

The choices that you make when trying to promote your music will ultimately prove whether or not your career will soar or plummet, because the most important reason for promoting your music is to attract potential fans. In doing so, the future of your music career will either be you playing for packed crowds or playing for smaller, obscure groups. When deciding to promote your music, there are four possible words of advice to follow. Firstly, keep tabs on your image. The face of you yourself or your group will largely play out how successful you will be among possible fans. When promoting your music , image is not just important for fans to see but also for potential record companies. By setting yourself out there as a good group to work with, recording companies will be more prone to choose your group, because they can see the potential for a good working relationship and sales from a group who really strives to promote a good and inviting image of themselves.

A recording company will tend to have much more confidence in a group that is self-aware of their image. Secondly, mailing lists are extremely important in promoting your music , because this is the way that you can get your music to all the important people that you need to. Keeping some level of organization in your own music business can ensure better success in the long run. Promoting your music involves getting the general public to play a role through radio, television, newspaper, magazines, or billboards and signs. The media will help you to get your music and the name and image of your group out on the circuit. Then, when you begin to get more of the media’s support, you will more likely be able to be taken seriously as a group promoting your music .

Finally and most importantly when promoting your music , you must establish a group of people dedicated, knowledgeable, and supportive of your group, who is willing to get the word out about your group on the streets so to speak. “Word of mouth” is absolutely crucial when deciding to promote your music . Having an actual group of people within the your business will bridge the gap between regular fans who want to follow you and listen to your music and those who want record, sell, and advertise your group and music. By taking note of these few words of advise, you and your group will be able to effectively and knowingly be able to properly promote your music .



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How to Sell Your Music Online - 7 Powerful Secrets

Monday, June 1st, 2009
John Paul Essiam asked:


I believe to sell your music online is one of the smartest decisions you’ll ever make. The internet allows anyone to reach a wide audience, sometimes very quickly.

 

When you promote your music online there are two things you must focus on;

* getting people to come to your website (traffic)

* building relationships with your fans

 

Persistence pays, you know. Use these simple strategies and start immediately on the road to success.

 

1) The most important ’secret’

 

Build your mailing list!

Most people don’t realise the power of a mailing list. A properly built and managed list, alone, can lead you to money and exposure!

 

Imagine what you could do with email addresses of thousands of fans…

 

2) Use YouTube and other video sites

 

Video hosting sites can give you quite a bit of exposure. If you want quick results however, you could try covering current hits.

 

You may not like it but some artists get millions of views this way. Also use websites like Tubemogul.com to submit to all major video sites at once.

 

3) Build your fan base before releasing you album

 

If you already have an album out, that’s fine, but I strongly recommend this approach: develop a strong relationship with your fans first.

 

That way you will save yourself a lot of disappointment. I know too many artists who spend a lot of money on recording and have nobody who wants to buy their CD…

 

4) List your album on CD Baby

 

The cool thing about CD baby is most of the visitors are there to buy CDs!

 

If you sell a good number of your CDs in a short time, you could get featured on their front page, giving you further exposure!

 

CD Baby is the best place on the internet to sell your music.

 

5) This secret could get you thousands of fans

 

If you can build a website with stuff your fans are interested in you could potentially gain thousands of fans!

 

Even business are using this strategy now. Content based websites can also make you quite a bit of money - which is another plus.

 

6) Play live… from your home!

 

If you have access to a webcam you could organise a concert and get your fans to watch it on their PCs.

 

The best thing is you could do it for free. Visit Mogulus.com and find out how you could set up a show for the whole world to watch.

 

7) Write articles

 

I know it sounds funny but hear me out. The way you (and thousands of others) got to know me by reading this article, this same way, new fans can get to meet you.

 

Article marketing is a really powerful way of getting new fans, who could end up buying your music

 

Promoting your music on the internet is not difficult. You too can sell your music online.

 

There are even more strategies out there. Remember to keep learning - the internet keeps changing. But most importantly; focus on satisfying your fan base and they will treat you good as well.

 



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What to Include on Your Music Promotion Website

Monday, June 1st, 2009
Ty Cohen asked:


One of the powerful tools you can have as when attempting independent music promotion is a website. This is a given. There is absolutely no excuse for a musician, in this day and age, to not have a website. You website is how you will reach the world. This is how you will market yourself to every single person you come in contact with. The internet and your website will be two of the most powerful music promotion resources you will have.

If you are sold on the idea of online music promotion and are ready to start your site but don’t know what to include, then you have come to the right place. It is crucial that you properly design your site and include all the correct information. You want to be as creative and stylish as possible, all the while staying true to who you are and what your music is about.

Other independent artists are making a killer living online selling their music and merchandise and so should you. Independent music promotion on your website will be best achieved if all the right information is displayed. You online music promotion success depends on it.

First, you need to add all of your contact information onto your site. This includes all phone numbers, email addresses, mailing address etc…In addition to this, you are going to need a bio of you or your band. Remember, with independent music promotion, you have no one else to rely on so try to be as thorough as possible.

Do you have any press releases, reviews or customer testimonials? If you do, incorporate these. It will let your future fans know that you presently have happy, committed fans. And of course you are going to need an upcoming schedule of some sort so your fans know where to go to hear you.

One of the most powerful music promotion resources you can acquire is an email list. With this list you can keep your fans up to date on the latest news and happenings with you or your band.

Lastly, you have your sounds and sights. Post some photos or video clips from live events. Action photos are always great so if you don’t have some, get some. Include downloadable sound clips from your CDs, this will entice folks to want more. And the best part, place your CDs, MP3 tunes and merchandise for sale! Incorporate all of the above things into your site and you will no doubt be an online music promotion success.



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Music Teaching Resources Advance Strategies More Effectively

Monday, June 1st, 2009
Music Teacher asked:


Being a music teacher can be a challenging task. It involves a dose of time and effort to be spent on research, enhancement and upgrade in terms of your teaching strategies and methods. Since teaching and learning are both dynamic in nature, you as an educator must know how to advance your music teaching resources and techniques so as to become efficient and effective at all times.

In this article, you would be informed and updated with the latest resources and strategies on music teaching – suitable for all students from different walks of life. This also includes their corresponding benefits, advantages and corresponding approaches. Here they are:

Brainstorming among Students

This is a process that is designed for generating multiple ideas/options in which judgment is suspended until a maximum number of ideas have been made. Following generation of ideas, options are typically analyzed; the best solution is identified; and, a plan of action is developed.

Its advantages include:

* the active involvement of learners in higher levels of thinking;

* the promotion of peer learning and critical thinking; and,

* the creation of synergy, teamwork and cooperation.

To meet their sets of objectives, music teachers must use methods that would stimulate thinking, creativity, inquiry, and consensus. They should also provide clear instructions on how the process exactly works – ensuring that all students adhere to the rules.

Computer Simulation

In this context, such specific and practical examination, procedural training and data interpretation skills in realistic situations through the use of highly realistic computerized dummies and multimedia are utilized and applied accordingly to further teach particular music lessons.

Advantages of computer simulation are the following:

* Students can portray realistic situations, provide immediate feedback and inquiry, and most of all, can make use of such learning and acquisition in real life experiences.

* This also allows the learners to stay focused on such topic – eliminating irrelevant and unnecessary aspects.

Music educators must choose learning objectives that involve hands-on experience that can allow the students to have direct control and access to music technology. However, the faculty must be trained and equipped with such simulation skills so as to instruct the learners correspondingly and facilitate experiences and feedbacks accordingly.

Interactive Demonstrations and Games

These strategies pave way to activities where learners can observe how they are being done and administered in preparation to practical application. These may involve competitions, participations, drills and feedbacks into the learning experience as a motivating factor and a ground for application of principles.

It is really beneficial to both music educators and students to integrate such demo and games in the learning process. These help boost their self-confidence and broaden their attention span – targeting questions and answers. Such techniques also actively involve learners, regenerate motivation, provide challenges and express oneself while creating a fun learning environment.

These may be just some of the many effective music teachers’ resources and teaching strategies that are readily available online to help all music educators around the globe spread this message: Learning music is a rewarding and fun experience that can change and touch lives.



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Independent Music Promotion Ideas

Monday, June 1st, 2009
Ty Cohen asked:


If you are an independent musician, then I know that coming up with great music promotion ideas is one of your main goals. Gone are the days where musicians and artists have to rely solely on record deals to make the big bucks. With the rise of online music promotion on the Internet, the possibilities are literally limitless.

One of the most effective ways to market yourself and your music is through a website. But, the trick is driving traffic to that site. Fortunately, through the use of search engine optimization, this is not an impossible music promotion idea. Using keywords and title tags throughout your site will definitely help you achieve these results. Get your link out there. Post it on your MySpace page, your friend’s pages and exchange with other bands.

Another way to achieve this is by placing your music for sale on sites that cater to independent artists trying to maximize their online music promotion exposure. These sites list your CDs for sale and end up giving you a pretty fat chunk of the profits. This is a relatively new music promotion idea but quite a few artists are reaping the benefits. Remember, this is in addition to offering your music for sale on your site.

When making your CDs, include a barcode on the package. This way, you can offer local music stores the opportunity to sell your album. Local music stores tend to be particularly favorable to Indie musicians from their area. Independent music promotion doesn’t have to be difficult, you just need creativity and the drive to succeed.

You should also look into getting a MySpace page. MySpace music is a powerful tool for unsigned artists and independent music promotion. You gain maximum exposure and it will cost you absolutely nothing at all. You can’t beat that!

Include your web address on every piece of material that goes out. This will ensure people get the word about your site. Your website will be your connection to the world around you. Keep it current and up to date, no matter what. Keep it interesting and constantly changing. No one wants to constantly visit a monotonous site.

Independent music promotion has been proven a successful path for artists to take. If your ultimate goal is to get signed then will hard work and dedication it will happen. Implement the above techniques into your online music promotion routine and you will be on the track to raking in profits and hopefully fame and fortune! Keep in mind that you are always learning. Don’t be afraid to seek help for problem areas but most importantly, stay positive!



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Music Promotional Ideas: An Email List

Monday, June 1st, 2009
Ty Cohen asked:


What is the use for a website if no one ever comes to it? There is no use for one. People keep telling you to get a site and get a page, do this and do that. But one of the most important things you can do for your site and for your music is build a solid, opt-in email list because it will be one of your best musician resources.

First of all, what is an opt-in list? Well, it is exactly as it sounds. It is a list of email addresses that you have collected by having people choose join the list. And really, they are a part of a growing list of fabulous music promotional ideas. This list needs to be a priority to you and needs to constantly grow in order for it to be successful.

Let’s say you want to let all your fans know that you have an upcoming show or that you are releasing a new album. Well, bam! If you already have your opt-in list up and going then all you have to do is create the PR or announcement and hit send. In five seconds you have just reached every single one of your fans on the list. If you have been searching for ideas on how to promote your CD then you have found your new tool.

So, how do I build this list? That’s an easy answer. You need to designate a spot on your page where people can sign up with they visit your site. Collect as much information as possible so you can personalize emails if needed. You can also have people put there email addresses on pieces of paper at your gig. Ask existing friends and fans to forward your emails to other friends that may be interested in hearing from you. Your fans will always know how to promote your CD.

You can also get people to your site to opt-in by offering free stuff. I mean, who can say no to free stuff? Since you aren’t a millionaire…yet, you can offer free MP3 downloads of your songs or other creative, low cost things such as posters or pictures. Just be creative with your music promotional ideas. If you get the people to your site then you have won half the battle.

The Internet is your gateway to success. And building an opt-in list will bring you one step closer to that success. Keep your fans informed with newsletters, freebies, show schedules and album release dates. Put a music player on your site as well so your fans can listen to your tunes with surfing the net. Just remember to always keep up with your list and personalize your emails as much as possible to keep it real.



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Music Promotion Using Viral Marketing And Old Fashioned Word Of Mouth. More Plays And Views

Monday, June 1st, 2009
Clive Calvin asked:


Promotion, promotion, promotion is the main thing you have to keep in mind as you attempt to make yourself and your songs known to the world. Simply having a Myspace and playing at a few local scenes is not going to make you famous. Sure, you’ve sold a handful of CDs, you have a moderate amount of friends on Myspace, and your mom loves what you do, but the goal is to get more attention especially important attention from music executives. To achieve this attention takes promotion of your site.

Myspace is the premier social networking site on the web but using it alone will not draw the required attention to your page. If you notice that you are not receiving the amount of plays for your songs that you were hoping and that your page is quickly going the way of the dinosaurs, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Be proactive and tenacious.

Promotional campaigns are important for your goal of being a recognized and possibly famous musician. Myspace is a way of promoting your music for free and this is why so many struggling musicians choose this method, the same is true for Facebook and Youtube. You are able to reach a large number of people, who may become fans, for free everyday. However, without additional help how are people going to know that you even have anything to promote? This is where word of mouth and viral marketing comes into play.

Word of mouth marketing has been around since our ancestors had items to barter. This is a time tested and trusted method used by large companies, corporations, and professional musicians. Take a moment and think about how you heard about some of your favorite musicians? Was it through the radio, TV, the internet, or was it from a friend who told you about them?

Word of mouth is a frequently the way news spreads about musicians and bands. You may have heard a bands name, but usually it wont be until a friend vouches for the band that you will give them a listen. This is how word of mouth works and how it can be used to work in your favor.

Some view this method as old fashioned with the introduction of the internet and advertising methods used there; however word of mouth will never fall into disuse as long as people continue to recommend, and talk about items, musicians, and other subjects of interest.

On the internet word of mouth is referred to as viral marketing and basically works the same way. Blogs, social networking sites, and other places such as forums all work to spread recommendations and news about a variety of items.

Both word of mouth and viral marketing work on the concept that if one person tells another person and that person tells two more people and so on then soon enough people will know about that object of subject to make an impact. This can work in your favor when it comes to your music.

You should ask your friends to mention your band and music to their friends, and tell as many people as you can that you have a new song out and where it can be found and how great it is. Post about it on blogs, forums, and use other sites like Youtube and Facebook to help spread the word and you will be very pleased with the results.

A great way to help entice people to come to your site is by mentioning how many plays you have for your songs. This will convince people that your songs are worth the time and all the buzz surrounding them is dead on. The dilemma is that if you do not have a solid fan base yet, or if your songs play counts are not as impressive as you would like, then you will not be able to use those figures to entice anyone.

Promotional tools are a great way of boosting play counts which will help gain fans, attention, and make heads turn. Back up claims of popular songs by actually having solid and impressive figures.

More plays and views adds an edge to your word of mouth and viral marketing efforts.

Once you are receiving a sufficient amount of traffic to your site, you will have to keep people coming back for more by updating your page, uploading new songs, and keeping up with the current information and be sure to never stop promoting.



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