The Top 5 Reasons Why People Don't Make It In The Music Business

I've seen it happen over and over again.  Somebody who wants to make it in the music business, become the next singer or musician, who makes a career change or decides that the world of music just "isn't for them."  The truth is that it's really not for very many people at all, most of us just don't realize that.  Admittedly, my reasons for becoming a musician were completely different than the reasons that I am a musician today.  But I had to learn the hard lessons, and in keeping with it, saw a completely different picture than I had painted myself even less than a decade ago. 

I've watched people fall by the wayside for many reasons, but here are the top five, in my opinion, which have people choosing to opt out and find another path in life.

1)  They Lack The Talent
      Now, I'm not a stickler where it comes to being "the best" at what you do, and having to "rise to the top."  That isn't necessary today.  If you have a decent amount of talent and are willing to work hard, you have a fighting chance.  However, there are those who just don't have what it takes.  In their minds, they're much better than they actually are at their craft.  Often, these people aren't willing to practice and study their art well enough to get to a proficient level, and therein lies the problem.  People don't want to hear mediocre talent, and they're not going to remember it when they do. 

2)  They Don't Know What Today's Music Business Is
      The music business has changed dramatically since the birth of the internet.  It's no longer a world in which you must sign on to a major label to survive (In fact, the many who strive to this end and, in my opinion, are usually wasting their time).  This has a been a tremendous help to many up and coming musicians, but it also has it's back draws.  There is much more talent out there to contend with due to the accessibility of the musician in today's world.  That means getting creative and upping your game that much more is essential to stay ahead of your competitors.

3)  They Have Exaggerated Expectations
Some people have what I call a delusion of grandeur, thinking that they're going to make a ton of money as a musician when they "make it big."  They strive for fame, and recognition.  Sorry to say it, but keep dreaming folks.  This is not the life of 99% of the active, working musicians in the world.  To gain recognition, you have to put yourself out there.  And that takes a ton of hard work, something that anyone who is striving to become a musician for the wrong reasons isn't willing to do.  Which brings me to my next point...

4)  They Don't Have The Discipline Or The Motivation
Being a musician takes an intense amount of work, with very little payoff in the beginning.   It's typical for a musician to work every day of the week for hours and hours on end and make nothing.  In addition, because you're self employed, plan to struggle with the cost of carrying your own health care and dealing the the IRS come tax time.  Who doesn't want to wake up and be a rock star?  Sorry, but it takes a lot more blood, sweat and tears than that to make it in this business.

5)  They Aren't Able To Work Under Pressure
It's an intense business.  Deadlines that must be met, marketing, scheduling, practicing, recording and so much more go into the daily life of the working musician.  Many people simply aren't able to hack it.  Instead, they go for the sure bet, and wind up working for someone else.  At a store, or an office.  Which may be a lot less stressful and compensate you immediately, but clearly the passion to be a musician, and to do whatever it takes to succeed,  just wasn't there to begin with.

Donovan Johnson is an internationally recognized New Age pianist and recording artist. His music combines folk, classical and contemporary styles to create a unique sound all it's own, and is available  through many websites and radio stations.  To learn more, visit his website at www.donovanjohnson.net. Or visit his online New Age piano radio station at www.enlightenedpiano.com!