| Make a living doing what you love--it isn't always easy. | | | | But a real life as a musician exists on the Internet. |
| It often seems like everyone hates their job and is a | | | | Building an on-line business is a viable path that can |
| slave to their boss, putting in day after day in | | | | bring in enough money to live a decent life, yet leave |
| anticipation of the weekend and the two-week annual | | | | time to practice and pursue musical options. |
| vacation. | | | | Keys to success on-line include... |
| There is usually a trade-off when someone pursues a | | | | - Start early |
| dream, especially if that dream doesn't involve making | | | | Unlike a job where you get paid every two weeks, a |
| a lot of money. | | | | business takes time to grow. Once it's up and running, |
| Musicians and artists know that situation well. The | | | | you can give it minimal maintenance and it will continue |
| expenses never stop--lessons, instruments, traveling--it | | | | to earn income. |
| costs a lot to pursue a dream that doesn't pay well! | | | | - Choose the right format |
| The opportunities for professional musicians are few, | | | | Don't fall prey to the scammers and hypers. There are |
| and frequently involve teaching children in public | | | | no secrets to success. The principles of business |
| schools. No wonder teachers burn out fast! | | | | success in cyberspace are similar to those in the |
| Yet many musicians cannot imagine a life for | | | | brick-and-mortar world. And most of those principles |
| themselves apart from making music. It's part of their | | | | can be found for free or minimal cost on-line. |
| soul. | | | | - Treat your business like a business, not a hobby |
| After those magic four years in college pretending to | | | | You can't earn an income from an on-line business |
| be a real musician, and possibly another two in | | | | while watching TV or lying on the beach. It will take |
| graduate school, what does real life present to the | | | | work. |
| music major? | | | | - Develop a plan and work it |
| For many, it's a tough road, getting wedding gigs here, | | | | You schedule practice time, work time, and free time. |
| teaching lessons there, possibly a job in a store or an | | | | So schedule business time as well. |
| office. | | | | If you want to be a musician, there's no need to give |
| Military bands are an option some follow. Others head | | | | up that passion. Take hold of the opportunity on the |
| back to college to retrain in a field with bountiful | | | | Internet to support your life, your music, and your |
| employment options. | | | | dreams. |