If you’re a musician, music will naturally play a central role in your life. Learning how to take your music to the next level is vital for new and experienced players alike, here’s how.
All musicians are on a unique personal journey, but we all share a common goal of getting the most out of music. This can manifest itself in many different ways, which also means there are several methods for taking your experiences to the next level.
Whether you’re a professional or hobbyist, here are some of the best solutions at your disposal.
Develop Your Playing Style
Whether playing for personal joy or hopes of selling music, becoming a better player should be the priority. There is no greater source of excitement than nailing a song you’ve practised for weeks. Whether it means perfecting the guitar solo in your favourite track or finally hitting every beat, it is a wonderful thing.
Developing your music style could also mean changing your equipment. Or taking inspiration from genres that you wouldn’t normally choose, and changing the pace. Here are some of the most effective ways to open the door to new and improved playing styles;
- Hire a tutor to teach you to master new ways of playing. It is an idea that can be used by pianists, guitarists, drummers, saxophonists, and more. While it is great for novices, intermediate players can benefit from this too. You never stop learning.
- Rent out a new instrument, such as a different brand of guitar, to see how it influences your play. You can combine this step with watching online tutorials to learn a new genre. Jazz drumming for example can be very different to rock.
- Add new equipment to your setup. Singular Sound loop studio, for example, can make your music sound vastly better by having a backing track while playing your music. When looking to achieve a professional sound, it can work wonders.
Do More Than Just Play
Perfecting your playing style can take a lifetime, but will be hugely enjoyable if you do it well. However, even the best guitarist, for example, can only go so far if they do not expand their horizons. One of the most effective ways to do this is to take on more roles as a musician. For starters, you could write your own songs.
Most songwriters will find that their songs are a little basic to begin with. As with playing, though, practice makes perfect. As well as writing music and lyrics, you may look to do more as a musician in the following ways;
- Become a singer too. The great thing about writing your music as well as singing it means that you can tailor it to suit your voice. You may work with a coach on this or take the DIY route to develop your singing style.
- Learn additional instruments so that you can develop a more comprehensive understanding of music. This can significantly aid your songwriting as you’ll visualise the full performance rather than just one instrument.
- Become capable of mixing and completing post-production. Even if you plan to work with a professional later on, the ability to create a demo for yourself will further improve your knowledge. And your engagement with music as a whole.
Team Up With Others
As a singer or a musician, adding more strings to your bow is always beneficial. Still, the only thing better than one musically gifted mind is having several. Forming a band or group with friends or acquaintances can be a wonderful thing. Rehearsals can become a central feature of your social life. You’ll probably find that you socialise in other settings too.
The great thing about working with others is that you each bring new ideas to the table. Your combination of skills and experiences can inspire each other to seek out new opportunities. This could include but not be limited to;
- Playing gigs in the local area. Pubs, new act nights, and local arts festivals are all great options. Aside from the excitement of playing, it may enable you to build a loyal following of local fans. This is how awareness can grow.
- Adding virtual gigs to your repertoire, just like these young pianists did with their virtual events. It is a great way to get your music out to a potentially global audience while you could upload pre-recorded music to remove any anxious feelings.
- Connecting with other bands to further develop your talent and love of music. In addition to becoming a better musician, it is a key step towards gaining maximum joy from your music. Frankly, that’s one of the most vital factors.
Monetise Your Music
Millions of people play music solely for fun, which is fine. But you should never feel guilty about wanting to make some money from your talent, even if it’s only a secondary source of income rather than your main job. The great news is that we live in an era where the opportunities to do this are incredible.
Of course, one option is to make your songs available to buy online with Apple Music and other platforms. However, there are several other ways to make money as a musician in the modern age. Some of the best examples;
- Offer tutoring to beginners. Whether it’s one-to-one sessions or an online course, it’s a great way to earn money from students. Moreover, you’ll be helping the next generation of musicians, which is immensely rewarding in itself.
- Look at merchandising opportunities. Even if you have a small following, print-on-demand t-shirts and products are ideal. You’ll make a little cash while the people wearing your items are spreading the word of your music too.
- Consider paid opportunities as a wedding singer, playing music in TV productions, making radio jingles, and more. The side options will add to your enjoyment and help you develop new skills in the process. It may also build a better network.
The Final Word
If you love music, taking your game to the next level is one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do. Best of all, the rewards can last a lifetime. Rock on.
