Do you have what it takes? Musicians share what you need to make it in the music industry

In today's world, it is extremely difficult to make is as a musician unless you have something to show the world that no-one else does, but like the rest of the population, it doesn't always come so easy. So here are five big tips to help make it in today's music business!

1. Be Optimistic at Every Turn. It’s the only true survival tool you have that you can control. If you start with undying optimism you will be more resistant against the neglect you may feel when first starting out.Trust me, this will be tested!Try not to take things personally, as the barrier to entry in the music business is set incredibly high.There are approximately 80,000 albums released every year, of which Billboard and other associated charts report on a revolving Top 200. That’s 0.25% of the total releases each year that are moving and shaking enough to get on the radar.Still feeling optimistic? Keep reading….

2. Observe Excellence and Be Excellent at Your Craft. This applies to everything you do!It all starts with the music you listen to. Sometimes, society can train us to lower our expectations by convincing us mediocrity is acceptable. It is not. Excellence is at your fingertips, it simply needs to be understood and observed.Study carefully from music teachers who are well versed in music theory and music appreciation. Study those who are successful in music and what they have done.Listen to everything, no matter what the genre, and try to see the beauty in everything that is music, despite your personal preferences.The foundation you lay now with your acceptance and understanding of these basic essentials will define who you will be in your own music career.

3. Be Careful Who You Take Advice From. People often tend to seek advice from those who have been unusually successful. It’s a natural human tendency to do so.But remember, the best advice always comes from those who have failed and are painfully aware of their mistakes.

4. Form a Strong Professional Peer Group as Your Sounding Board. Family and friends are great but they are often too biased to give proper guidance and advice when it comes to your music.Music professionals tend to give more constructive guidance and can set more realistic goals and expectations.Remember: Grandma will most likely love everything you do, no matter what, so don’t take her advice too seriously!

5. Know That No One Simply Gets Up and Puts on Their Famous Pants. The road to success in the music business is never a straight one. By the time an artist breaks into mainstream consciousness there is always a story to tell about how and when it all happened.Unfortunately, the bulk of your new fans will never experience this part of your journey. The illusion is, to the general public, that one day you woke up, wrote a song, and put on your famous pants.Don’t let the long and winding path to your success get you down, it’s totally normal!