Get unstuck: how to re-evaluate and move your music career forward

It’s easy to get bogged down and feel stuck in your music career. The industry is ever-changing, and it can be hard to keep up. Maybe you’ve been doing the same thing for a while, and it’s not working out, or maybe you’re just not sure what the next step is. Either way, it’s important to take some time periodically to re-evaluate your situation and make sure you’re still on track to reach your goals.

Here are a few tips on how to re-evaluate and jumpstart your music career:

1. Take a look inward & set some new goals

2. Start networking more

3. Discover new ways to earn an income

4. Reach out for help

5. Don’t give up

If you’re feeling stagnant, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many musicians find themselves in this position at some point in their careers. The good news is that there are things you can do to get yourself moving again. This blog post will discuss how to re-evaluate your music career and move forward with confidence!

1. Take a look inward & set some new goals

Goal setting for musicians is an important first step in any career transition. By taking a close look at your current situation and setting some goals, you can better understand where you want to be and what you need to do to get there.

Think about your long-term goals and what you want to achieve in your music career. Do you want to become a professional musician? Start your own band? Or make some extra money on the side? Once you have a goal in mind, you can start making a plan to achieve it.

Journaling or writing down your goals can be a perfect way to get some clarity. Ask yourself what the main reasons you feel stuck may be. Is it because you’re not getting enough gigs? Or is it because you’re not making enough money from your music? Once you understand the reasons you’re feeling stuck, you can start to look for (and plan) solutions.

2. Start networking more

Networking is an important part of any successful music career. It can help you meet new people, learn about new opportunities, and get your foot in the door. If you’re not doing it already, start making an effort to network more. Attend industry events, join online communities, or even just reach out to people you know in the music business.

Utilizing business cards and promo CDs are great ways to make sure people remember you after meeting you. You can also create an online presence by setting up a website or social media accounts.

By networking more, you’ll be able to meet new people and learn about new opportunities that can help you move your career forward. For networking tips and tricks, there are plenty of books and other literature out there to help you become a master networker in no time.

3. Discover new ways to earn an income

The music industry & music industry jobs are both constantly changing, and new opportunities are always popping up. If you’re not making enough money from your current situation, start looking for other ways to earn an income.

There are many different ways to make money as a musician. You can gig more, sell merchandise, or even teach music lessons. If you’re creative, there are endless possibilities. The important thing is thinking outside the box and exploring new avenues.

4. Reach out for help

If you’re feeling lost, don’t be afraid to seek help from friends, family, or even professionals. It can be helpful to talk to someone who has been through a similar situation or who knows more about the music industry.

There are also many organizations and resources available to help musicians. The American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) is a great resource for independent artists. They offer educational programs, networking opportunities, and more.

Join a local music community or online forum and get advice from other musicians who have been in your shoes. For a more personalized approach, you can also hire a music career coach or manager like Ten East Ten West Artist Management to help you develop a plan and take actionable steps towards achieving your goals.

5. Most Importantly: Don’t give up

No matter how lost or stuck you feel, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Many musicians have been in your situation before and have gone on to have successful careers.

Persistence is key in the music industry. If you keep working hard and networking, the right opportunities will eventually come your way. So don’t get discouraged and never give up on your dreams!

Final Thoughts

The music industry is constantly changing, so it’s important to be adaptable and willing to learn new things. If you’re feeling stuck, use this as an opportunity to re-evaluate your goals and make a plan to move forward. And most importantly, don’t give up on your dreams. With hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

Have you ever felt stuck in your music career? What tips would you add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Sources

● Amazon: Paperage Recycled Dotted Journal Notebook
● Amazon: The Next Right Goal
● Amazon: Lined Paper Refill Notebook
● Amazon: The Working Musician’s Handbook for Professional Success
● American Association of Independent Music: Home
● Ten East Ten West: Blog
● Music Business Insider: Spotify Career Advice Platform
● Shopify: 6 Ways to Make Money as a Musician