I want to be a musician?

Question:

I want to be a musician?

So I have been told a lot throughout my life that I am a good singer. I myself always thought so, but you know how everyone thinks they are great lol But anyway I also used to play piano and I want to take it up again as well. If I tooks singing and piano lessons and became pretty good where would I start if I wanted to sing and play for people? Im not looking to be famous or anything, just kind of like a side thing. I would even join a band or something. Any ideas?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: There are definently a few options for you, and they are all good routes, and combined you could go far! Maybe not become famous, but make a decent name for yourself locally. First off, like you said take lessons! Vocal lessons could get expensive, but you could find a decent piano teacher for 15 bucks/half hour. The standard is usually 30 per half hour, and those with masters/doctorates generally charge 50 +. The best option is to find a music major at a near by university. Many music students choose to give lessons as their side job to help build a resume and pay their way through their undergraduate degrees.

Next, as already said, join a church choir! You may not be religious, and I'm not, but I've considered it many times. Almost every church has a choir. Also look for local organizations in your newspaper or community guide, such a city choirs, acapella groups, etc. This is a great way to perform with other musicians possibly better than yourself, and challenging yourself to meet those standards will improve your singing in the long run!

Finally, take vocal classes or piano classes, or music theory classes at a local community college. This will give you music reading skills, help choosing reportaire, and technique. They are also generally cheaper than doing private lessons if you take a vocal/piano class...however you will be at the same level as others regardless of your expertise! This is a good way to meet serious musicians and form a bond! Also, community colleges are really cheap so it won't make a huge dent in your wallet. You will also find ensembles, choirs, and big bands. Also, don't be put off by your age if you are older/younger: A lot of the music students that were at my community college were older, 40's, and I met people who were doing dual-enrollment in high school. There were also a lot of kids my age, actual college age. Source(s):
Vocal major Try starting with 'open mic' nights. In most cities there are several places that allow amateur musicians to come up on stage and play a few tunes.

Joining a band is also a good way to get into it, depending on what style of music your are interested in. Its a good way to stay motivated and have fun. Ask around. Go to a local church or a school. Make a video and put it on youtube....I found one of the greatest classical guitarist that I've ever heard on youtube....all who hear him are trying to convince him to make a Cd....if your good the people will notice....and who knows what agent may be looking at these videos. Singers are a dime a dozen as you probably already know...you have to have that special something....I'm sure that you watch American Idol....well look at all the great singers on there who don't make it.....I guess if it's your time, and your at the right place....who knows. So put something on youtube and see what kind of feed back that you get....and believe me you'll get all kinds of opinions....but it will give you some kind of idea of what people think of your talent !!!! Also play any charity event, or if there's a talent show in your area give that a try..... Good luck to you....if it's meant to be you'll make it. It's a nice idyllic goal but the live music scene is often populated with boozers, guy-sluts and drug addicts.

Sad but true.

If you pursue your talent, make sure you keep a good head on your shoulders. Awesome question. I have been a musician for over 10 years now. Crazy! You should practice some more and start writing songs. If you have a talent at songwriting, you can record a few songs, market your music, and look at cafe's in your town that have open mic nights, etc. and sign up to perform. You can even put your recordings up on the internet and see what people think of them. I hate to say it, but... myspace is great for that. It's great that you have a realistic view about this industry. You can't aim to be famous, just do what you love! If you are int he NYC area, I can recommend a few people for music lessons, or even for recording you if you ever get to that point. Keep practicing and good luck! As just a side thing its a good idea. Make sure you have enough time in your life right now to set aside time to practice. I'm not sure where you live but try and find a teacher that has a degree in performance. Make sure your teacher gives you tons of technique/etude pieces, no matter how good you are there is always different and new techniques.

Sorry thats the best I can answer, I'm a violinist and I don't really know that much about vocal/piano.