the living's Music Biz Information Page

This page is dedicated to our fellow musicians and bands who share a similar goal with us - to "make it" in the music business. We hope that the information on this page can be useful and informative in helping you achieve this goal. Why would we help the "competition"? - - Why not? In the end the only thing that matters is the music.

All that we ask for is your help in spreading our word. If you find anything useful, pass it on and let others know where you found the info (a link to this page would be totally kewl!). You could also sign our guestbook and let us know if this info was helpful or feel free to share any info regarding any of the topics we cover (or don't cover, for that matter).

We'll try to update this page on a weekly basis to get on some sort of a schedule, so visit often! If there is a topic you would like to see covered, please e-mail it to us, and we'll see what we can do. Anything on this page is from our experience and research; all sources will be credited and we encourage you to check them out as they will cover any discussed topics in greater detail. So there.

Good luck! (peace!) - the living

First topic:

Goals

Okay, so you're reading this page, the living's Music Biz Information Page, so that allows us to assume a couple of things. 1)You are somehow involved with music and 2) you also desire to achieve something beyond just playing music. Well, what is it that are you looking to do? As you think about this, let me point out that what you are doing right now is assessing your goals. This is a necessary first step in anything that you *plan* to do. Wait a second... what was that word - PLAN? - We'll get back to that later. Back to this goals thing...

Think back to any achievements you have made this far. Whether it be learning a tough guitar solo, expanding your vocal range, getting through a long wedding gig, or even buying a piece of gear. All of these achievements would not have occurred without first setting the goal. At this point, regarding the music business, you may need to ask yourself:

  1. What do I want to gain by doing music? Money? Fame? To help others?
  2. To what extent do I want to take my goal? How much money/fame/adoration/helping is enough?
  3. What profession would I like to be involved with? Music Education? Production? Engineering? Performance?
  4. To which region or extent should my goal reach? Local? Statewide? Nationwide? International?

As you ask yourself this very important questions, keep in mind that this is the seed of your future. Don't worry if the answers don't immediately "pop" into your head - if they do, then great. Some have to (and should) think things through very thoroughly. Also, don't be afraid to brainstorm or daydream about the life you want to lead and the achievements you want to make - this is basically a requirement in assessing your goals and desires.

*Now the most important thing in this process that can't be stressed enough is that you WRITE DOWN EVERYTHING THAT COMES INTO YOUR HEAD. The process of committing your goals to paper and looking at it EVERY DAY will condition your mind and subconscious to focus on achieving that goal.

Some highly suggested reading that was referred to me by jazz trumpeter Jimmy Owens as well as some Wall Street bankers is the book Think And Grow Rich! by Napolean Hill. This is a small paperback and should only cost about five bucks but is well worth checking out.

Now do a little daydreaming and WRITE DOWN THOSE GOALS!!

Updated October 17th, 1997 (c)Saggie Maggie Productions

Be sure to check back soon. We'll do our best to keep this updated weekly!

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