1. So You Wanna Be a Rock Star? WHAT IS IT REALLY LIKE BEING A PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN???

2. What people THINK it’s like being in a band…

3. But first…you have to know a LOT of things…

4. But if you can find all those things…  You could get to this:

5. So let’s start with the basics What will you do? If you like to sing – SING! If you play an instrument, keep playing it! If you want to learn, ASK! Who With? The best music is made by people who agree Bandmates can be friends, or BECOME friends Sometimes, new people bring something amazing to the group. Where? Start at home! Practice…practice…practice!

6. Don’t forget…it’s called the music BUSINESS …SO DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE BUSINESS PART

7. If you have music, you have a product  To deliver the product, you need:  A way to get to the venue (a ride!!)  Instruments (which can cost as little as $20 at a garage sale, or $1000 for a very upscale keyboard or complete drum set)  A way to amplify the product (AKA…a sound system)  PS a Sound System can cost anywhere from $250-$THOUSANDS!!  THEN, if someone wants to hire your band, you need to figure out…  What do we need to bring  When do we need to be there  How long will we play music And then….

8. You have to ask them to pay you  That’s how you become “professional”…you get paid to do it.

9. So, when I was in my first band  I didn’t know the people I was performing with (but they are my best friends now!)  I didn’t own an instrument, but needed to play one  I didn’t own a sound system, but they already did  So…..  I bought a microphone, stand, cable and some percussion instruments  I practiced my parts for several hours at home alone  I practiced 3-5 hours a week with the band  I played 5-8 shows a week

10. What a show day is like  You have to be there at least 3 hours early to set up.  Some things set up quickly, like a keyboard. Some things take an hour, like drums  You have to play for 2-4 hours (and usually there is a 30 minute break)  You have to stay after for at least an hour to break down  THAT’S 6-8 HOURS!  At the end of it…you may walk out with $200 for those 6-8 hours.

11. $200! That’s A BUNCHA MONEY!  Except that it isn’t, if you have to pay for a place to live, food, clothes, etc…which is why many musicians who are professionals also have other jobs

12. So what do you need? LET’S BRAINSTORM A BAND…