5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Pursuing Music

Making music has been one of the most rewarding, challenging, and fulfilling journeys of my life. When I first started out, I was naïve about the realities of pursuing music professionally. I would've saved myself a lot of mental breakdowns had I given myself more grace and reminded myself of the tips mentioned below.

Hi! I'm Cassie and I am a content creator who makes clarinet covers of some of my favorite video games and anime OSTs! I have studied clarinet for roughly over 17 years and have 2 degrees in music. Music is a great outlet for creativity, however, the schooling is very rigorous and unrelenting.

1. No One Path is the Same

When I began, I assumed the path to success was straightforward - go to music school, teach music, perform, get discovered, etc. But there is no set formula or timeline. Every musician's journey is unique. Don't get discouraged if your path doesn't look like someone else's. Stay true to your vision and trust the process.

2. It's Okay to Work Elsewhere to Sustain Your Lifestyle and Passion

Making a career solely from music takes time. Having a day job or side hustle to pay the bills is completely normal when you're trying to figure out how to embrace your passion while also trying to be fiscally responsible. I used to think working another job meant I wasn't serious about music, or that I had “copped out.” At the end of the day, it’s your life and you get to choose how you live it, and how you can find your own ways to love and create music.

3. Every Connection You Have is Important

Something I have learned through observation throughout my musical career is that almost everyone you meet can intersect with you later in life and can often impact your career in some way. You never know who someone might introduce you to down the road. It is very likely that one of your former colleagues will either become someone famous, or personally knows and/or works with someone famous. Nurture genuine relationships - not just useful ones. You never know what opportunities connections can brings. Plus, it’s just really cool that most people on this planet can connect with you through music in some way.

4. Putting Myself Out There

I was afraid of putting out music until I thought it was "perfect." But nothing ever will be. You have to start somewhere and trust you will progress over time. Now I focus less on chasing perfection and more on taking risks and developing my voice.

5. Don't Wait for Opportunities to Come Your Way, And Just Go For It

Early on I expected opportunities to fall into my lap. The reality is you have to put yourself out there relentlessly. Don't be afraid to reach out to blogs, labels, venues - whoever aligns with your music. Be your own advocate. Opportunities favor the bold. Making music requires patience, persistence, and learning as you go. If you're an aspiring musician, know that your path will have its own twists and turns. But enjoy the journey, believe in your abilities, and don't be afraid to chart your own course. Your dreams are waiting for you.