Source: koratmember via Freedigitalphotos.net

The music industry offers those who succeed in it a fulfilling, exciting and creative career! It is, however, a notoriously challenging business to get started in. The environment and network is vast, which can be overwhelming for someone just starting out. How do you go about finding a good mentor? There are methods and approaches that you can use to find someone who is willing and is a good fit for you and your goals.

It’s important to lay the groundwork by preparing yourself with information. Doing research is easier than ever these days, and it should not be a problem to get familiar with who’s who in the music industry. Read trade publications to get a feel for how the industry cogs turn. Consider traveling to music havens like Los Angeles, Nashville, New York City or Austin, to more easily connect with people in the know.

Your research should lead you to people — and therein lies the real key! Get out there and meet artists, producers and promoters who have established music careers. Be polite and direct in conveying your interest in the music world, and desire to find a mentor. You’ll meet a slew of insiders at conventions, so attend some. South by Southwest, in Austin, is an especially accessible event for non-professionals who endeavor to meet old pros.

Participate in events that help get your name out and foster connections. The Bluebird Café story featured on our blog is an excellent example of the type of things that help budding musicians launch their music careers.

Don’t give up. Keep the lines of communication open and nurture the connections you’ve made. Stay up to date on music mentoring programs through our Over My Shoulder blog. You never know who might be the perfect mentor to help you learn how to get a start in this rewarding field.