Musicians and entrepreneurs share a lot of common traits. Both are celebrated for their creativity, drive, discipline and passion. Each knows that rewards come from hard work and they are eager and willing to take risks and create their own success from opportunities that they seek out. Music professionals who think like entrepreneurs can approach their career more resourcefully, and are capable of generating successful opportunities that allow them to prosper and grow in their art.
Is It About the Money or the Music?
A common conundrum facing successful musicians (as opposed to the more typical starving variety) is maintaining the balance between the money and the music. More often than not, musicians follow their passion for the art and beauty of music. Regardless of instrument played, or general skill and ability, the passion is the unifying element that keeps musicians practicing and playing, day in and out. But money pays the bills. And even for the most pure and artistic among us, money can be nice. It can mean the difference between driving a clunker or new car to practice, or getting a restful night’s sleep on a feather bed vs. a cheap mattress. For some, the money factor can loom quite large once success begins to knock on the door. And that’s where maintaining the proper balance between doing what you love for the simple sake of doing it and the desire to make a respectable living from your art.
Of course, not every musician wants to make money. Some pursue music as a simple pastime or for social connections. But for those who dive into music on a full-time basis, money certainly enters the picture. And the move you dive in, the murkier the water gets.