Place of Music

10 Essential Tips for Making a Living with Your Music

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:30:00 +0000

Top 10 Lists are a favorite hobby of our society. It’s a fun way to keep up the illusion of the simplicity of things in a complex world. So...why not a Top Ten List on the subject of Making A Living From Your Music? The following list highlights 10 habits you should develop if you want to make a living some day, just from your music. Remember that there are a million ways to get to any intended destination. From my observations over the years, this list of professional habits are shared my most successful musicians who truly have what it takes to succeed in this totally unpredictable business of music.

1. Find ways to get ordinary people who love music, to love your music.
We live in a time when everybody and their sister can and does make their own music. That doesn’t mean however that your music has what it takes for record labels to invest their money and time developing, promoting, and marketing that music. Try your music out on music fans like you solicit opinions from A&R Rep. These talent scouts of the music business are always following tips they hear from their street connections. But remember, your music must truly stand out in some significant, original, dynamic, and creative way. 95% of the independently produced CDs out there contain regurgitated ideas that were ripped off from some other more gifted musicians. Prove to the industry that ordinary music fans in your city love your music. You can find this out by giving away samples of your music on the street, or outside a musc venue where an artist similar to your music style is playing. (Be sure to have your contact information on the CD or flashdrive or whatever your music is on.) Also, put songs on your website, your MySpace page, or any of the newer social networking sites. The fact is that If people love something they let other people know about it. So, you can find out quickly if your music has what it takes by bringing your music to the people.

2. Play live often and don’t worry (at first) about getting paid for every gig.
You can always tell the difference between a musician who is in it for the money, and a musician who is in it for the music. The dedicated musician can’t not play music every chance they get. Money-focused musicians whine about the fact that they can’t get club gigs that pay anything. If you really think that you can make your living solely as a musician in the first three to four years of your career, you are headed for a breakdown and disappointment. Think about it...almost every legendary, gifted musician who has made a mark on our culture has been a musician who struggled long and hard at their craft, and...never gave up. Eat determination for breakfast! Go out there and play on the streets if you have to, play at schools, fairs, festivals, do benefits to help other people and organizations. Offer your services to non- profits, charities, church groups, and any other companies or organizations you can think of. Hang out at clubs, look for jamming possibilities, or start your own jam sessions. Look around your city or town, and you will see many places and venues where musicians can play. As you establish yourself and more and more people show up at your shows, the paid gigs will increase. Remember... play live, and then after you play live, play live again, that’s what musicians are supposed to do.

3. Know your instrument inside-out.
One of the curious developments of the late 1970’s was the huge increase in garage bands, punk bands, rappers, and ‘do-it yourselfers’, who just picked up an instrument, or started to sing with some friends, and 6 months later recorded a record and began to play live. Some great music, and new directions in music, came out of that situation. But now, 30 odd years later, the novelty of hearing amateurish thrashings has gotten a bit dull.

Prior to late 70’s, more often than not, the music that is our heritage was made by musicians who, from the time they took up their instrument, worshipped at the feet of some master bluesman, jazz player, folk legend, songwriter, or whatever. The habit of these inspired musicians was an appetite for perfection. A need to be not just ‘good enough’, but GREAT. Why settle for less. Whatever developing stage you are at, go beyond it, re-commit yourself to your instrument or voice. Take lessons, or better yet, sit yourself down at your CD player and choose a favorite guitar player’s record, and listen closely to what they are playing. then re-play it, and re-play it again. Challenge yourself to go beyond your limitations. Who knows, maybe you will fall into some new territory, wherein you will find yourself, your ‘sound’, and increase your chance to stand out from all the mediocrity that is your competition. Believe it or not, record labels love to hear innovative, accessible new sounds. Actually in their heart of hearts, that is what they are really hoping to hear on every new demo they get, and from every new act they go see at a live venue. You see...in the business of music, when we hear something new, original, and accessible to people, we can then invest in you with more security, believing that if we put our ‘label brand’ on you, with our talents of promotion and marketing coming to the front, then we ‘have something’, and your music becomes our music, and we work together to broaden you audience appeal. It’s kinda like a partnership ...something about ‘Art and Commerce’...they can work together you know?!

4. Protect your investment...register your songs for proper copyright protection.
I never cease to be amazed how few artists are willing to spend a few bucks to register their songs with the Copyright office. By the way, these folks are often the same folks who complain about not getting paid to perform their unknown music. All I know is that when an inventor comes up with some new product that they think will appeal to a certain type of customer, the first thing they do is file for a patent on their invention. The same reaction to protecting songs should be there for any serious songwriter. If you really intend to work hard and develop your career as a musician who writes your own songs, don’t wait too long to take care of this simple, but essential task. If you really believe in your unique and original music then take the time to learn the basics of copyright protection. From the Internet to the library, there a number of easy ways to learn what it takes to file for copyright protection. Do it now! Go to www.copyright.gov and follow their links on Copyright registration information.

5. Design and write your promotional materials so they stand out.
The topic of designing and writing effective promotional materials; bios, fact sheets, cover letters, quote sheets etc. is a lengthy one to say the least. As far as some tips that can help musicians promote their careers, and contribute to their getting any deal offers, is to make the promo materials as compelling, and informative as possible. Take the time to inventory any accomplishments, positive reviews, training and awards, past sales, and live appearance highlights; and organize them into professional written bios etc. Having done that, time also needs to be taken to research who to send the materials to, and to ask each potential recipient what type of information they would like to have sent to them. No ‘generic’ kits should ever be sent out to any gatekeepers in the music business.

6. Know the labels and music publishers you hope to be signed to.
If you were applying for a job with a certain company of corporation, wouldn’t you take some time to ask questions about their stability as a business, their reputation in the industry, and the executives background and experience? The same is true when shopping for a record deal. Some musicians get so excited when a certain label approaches them with a recording contract, or a publishing company offers to sign them. Being approached for a deal is a compliment and recognition by a label or publisher that a musician’s music is attractive to them. But, to rush ahead without taking the time to learn a few things about them is foolish indeed. How have they done with your particular genre of music? What specific ‘points’ are they offering you? Who runs the label or publishing company? What is their reputation in the music business? How do you like them as people? These and other questions can be crucial in making an unemotional decision about an arrangement that could make or break your career.

7. Have your own ‘Entertainment Law Attorney’ to represent you.
The business of getting signed to any deal in the music business has always had, has now, and will always have, the involvement of entertainment law attorneys. No jokes will be inserted here, because any relationship between a musician, a record label, a publisher, a merchandiser etc. will come down to two attorneys hashing out the contract for the musician and the respective companies. It should be pointed out here that when all is said in done with the ‘courting’ process, the musician is never present during the actual negotiations. The musicians attorney and the music company’s attorney meet, talk over the phone, and fax their offers and counter-offers amongst themselves. This fact serves to remind you that choosing a reputable, ethical, well respected entertainment law attorney is an absolute necessity for any serious musician who wishes to fight the good fight in the legal arena.

8. Choose a well-connected and respected personal manager.
Self-management is always a valid option in the developing stages of establishing your career as a musician. Much can be learned by taking on the jobs of securing gigs, getting some publicity, planning tours, dealing with personal issues that arise within the band, and schmoozing with A&R Reps and various other label and publishing personnel. However, there comes a time, usually when the daily tasks of doing the business of being a band takes up too much time, and it is at this time that the services of a good manager can be very useful. I have always felt that if any musician or band has worked hard to establish their career, and achieved a modicum of success, they will have a better chance to ‘attract’ the services of a professional, well-connected and respected manager.

Managers who do this job for a living can only take on clients that generate income. Making money as a personal manager is no easy task, and many upcoming artists forget that if any moneys are to be generated from their music, it can takes years for the flow of that income to be reliably there. So, as a band develops self-management, or gets help from intern/student manager-wannabees, can help pave the road for professional management.

Over the years I have heard several horror stories about ‘managers’ that approach upcoming acts and say that for X amount of dollars, they can do such and such for the artist. No... this is not the way legit personal managers work. Well-connected and respected personal managers get paid a negotiated fee for their services (get it in writing) for any and all business transactions they are responsible for (15%-20%) over a particular contract period. Please Note...No musicians should ever pay a fee to a so-called ‘manager’ who will not do any work UNLESS they are paid up front. Flim-Flam men and women still abound in this business... be forewarned.

One of the most important jobs of a manager is to secure recording and publishing contracts for their clients, this is why it is so essential to choose well connected and well respected managers. The music business is a ‘relationship’ business. Who know who, and who can get to know who, and who did what successfully for who is what this management game is all about. Choose carefully those people who will be representing you in any business dealings.

9. Don’t take advice from anyone unless you know that they know what they are talking about.
At the beginning of this article I stated that there are a million ways to do something, and that these 10 tips were just my comments from years of dealing with the business itself and musicians. Everybody has their own list of Do’s and Don’ts and the only real value they have is that they present you with ‘opinions’ about what to do to get established as a musician.

To be quite candid, the best rules in the music business comes from the experience of building your own career; learning from your own interactions with the gatekeepers at labels, the media, management, and booking companies as to what is right or wrong for you. For every Do or Don’t there is an exception to a so-called ‘rule’. As I reflect on the advice I sought out and listened to over the years, the most valid tips came from people who walked the walk, and talked the talk. If you feel that the source you have contacted knows what they are talking about, and has had first hand experience doing what you want to learn about, that is the only feedback that might stand up over time. Choose carefully.

10. Musician...Educate Thyself! If you want a record deal, learn what a record deal is, and learn something about the business of music.
Naïve or mis-informed musicians are a menace to themselves. Enough already! Over the decades there have been countless stories of musicians who were ripped off by their record labels and music publishing companies. Why? Exploitation was the name of the game way back when, and regretfully it hasn't gone away. Keeping musicians in the dark can still be standard business practice for many sleave-balls who are in this busienss. However, you can't be a naive artist these days, so any any musician who signs a record contract (and learns later what he or she signed) have only themselves to blame. )

Today there are dozens of outstanding books available on every conceivable topic related to the business of music. They can be found in bookstores, libraries, and through the Internet. In addition, there are many schools that now offer 2- 4 year programs on the business of music. Seminars, and workshops are available on a year round basis in most major American cities. Consultants, Attorneys, and Business Organizations are all around and so it is only myth, superstition, stubbornness, and immaturity that stand in the way of any musician making a commitment to educating themselves about the business that exists to exploit their music.

I cannot stress how important I feel this issue is. Educating yourself is THE most important suggestion I can make to help you have a chance at success.

If you won't learn about the business side of this industry, do you really expect the professionals you encounter to sit down and teach you? Get Real!

Topics

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 20:21:00 +0000

Use different topics to talk about whether it be music, recipes, finance, testimonies,fashion and experiences... (Oprah)

Pull out my keyboard and play some songs from it...the motif

you are my sunshine

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:43:00 +0000

just me and my baby boy and it's a late night

The Show - Picture V-log (Ooh LaDiDaDi)

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 03:04:00 +0000

The Doctors (another marketing idea)

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:44:00 +0000

i'm rendering a video right now for youtube which seems to be taking forever. But as i was waiting another idea came to me. I am going to create flyers and post it on the poles outside. About my website and music and music classes. etc.

Record Cover tunes

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:08:00 +0000

I'm going to buy the rights to certain cover tunes and do remakes to see like the artist clay akien.

No Woman No Cry
Stir It up
Easy
Stand By Me
Red Red Wine
Higher higher
Bring it home to me Percy sledge
she used to be my girl

remake songs and sell in the band discuss how that will be done.
pay for copyrights

but too many members to organize properly will have to narrow down these are the songs that i will begin to work on. ASAP

I Moaned (VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. ;))

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:46:00 +0000

I have to begin selling my Cd's..

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:34:00 +0000

I have to begin selling my promos for at least $5.00. I'm losing too much money. Because i am buying the cd's for 70.00 a pot and not getting nothing in return time to change the plan.

I will offer the promo and the original for 5.00 or maybe 10.00 we'll see how it works out. all I know is that i really need to make back this money because i will go broke spending 70.00 extra every month to give away to people...hummmmmm

House Concert

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:05:00 +0000

i'm forgetting that here is where my ideas will be born so if you are reading this entry consider your self very blessed to be inside my head where the ideas are given to me by a little voice in my head (^_^)

House Concert

So far every thing i do involves music i get paid through everything i create and start musically. the latest idea is an idea that i thought of a year ago but never followed through. well I was in the bathroom and the thought entered my mind again

1. short songs (guy next door studio)
2. sell songs cd using my cd burner
3. turn apartment into a theater
4.sell tickets 10.00
5. serve free drinks snacks
6. once a month or quarterly
7.create tickets
8. one woman show
9. kids play the instruments drums, piano, i on guitar
10. video tape kennedy lincoln and clinton on instruments all the time

It's show time!!

youtube channels for different purposes
family
rcmusic place
then favorite it then send it out to all your people duh this way you wont have to many vid on your channel.

Fleet Week May 22nd .

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 02:30:00 +0000

The kids and I had so much fun. I never knew that hanging out with a bunch of sailors could be so much fun. Neither did the kids.

http://rubycollins.com/ What is Fleet Week?:
Since 1984, New York City has held Fleet Week to honor the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The week features extensive military demonstrations, as well as the opportunity for the public to tour some of the visiting ships. The Memorial Day commemoration is a highlight of the week's festivities, featuring the singing of Taps and a military aircraft fly over in honor of those who lost their lives in service to the United States.

Need List Of All the Festivals In The City

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Sat, 30 May 2009 11:48:00 +0000

I bought 2 packs of 100 blank cd 2 packs of inserts 200 pieces and 200 labels for the cd all this came up to 70 dollars. Now i dont' know if id be able to afford this each time but my goal is 5000 people to distribute my cd's to.

I need a list of all the festivals going on in the city.

i just thought of it... there's a club that i know called Nocturnal..I'm thinking i can ask about renting it for a night and throw my first concert.
1. I have to create my new cds $1000 and need a place for storage my place is too small now.
2. Hire my band or ask if they would play for free
3. Put flyers together
4. Speak to owner regarding what night

Hummmm.

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:28:00 +0000

I started an account on Cafe Press. I want to begin merchandising product. and I need to start a flicker account. I am also suppose to be making curtains for my living room. I am turning it into a music room for my future students.
1. Have to make more music flyer
2. inserts for my promo cd (must carry it with me at all times)
3. LLC license
4. Make copies for my guitar students

Got Some Extra Cash

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Mon, 18 May 2009 08:47:00 +0000

I think I need to get the graphics done for my CD and put it out there officially not just on itunes but cd baby and for concerts that i believe will come soon...

I had band rehearsal yesterday.. tried my feet at singing calypso it was so much fun.

I Need to Get Myself Booked

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Sun, 17 May 2009 14:47:00 +0000

I have to go into the city and start to get my self booked in these local spots since i now have a band and I can hire a couple of pieces and sell my cd as a means of paying them.

My First Day On The Job

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Sun, 17 May 2009 13:14:00 +0000

It was a little nerve wrecking at first. It did not dawn on me until I got on the train that there will be over a million people in the city and I just can't hand my cd out to every one... and one challenge I did come across is that not everyone was willing to take the cd... even when i said it was for free.

My son Kennedy had a good attitude about it he said, "let's just give it to them mommy if they say NO go to the next person." Pretty brave of him. Already learning that the word "NO" is not the end of the world. Well eventually we gave out a good bit of cd's not the 110 that i brought with me but we made some progress.

I did meet a couple of people where i could sit and sing to them and they were very happy to meet me. Check out the Photos.

My New job (Handing out my cd')

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:04:00 +0000

Every year from now on during the spring and the summer months my job will be to hand out my music with my kids in the Manhattan area. Every Friday's

A Lady At The Bus Stop

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Fri, 15 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

I was at the bus stop this morning with my son waiting for his bus and one of the parents that i had been talking to about the music class that i will be having asked me when i was starting..OMG people are waiting so today i will make sure i get those fliers done.

Last night i was putting the finishing touch on my cd's that i will be handing out in Manhattan today. The goal is every Friday I will take the kids out to the city and we will distribute cd's walk around and get something to eat.

I Cried Like A Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Wed, 13 May 2009 23:06:00 +0000

I have been organizing, cleaning, and decorating the house for my music school. I bought some plaster to cork up the holes around the sink and the bathroom where the roaches come out to have a party and while i was on my knees my baby son who is three years old pat me on my back and said "you can do it mommy." I could not believe what he had said and had to ask him to say it again and when he did i just began balling in tears and said thank you honey. It is as if he could see my heart and the passion that i have for wanting to make a life for him and his brother.

You Could Have Been Famous

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:34:00 +0000

My mom was by my house the other day and she said to me you could have been famous if a big record producer was to hear your voice but then you would have been out in the world." As if i had given up on my dream. And of course growing up in church doesn't really motivate you to be famous. That's what i hate about church. You are always living your life for the coming of the lord. Don't get me wrong I love Jesus, but how do you spend your time in this God forsaken place they call life. I would have liked to be famous too or at least get paid for my music. But between my mom and church growing up, I did not pursue it 100% percent because of my church values...I did not sleep with the president of the record company or sleep my way to the top. Looking back.....

Any way I have a new idea...I am going to continue to press my cd's and give it away
Mid Manhattan on 42nd Street. i will press 5000 copies of my cd as promotional cd and my kids and i will go out on 42nd street after school and hand out free promo cds that's the new idea. (^_^)

I Need To Put Some Fliers Together

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:59:00 +0000

Today I just thought about it...I am going to officially start a music school right here in my apartment. I am going to do the fliers today.

Ruby Collins Music Place

Wanna Learn To Play An Instrument
I did
Learn to play the guitar, piano, voice or violin
Make your appointment today!!!

yeah that's what i'm going to do. Share my talent.

$150.00 for six weeks or pay as you go $25.00 per session

Some Days Are Better Than Others

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Tue, 12 May 2009 02:03:00 +0000

I was walking to my car and my neighbor said hey how are you ok? I paused and thought about it for a moment and he said this is the first time i ever see you walk with a drag...usually your are walking with a lot of pep in your step. He's right and he noticed. This economy has not been kind to alot of us and I am constantly thinking of ways to capitalize on my talent.

I received a call today of a 14 year old boy who wants to take guitar lessons. He'll be my second customer. However, I think i charged them way too little. $150. for six weeks 30 min per session. Anyway. I had to get the house in order. The roaches have been trying to take over...Damn pest. They think their family using my plates drinking water from the sink, hanging out in the tub. Disgusting I know..but i have a surprise for them. Well I have got to go. I almost cried when my husband brought home his pay check but i had to keep my cool and know that a better day is coming.

Ever since I told the guy from Germany that my brother was going to be in Europe the same time that he wanted me to come down for the tour .. I have not heard back from him...that's strange or a blessing in disguise.

Good night

Bullying Presentations Through Music

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Mon, 11 May 2009 12:46:00 +0000

I was using the bathroom when this idea came to me..I am going to create a bullying presentation based on the oprah show...(Musical)

1. songs about being bullied
2. suicide songs
3. empowering songs (Rhiana Beat- My life)
4. what to do if you are being bullied song.

My background as a police officer and teacher will make this an amazing presentation.
Thank you lord for always flooding my head with idea.

At the same time i will promote my children program rcmusic place, private lessons and my cd (ruby collins.com)

Plan, Plan, Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Mon, 11 May 2009 09:01:00 +0000

I am really going to start taking my career seriously again... I can't give up. I new idea just came to me. I am going to distribute 5000 cds to random people every Sunday and during the week. today was Mother's Day and my sons and I went to prospect park and we distributed 30 cds to unexpected people and wished them a happy mothers day. (^_^) it was so much fun.
1. Every holiday
2. Every Sunday
3. Every person i say hello too
4. All the teachers I know and meet in the school

I will need to buy those bulk cd's

and I need to put together a flyer:
1. for my business RCMusic Place (ruby collins Music Place)
2. Music lessons Private piano, guitar, violin
3. My website cd's to be purchased on line

Eventually I am going to have a concert
1. Location
2. tickets $10.00
3. sold to each person on at a time

Madonna Malawian Child Part II (Mercy James) Original

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Thu, 07 May 2009 23:35:00 +0000

Madonna Malawian Adoption Of (Mercy James) Original

noreply@blogger.com (Ruby Collins) — Thu, 07 May 2009 23:34:00 +0000