Problems/Challenges

There are many problems you will need to face and challenges you will have to conquer before you’re done with your career. This section is about the next step(Suzanne, Stein, and Niehaus 127).        Technological advances like MIDI opens up new grounds for a lot of musicians, but is also "a threat to individual players"(128). "Use the current trends as an excuse to learn that vital second instrument(especially if you do not already play keys) or expand your vocal abilities, thereby making yourself that much more viable and irreplaceable"(129).        "The concept of research cannot be emphasized enough"(134). Research everything and anything that is going to affect your career. "Even if you have to spend a lot of money to get a decent legal opinion on what you’re about to do, remember that you are protecting yourself from risking tenfold the price without the counsel"(134).        Only a few musicians actually make it to the top. "It takes a great deal more than raw talent and a lot of heart to climb that ladder all the way"(137). You will need talent. Most people view this word as "raw ability" in playing instruments or singing, but "it also refers to the raw ability(physical or mental) that can be developed and can grow to provide a solid foundation for your career". The bottom line is, use whatever talents you have and build on it. You also need technique. Technique is the "execution" of your craft and developing the talent you have. Money is another factor. Calculate all the money you will need to practice your career, pay the rent, buy the food, and add a little more for emergencies(138). Your commitment is a strong sign of whether your career will last. "You need a strong ability to accept and go beyond rejection"(139). Make sure you have a support group. "You need behind you a financial organization and an active support group that is dedicated to pushing your career upward...You want to have a support group that will go out on a limb for you, that will supply or help raise money, that is committed to your reaching your goals and that stands to get a return from you success, either personally, financially, or both"(139). Most importantly, you will need luck. "Luck is really opportunity. Opportunities are created by activity"(139). Make sure you and your support group keep on working to push yourself ahead(139). "Never stop, and you won’t be stopped"(139).