Tips To Help Musicians Get Discovered.

If you have a creative passion like music, you undoubtedly want to share your talent with the world. Ideally, you will even make a living with your art. The problem is figuring out how to get your work in front of potential supporters. Rest assured, there are many ways you can promote your music. Firstfruits Music Awards (FMA) has some ideas that can help you build your audience as a musician and create a successful career.

Treat your musical passion like a business

If you're going to make money with your music, treat it like a legit job. Start by registering a business entity, like a limited company. Then, open up a business bank account for your company, and make sure any income you make as a musician, plus any expenses you incur—like a recording studio session—go through that bank account.

When working on any music project it’s important to budget for every aspect of the production and promotion, drafting agreements where necessary. For example, if you’ve engaged the services of a session musician you may wish to consider using a time-hire agreement, otherwise, you could run the risk of them challenging you with copyright claims for their work.

Create a comfortable and convenient space to create

If you're going to create music for a living, you want to make sure you have a good space to get the job done. Paying to use recording studio space repeatedly can add up. One option is to set up your own home studio. This guide from Rolling Stone explains exactly what you need, including a computer, digital audio workstation, and audio interface. You can even rent out your studio to other musicians to help bring money in as you build your following.

Set up a website to promote yourself as an artist

A website is a great way to share your music with others. You can post samples for people to download, for example. This is also a forum where you can share personal information about yourself and connect with your listeners on a more intimate level. For example, you might add a blog where you share personal thoughts. Finally, a website is a great way to promote events like concerts. Create your own site using a template builder like Wix.

Use social media to reach new listeners

Once you have a website set up, drive traffic back to it using social media. When setting up social accounts, quantity doesn't win over quality. Pick a few platforms and focus on regularly posting, instead of posting across every social network you can find. Music Industry How To has a list of the best social platforms for musicians, including YouTube, SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and Instagram.

Collaborate with other artists to gain new listeners

Another way to attract new listeners is by teaming up with other musical artists. By collaborating, you'll be able to tap into their followers, and they'll be able to tap into yours. Everybody wins. While you can create music together, you can also simply cross-promote each other's work, for example via social media.

Leverage music-specific online platforms to broaden your reach

Social media is just one way the internet can help you reach a wider audience. There are also streaming platforms specifically for music lovers that can be useful. Spotify is one example. Free Your Music offers a list of alternative options, including Tidal, Apple Music, Deezer, Amazon Music, and more. By sharing music on these outlets, you can attract new listeners and build a following. Patreon is another option, where subscribers pay you directly.

Music can be a fulfilling hobby. However, it can also be a career—if you play your cards right. By taking the steps outlined above, like setting up a formal business entity and drawing up contracts for your work, you'll be one step closer to making a living with your music.

FMA is a global contest for emerging and independent Christian songwriters to showcase their material. Although the winner’s grand prize of £25,000 is an attractive proposition, FMA’s aim is to offer songwriters the very best experience of any song contest. This will be achieved through engaging symposiums and mentoring opportunities to foster artistic growth, mission trips and workshops aimed at helping songwriters delve deeper into scripture. In addition, song contestants will gain access to a wide range of added value benefits through FMA's sponsors and partners. For more information please visit www.firstfruits.co

This article was written and kindly submitted by Jennifer Scott.

Why Music Therapy Is an Outstanding Tool for Managing ADHD

The Firstfruits Music Awards is a global song contest that specifically serves emerging and independent Christian songwriters and music artists. The ultimate objective of this competition is to provide unparalleled support to artists in multiple ways. This includes offering generous cash prizes (the winner's Grand Prize is £25,000) and an esteemed trophy for the winner and runner-up. To assist contestants in their journey towards spiritual growth and improvement in their craft. This competition provides mentoring, support, and training through gospel music workshops, discipleship training, and mission trip opportunities.

Furthermore, the Firstfruits Music Awards aims to develop a comprehensive repository of valuable resources covering a range of music-related topics. These resources are designed to enrich the lives of those who thirst for knowledge and provide useful insights to aspiring songwriters. With this aim in mind, the article below outlines why Music Therapy is an outstanding tool for managing ADHD.

If you have a child diagnosed with ADHD, you may be looking for ways to help them manage their symptoms and this invites you to explore the benefits of music therapy and how it can help your child enjoy a balanced life.

Devoting the Necessary Time to Your Children

As a busy parent, it's essential to make time for your kids to learn, grow, and develop. Getting organised and creating an intentional schedule ensures your children have quality time with you, whether you're helping them learn music skills or being available for bedtime each night. A consistent routine also lowers your stress levels.

Take advantage of opportunities to teach your kids tiny lessons throughout the day, such as while you're cooking dinner or driving in the car. You don't have to do all the talking. Discern how to get them to open up and share what they've learned and experienced. You can sing songs or listen to them play a new piece for a dose of music treatment.

Don't forget to do other fun activities together, too. Enjoy simple pleasures like playing catch in the yard or cuddling up for a movie night. Making time for your kids will help them reach their full potential. You can learn a few things yourself along the way.

Understanding the Benefits of Music Therapy

Music is a magnificent tool that can treat a variety of mental and physical health conditions. The rhythmic nature of music can improve focus and concentration, two skills that are often deficient in kids with ADHD. In addition, as PositivePsychology.com points out, studies show that music therapy can reduce anxiety and calm hyperactive behaviour. As a result, music therapy should be an essential part of an overall treatment plan. Next time your kid feels down or out of sorts, try putting on their favourite tunes and letting the music work its magic.

Improving Learning Skills Through Music

Music does a lot to help children learn. Prodigies note that kids who listen to music while studying remember more than those who don't. And when they're learning something new, specific genres can help them focus.

Music can also boost kids' creativity and problem-solving skills. If they're stuck on a project, listening to the right kind of music can help them come up with new ideas and find new ways to approach the task at hand. So next time you need to help your little learner focus or get their creative juices flowing, try putting on some tunes!

Using Technology to Explore New Options

There are plenty of ways to use technology for music therapy. You can find apps that help with various goals, from increasing cognitive skills to improving social skills. You can employ all sorts of educational games and activities as well.

Review programs that teach production and engineering. The software can be great for kids interested in creating music and need a user-friendly interface. You can find apps that allow you to create all sorts of soundscapes, from simple white noise to more complex arrangements. The important thing is to find something that your child enjoys and that you feel comfortable with. Experiment to see what works best for the family.

Music therapy makes ADHD easier to cope with for everyone in the family. Create a plan to start using music in your childcare today by making time for your kids, understanding the many benefits of music therapy, and using available technology.

This article was written and kindly submitted by Jennifer Scott.

Creative Ways for Musicians to Earn Cash.

If you're a musician, you've likely heard that music won't pay the bills or you should get a real job. Finding creative ways to earn money with your music lets you prove the naysayers wrong.

Teach Music

Teaching music lessons lets you use your musical skills to make money. Teach for an established music school, hold private lessons virtually or in person, or create an online course. The online route lets you earn passive income after you create the course.

Monetise Through Social Media

Most social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, offer monetization programs for users. You can also make money with affiliate marketing and brand partnerships. Create videos of yourself performing your music, or make videos that teach musical skills. You can also monetize a music-related podcast.

Sell Merchandise

If you already have fans, creating a line of merchandise could be a lucrative opportunity. Clothing is a popular option, but you can also create mugs, music accessories, bags, posters, phone cases, and other items. Create an attractive design, and research printing companies to find one with quality products at a price that allows for a profit.

Freelance

Freelance jobs let you choose how much and when you work to leave time for music gigs. You can choose music-related freelancing, such as promoting musical performances or writing music for commercials. Non-music freelancing can also pay the bills. Options include writing, photography, design, tutoring, and data entry.

As you look into these options, think about what your bigger personal goals are and how freelancing will fit into them. For instance, if you want to be able to purchase a house or get a loan for some sort of investment, potential lenders will look at your debt to income ratio to determine if you’ll be able to pay back the loan. Freelancing can be a great source of income, but it is often treated as very unstable because of its nature.

Stream Online

Royalties from streaming your music online can give you a little side money. Streaming royalties are typically minimal, but they can add up. Explore different platforms to choose the best option, and promote your music in other places to get more streams and downloads.

Perform Live

Live musical performances are ramping up again. Find local venues that have live music, and get yourself booked. You can often sell your merchandise at your performances and accept tips to earn extra money.

Try Crowdfunding

Musicians sometimes use crowdfunding platforms to raise money for upcoming projects.

These platforms let fans donate money, often for a specific project, such as a new album. You can include rewards for different donation levels, such as a copy of the album, merchandise, or a local Fort Worth meet and greet with fans.

Update Your Website

Promoting your business, services, and music is more effective with an attractive, professional website. Refresh your website with new photos and a custom logo. Online logo creators make it easy to make a customised logo to use on your website, social media channels, merchandise, and promotional materials for brand consistency.

Start a Business

If you want more control, consider starting a music-related business. Ideas include marketing for musicians, record labels, music-related phone app development, or a music store. Start with a clear business plan that includes a company description, services or products, your chosen business structure, and financial details, such as funding. Let this comprehensive guide on starting a new company be your roadmap to success.

Next, it’s time to get the word out there! A great place to start is with infographics, since they provide you with an opportunity to combine eye-catching images with short lists of information about your business. If you aren’t sure where to start, find a website that offers a variety of editable templates for free. Then, you can share your new infographic via social media sites like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to help grow your audience.

Earn Money With Music

Being a musician is certainly a lot different from working in an office or factory. While you face unique challenges, you also have a great deal more freedom. Using your musical talents to upgrade your marketing and earn an income gives you more flexibility to create music on your terms. All it takes is a little planning!

This article was written and kindly submitted by Jennifer Scott.