How to Get More Gigs

No one wants to be a musician because it's easy. If it were that simple, every guy with a guitar would be headlining events, or at the very least have consistent gigs at their local bar.

People want to be musicians because they love music.

Most of the time, the artist or the band members are much more than musicians. They are also songwriters,managers, social media directors, and then once all of that is done, they get to play some music.

You have to wear many hats in the music industry. But for the aspiring musicians out there, where do you begin? Where do you play? How do you get venues to let you perform?

Below, we'll go over six tips that will help you land more gigs for you or your band. But before you go chasing down venue directors, make sure you're ready to get on stage.

This means you have a set playlist, your songs are memorized, your music is tight, and your transitions are smooth. 

None of the following tips will do you any good if your music and performance is sloppy. If you're worried about this aspect, just practice more and hit up some open mics to get some experience under your belt.

If you feel confident about your music and presentation, you can use the following tips to land more gigs.

Let's dive into it!

The Atlanta Institute of Music in Duluth, Georgia has announced the publication of a new video on YouTube. In the video, instructor Keith O’Neil discusses the recording process which includes preproduction, recording, editing, overdubbing, mixing and mastering. The institute says that students who want to learn more can visit YouTube and watch the recording process prep class video to get an idea of what goes into music production.

Nite Driscoll, the President of the Georgia based school says, “The video is designed to give students a good idea of what is included in some of these classes. We want our students to know what they are looking at with regards to class interaction and projects. We are thoroughly proud of this course and hope that this video encourages those who are interested in music production to learn more about how our classes can help them along in this field.”

The school currently offers a number of music-related degrees for students, the details of which can be seen on their website. Driscoll says that any student who is looking to push their technical skills to a higher level will find this course in recording and musical engineering to be beneficial. The two-year Associate Degree is designed to help students to fine-tune their musical production skills. Those who are interested can learn more about the Music Production and Audio for Media Degree on the school’s official website or contact them directly to speak with a representative.

The degree’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education that is specifically focused on the changing audio industry. Students who complete this degree with graduate with a firm understanding of music recording, as well as mixing and mastering. Students will also receive training in automated dialogue replacement, location sound, and sound design for film and gaming.

“It really is a well-rounded degree,” says Driscoll. “We feel that any student who is interested in the production of music from any angle will thoroughly benefit from the coursework that is required for this particular degree, and we have a host of additional degrees in other areas of music, production and the arts for those who are interested in these other areas.”

Driscoll says that any student who successfully completes this particular degree program will have earned skills that will enable them to seek employment in a wide range of industries and fields. Coursework from the program is specifically designed to help students to obtain their Pro Tools Certifications in music production and/or audio for film and post-production. Driscoll adds that there are a number of specific courses that are going to benefit students in many paths and he says that those who are interested in learning more can watch the YouTube video to get a good idea of the types of studies that are included in the degree path and what students will learn throughout their coursework.

Atlanta Institute of Music and Media states that this particular musical degree program can be completed in 18 months if the student chooses accelerated studies or in 24 months if they prefer traditional full-time studies. Those who choose three-quarter time enrollment will be able to complete the coursework in about 30 months. Driscoll adds that the school offers a number of timeline options so that students can choose the one that best fits into their schedules and their lifestyles.

Driscoll adds that students should realize that they will be required to complete all of their General Education credits prior to graduation. Those credits and other specifics about this and the other degrees offered by the school can be seen on their website. Students who have questions or need assistance with applying for courses, financial aid or any other aspect of enrollment can visit the school on their website to learn more or contact them directly at any time during their normal operating hours to speak with an admissions assistant.

The general public is fascinated with how independent artists get their music on the biggest streaming platforms. Let's face it; we love hits and singles as a society.

Are you looking to release your first single?

The idea of "getting your music out there" may feel a bit daunting, but releasing your first song can be simpler than you think.

Once you have your song recorded, the rest can come pretty quickly through the final stages of mixing and mastering, creating the artwork, sending the song to a distributor, and submitting to playlists.

Let's discuss each step in detail!

Benefits of Attending an Online Music School

Have you noticed a change within the music industry since the advancement of technology?

It has never been easier for musicians to get their music "out there" in the world.

While this is a wonderful opportunity for artists who may not have the means to spend a ton of money on equipment, software, or studio time like they had to in the past, it also has caused the music industry to become a bit saturated.

It is hard to compete with the DIY musicians, the Instagram stars, and YouTube sensations when you're trying to get your music discovered.

In a landscape where anyone with an internet connection can upload a music clip, seeking any type of separation is crucial and hoping to "go viral" isn't the answer. Getting your music heard is easier said than done.

That is where Online Music Education comes into play.

Sure, YouTube has some great tutorials and you certainly can't knock an artist for being self-taught. But think about it - all that content you're learning from for free is available for everyone else to see (for free), too. 

With Online Music Education, you can take classes from the comfort of your home, but receive significantly more content compared to free YouTube videos that are always full of ads.

Before we dive into the benefits of Online Music Education, let's discuss why music education, in general, is important.

Why do Producers and Engineers Use a Gate? 

1. Tighten Up Drums
2. Reduce Background Noise

Have you ever recorded vocals and noticed you weren't working in the best acoustically treated room? Are your drums lacking that tightness you are looking for? Using a Gate will help you remove background noise when cleaning up a vocal recording, and it will help give your drums the feel you’re looking for.

The Georgia based Atlanta Institute of Music and Media (AIMM) is pleased to announce that they will be holding an Open House event for prospective students. The event provides an opportunity for those interested in attending the institute to learn more about the school and what it offers. The Open House event is completely free, allowing students to see what AIMM is really like and what they will get out of the experience, should they decide to attend the institute.

The upcoming Open House event will include an exclusive tour, in which visitors can check out the studios, instructors, equipment, and technology. It will be held on Saturday the 24th of August at 12 pm and those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP to the Open House on AIMM’s website.

AIMM provides non-beginner instrument and recording arts students with an instructional environment where they can develop the skills necessary to make a name for themselves in today’s highly demanding musical industry. “The Atlanta Institute of Music and Media strives to excel in contemporary music and media arts education, with its primary focus being a positive, fulfilling, and rewarding student experience,” says the Institute, a statement that is proudly reflected on their website. “AIMM continues to set the industry standard by providing the technical and applied learning skills needed to equip students with the knowledge and tools necessary to prepare them for successful careers.”

Students at AIMM are presented with a curriculum that includes both class and private instruction, along with audio, video, and computer lab elements. It also features live clinics with a selection of well-known artists and music industry professionals who all have an active role in today’s music industry. Each program at the institute is taught by a highly qualified professional with the knowledge and experience necessary to teach the highly demanding curriculum. The music institute accepts students from a wide variety of backgrounds. They say, “It is the belief of the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media that music is the universal language and, therefore, welcomes students from diverse backgrounds. The Atlanta Institute of Music and Media serves students without discrimination on the basis of sex, race, age, religion, or sexual orientation.”

The institute’s mission statement has seen several revisions to better reflect the ideals and goals of AIMM. Since 1997, AIMM has been committed to developing the knowledge and talents of people with an intermediate level of skill in their chosen instrument. The Atlanta Institute of Music and Media, in its modern day form, offers fast-paced learning and state of the art equipment. The school’s performance classes prepare their students to play almost anywhere and the teaching methods that they utilize ensure quick progress and development in every student. Visit the academy’s website to learn more about AIMM's programs.

“As a confident and literate musician, producer, or live sound engineer, the student will be capable of handling more demanding and better-paying jobs in a competitive market,” says AIMM. Attendees will find themselves building confidence that they may not have had before, while pursuing the evolution of their creative potential.

Many of the most well-known, creative artists of the past 50 years call the city of Atlanta home, and AIMM is located at the very heart of the city’s vibrant music scene. Students at the Institute are within reach of dozens of record labels, renowned recording studios, world-class venues, and much more.

A number of students have left highly positive reviews of their time at the Institute. One former student is quoted saying that they, “Went here back in 2009 and have nothing but great things to say. It gave me the tools and understanding to build my career in music. Granted, I do more live audio than studio nowadays but I’ve been able to teach myself from the fundamentals they taught me at AIMM! I look forward to coming back to visit in the near future to see all the great instructors!” Notably, many of the big names in the music industry graduated from AIMM. The institute has a number of successful alumni like Turbo the Great who has worked with some of the most well-known musicians in the industry.

Those interested in attending one of the top music academies in the country are encouraged to attend The Atlanta Institute of Music and Media’s Open House event. Find out more by visiting the Institute’s website or connecting with them through their social media channels.

Why Does Music Affect Our Emotions?

Music has been around since the beginning of time.

Our earliest ancestors chanted, sang, danced, and beat on hand-made drums. Music has always been an integral part of the human experience.

From the early days of singing around campfires, until today where the music industry pulls in $43 billion a year, music has always been around.

Can you envision a life without music?

A world where your favorite musician is a doctor or lawyer, or construction worker because music doesn't exist?

A life where you can't turn on your favorite workout playlist for the gym? Or the pump-up song to boost your confidence for your big presentation?

If you can't, you are definitely not alone.

Music affects us on a much deeper level than just something that is good or fun to listen to.

Much like the food we eat, music has an impact on our brains and even our bodies. Researchers have pondered the possible therapeutic and mood-boosting benefits of music for centuries.

In the article below, we'll discuss how music can actually affect our mood.