Career in Music

[Poolo]

Hi,

I am 20 this year, completing a diploma in related to business. Soon, as usual, army.

Intending to pursue music as a career; need some advice and suggestions!


Unfortunately I do not have music experience in terms of theory in music, mostly self-taught and I am thinking of pursuing a degree first before going into the 'working-phase'.

Considered schools like Berklee, Berklee (M`sia), Lasalle etc, and they are definitely not cheap. Is anyone here from Berklee or Lasalle? Can some shed some light on whether or not going to these schools can earn you any 'satisfactory-placing' in making music as your career?

Does this certs (in relation to basketball; sorry a little OT here), like a "Cert of the NBA" and you're recognized in some ways? Am looking at preferably degree in performing arts, jazz etc.

On the other hand, considering that I am 20, not so young anymore. I am intending to work while taking part-time degree in relation to music. Maybe sign on with a bond, 6 years and taking night classes to get that grade in theory; am self-taught up till now (Sorry a little fuzzy on here, will be nice if someone who has grade8 or diploma in music theory who can enlighten a little), or also to take up a part time degree. Though not sure how feasible this is.

Overall I guess that's that. Sorry for the lengthy post but doing some serious planning now. Been idling for the past 20 years and is a little regretful currently but, hopefully, I still can do some last minute hugging of buddha's foot. Feel free to suggestion/advice on more 'un-seeable' things in this long career to be. Thank you for your time.

Regards,
Poolo

 

[shinobi]

20 is still a young age for a singaporean. you seem to have clear goals, i wouldnt recommend you study part time, unless money is a big issue. its not a matter of having time to work and attend classes, its also a matter of focus and commitment. you'd need a tremendous amount of self discipline. if you commit to your studies full-time you will be able to enjoy your time as a student

i would seriously explore opportunities abroad

 

[Poolo]

Hi there,

Thanks for the hasty reply and advice.

I do agree the amount of focus and commitment is tremendous and if I do work + study part time, it can be quite 'xiong'.

Unfortunately, money is still an issue for me. Which was why I considered signing and bond and brushing up on the necessities before moving on as a career, or even, further education. (Berklee this case).

And I did a rough calculation, you need approximately $300,000 just to complete the studies + living expenses etc. Don't forget you'll be living at (assuming somewhere close to Boston) 2-3 years just to complete the degree.

PS: The degree itself is 88k USD. I'm just doing the worse kind of living expenses.

Regards,
Poolo

 

[synystersolo]

Hey

In lasalle do they use classical,electric or acoustic guitar? isit compulsory to get abrsm grade?

 

[MadWerewolfBoy]

I think you forgot to disclose what's your main instrument and/or what you'd exactly like to do/become. Narrowing down on performing arts and jazz degree's a little ambiguous for us to help! Haha =)

 

[KayCee]

Actually, your best bet would be to talk to local musos (expats included) about their own journey. Talk to the successful ones and not those with full of personal baggage. You'll realise that successful musicians can be both schooled and unschooled. The school you go to doesn't really matter when it comes to the crunch, which is doing it.

Also the demographics in Singapore probably means that you probably have to be somewhat successful in the club scene before you can try out being an original 'songwriter'. The Chinese scene may be different, but I'm talking about the English scene. No point whining about it though, if you love it with full dedication, anything can work.

 

[Poolo]

Hi,

Lasalle offers popular music and Jazz composition course. At least these are the two which I am interested in.

@synystersolo

In the requirements for jazz composition, at least a grade 5 ABRSM for theory. (You're not a pianist so I suppose for jazz guitar, only theory; no practical parts.)



@MadWereWolfBoy

I'm actually thinking of jazz Composition, for my degree that is. I play the guitars.


@KayCee

Thanks for the info, will prolly lurk ard the forum more to find some old birds expats. Thanks again!

 

[synystersolo]

so for example if i want to take jazz guitar u dont need abrsm grade? cos like abrsm dont have practical for jazz guitar..only classical

 

[Poolo]

so for example if i want to take jazz guitar u dont need abrsm grade? cos like abrsm dont have practical for jazz guitar..only classical

You do need the ABRSM grade 5 theory. I'm not sure if they will make exemptions but this is a definite requirement stating on the booklet I received during open house.

You don't need ABRSM PRACTICAL grade. You need the THEORY grade. Yes they can come separately

 

[gutturalpiss]

Start out freelance. If you know some stuff, teach em. If you got some stuff, market em.

 

[synystersolo]

hi

phew..i though need 2 have grade lol. But would getting abrsm classical guitar grade make like easier? And i'm kinda intrested in the jazz guitar course

 

[soft]

hi Poolo

Are you currently learning music already? If not, START!

If you are, have a chat with your teacher and get his honest opinion about your potential.

There are many jobs in the music industry. From production, organising, creative, artiste to BUSINESS. Your passion in music plus expertise in business might help push the Singapore music.

 

[konsandy]

my 1 cent worth hehe: don't waste time in music: u'll be really disappointed: look at all those rejects in american idol: i think u got the point: for $88KUSD i rather take a MBA ... earn bigger bucks

 

[Poolo]

IMHO, it sounded rather one sided.

Just like getting a degree in IT, even if the market is blooming, if you're no different from any IT grads, you'll bound to fail; or at least not succeed.

Point is being different I suppose.

American Idol is a competition, works as a reject all but only accept 1 through majority favors. Isn't it the same in the other industries? I mean I am just doing a simple reasoning base on my experience in the work field.

Everyone is trying to develop/create something creative, innovative to stand out. Similarly for music, if you're saying paying the 88k USD and do nothing but just go around bragging "I have a BerkLee cert!", isn't it just wrong?

My 2.5 cents worth.

 

[Poolo]

=soft

Hi soft,

I've been a self taught always. Recently got a friend to start teaching ABRSM theory, gonna be taking grade 1 soon I hope. My goal is to get at least a grade 5 ABRSM in theory. Been playing the instrument for about 6 years on and off.

But, in terms of jobs in Singapore, production, organizing etc (or even Jingle Writer), are certificates important?

Perhaps it may be a 'different target area' but, pubs/clubs don't ask for qualifications, what about TV stations, radio stations etc? Do share some insights, thank you.

Regards,
Poolo

 

[thomastik]

=Poolo


hi, taking grade 1 theory as in exam? dun waste ur MONEY. juz prac the exercsies consistently and go for 5

 

[Poolo]

hi, taking grade 1 theory as in exam? dun waste ur MONEY. juz prac the exercsies consistently and go for 5

Yes exam.

You mean we can just skip to grade 5 without taking the grade 1, and onwards exam?


My current friend cum teacher told me, I should take 1, 3 then 5. Skip 2 and 4.

Are you suggesting I skip 1-4 and go to 5 straight?


Thanks in advance.

 

[MadWerewolfBoy]

At most, take 3 and 5, skip 1, 2, and 4...

But I'd advice you to go straight to 5. You can study the lower grades by and not take the exams. 5 is the highest you can go with no prerequisites. After taking 5, you can take 8! =)

 

[AverRal]

sorry but i don't want to destroy your hopes but from a business perspective, it is better to you to stick onto business then take the jump to an unknown area unless you have a clear direction of what you are heading into.

 

[Poolo]

sorry but i don't want to destroy your hopes but from a business perspective, it is better to you to stick onto business then take the jump to an unknown area unless you have a clear direction of what you are heading into.

Indeed.

Which is why this thread has started. To find out the possible outcomes of taking music as a career. Nothing about being famous or a rock star. But doing something I like and yet at the same time, being able to feed myself or, my future babies.