Getting into any aspect of the music business requires not only musical skill, but the determination to pursue your goal until you reach it, despite rejections you may receive along the way. Building a career in the gospel music industry requires the same skill and commitment, as well as a spiritual faith that will make your music ring true in a musical genre where the way the music is performed is as important as the music itself.
Instructions
1. Write a list of ways you could get involved in the gospel music business. Do you want to write songs and let others perform them? Do you want to put together a gospel band? Or do you want to manage a gospel act? There are numerous ways you can build a career in gospel music.
2. Make contacts in the gospel music industry. The best place to start is with the church you attend. If you write songs, let the church musicians perform them. If you have a gospel band, offer to play at your church and visit other churches. You may perform free in the beginning, but you will get yourself in front of an audience.
3. Purchase a copy of the "Songwriter's Market." You may be able to find a copy in the library. If you write songs, this is an essential tool for finding ways to sell your songs. The "Songwriter's Market" has a section devoted to gospel and spiritual music you can use to submit your songs to industry professionals and performers for consideration. The book tells you how and where to submit your songs for gospel performers to record them.
4. Obtain an agent. While it isn't necessary to have an agent to pursue a gospel music career, this can be helpful for performers. An agent can often get your songs heard by professionals in the gospel industry you may have trouble accessing otherwise. Agents and managers can also set up gospel performances in front of audiences interested in buying your style of music.
5. Record a demo of your songs to submit to record companies. Five or six songs that demonstrate your songwriting or performing ability are all you need. This CD can be used to help secure a recording contract or even to get an agent.
Tags: gospel music, your songs, write songs, career gospel, career gospel music