How does this plan sound (musicians)?

Question:first of all I'd start playing in clubs the summer I turn 16. That's 2 summers away. After that I would continue "gigs" until I finish High school, So I'd have 2 years of gigging experience under my belt. and 6 years of guitar playing experience. Then I would move to L.A. and continue playing gigs. "the band" would sign to an Indie record Label, and just distribute out Cd's at shows and maybe get The company to send them to stores, the songs could be put on Itunes. Then after a year or 2 the band would sign to a major Record Label. and, that's about as far as I got. Don't ask me If I "REALLY WANT TO BE A MUSICIAN" It's my lifes ambition. Don't try to convince me to go to college, I would just like advice; opinions ETC.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: first of all I'd start playing in clubs the summer I turn 16. That's 2 summers away. After that I would continue "gigs" until I finish High school, So I'd have 2 years of gigging experience under my belt. and 6 years of guitar playing experience. Then I would move to L.A. and continue playing gigs. "the band" would sign to an Indie record Label, and just distribute out Cd's at shows and maybe get The company to send them to stores, the songs could be put on Itunes. Then after a year or 2 the band would sign to a major Record Label. and, that's about as far as I got. Don't ask me If I "REALLY WANT TO BE A MUSICIAN" It's my lifes ambition. Don't try to convince me to go to college, I would just like advice; opinions ETC.

out of the past 3 posts, i agree with post 2 the most. its true, u just want people to agree with what you are saying and i dont think ur plan is that good. u need a more detailed plan with more thought put into. have several backup plans incase one fails. and if fate takes u in another direction in ur life then dont be afraid to forget everything and change ur plan completely.

also, u assume everything is going to work out as u plan but things never go as u want it to go.

ur still young and small and it seems like u just started guitar. worry about whats happening now. get urself good at guitar playin first until u can go out and tour and get record labels.

and start lookin for gigs now, why are you specifically waiting for two years?

and also, 6 years of guitar playing is really not THAT much.

also, start out very small and work urself up.

and by the way, in response to the 2nd post, it is POSSIBLE to play at a bar even though you are under 18. 4 months ago when i was 14 i played at a bar.

and yes, i am probly the same age as u. and ive had plans like urs a lot, before and i learned a lot from performing and stuff. im currently 15 and ive had 10 years of performance experience and this year, i have about 20-30 gigs already planned and set and 1 tour in boston. no lie. start out small and work urself up. im probably only playing 300-600 people venues but i started out with some school talent shows of 100-200 people and soon, in a year or two, im flying to germany for a massive concert

one more thing, follow your heart, anything can happen

peace

Sounds like a plan, don't let anyone tell you it's not possible. Don't ever sacrifice your music though, or you will be a whore. Also, plan on being broke for a long time.

Ok - so you don't seem to want advice from genuine successful musicians - you just want people to AGREE with you. Sorry - can't. I have been a full-time pro in the music business since 1971, and make 6 figures a year. I have 3 conservatory degrees. Let me tell you what is wrong with your plan - even though you don't want to hear it. You cannot play in a venue where liquor is served until you are AT LEAST 18. Even if the laws in your state might allow it, no club owner is going to take a chance on people under age. You will not get paid - you will be playing for beer (oops - can't drink yet, can you?) and tips - and maybe selling a couple of CDs. You more than likely will NOT have continuous booking for gigs - who knows you, and who cares? And if your gigs mean travel, ten you are not even going to graduate from HS???? Who is PAYING for your travel?? It is not going to come out of the non-existent money that you are NOT making by playing sporadic gigs - if even. And 6 years of guitar playing experience means 6 years of PROFESSIONAL experience - not 6 years since you first held a guitar, kid. How are you going to survive in LA? You are most certainly NOT going to get a contract with an advance of money the day you arrive. After 2 years, you STILL will no be in a position to have a *major label* listen to you.

If you REALLY want to be a professional musician, then you need an ADULT plan. This is daydreaming that you are doing - and it leads nowhere. You may think that you and your band are one in a million - but you are one OF a million - wake up and get a clue.

Hey , follow your hearts content. i finished high school only and i toured 12 years in the States and made a good living. I had a good band so, why not. Today, I am a Graphic Dsigner and session man...>> Best of both world
Today, it's a little harder but can be done. I don't really know about LA. They have so many musicians on every street corner who can make the best guitar player sound sick. Their's hardly no work there.

One poster above me states that you are not allowed to play in a licence bar club or whatever.. FALSE...TOTALLY FALSE. You are allowed to play but cannot drink or hang around in the club. But you can play the gig and go in your quarters or outside.

It's not a bad plan but have a fall back just incase so you don't flip burgers your whole life.

sounds good. I would get some classes in music theory, history, and maybe guitar lessons from a university professor who can help your dream come true, and would become your reference when applying for jobs

Also some universities offer degrees in music entertainment and industry. hope that interests you.