This is one of those really BIG questions, especially since there are so many misconceptions, and so many avenues within the music business that one can pursue.

What do I mean by misconceptions? Listen to the way people talk about music and recording. TV documentaries about bands will say the band "went into THE studio," like it's some mythical faraway kingdom. Why don't they say the band went into A studio? It's not like there's only ONE studio that everybody has to use. And we talk about THE MUSIC BUSINESS like it's this singular, cohesive entity. All this language is designed to set musicians and the music business up on a pedestal when, in fact, being "in the music business" just means you are providing a product or service that has to do with music. There are many capacities in which one can be a musician. There are many studios, and many positions within and supportive of studios. You can be the guy who changes the strings on somebody's guitar and be "in the music business." And being in any kind of business involves the same two issues - supply and demand.

So how do you get any other kind of job? Well, you might know somebody. Or, you might start hanging around where the business you want to be a part of happens, and wait for an opening. Or you might work to build a work history, submit a resume, and try to get an interview. Or you might just start your own thing and see how it develops. The ways in which people find work are endless, and the same goes for getting work in music. The point is, it is always going to be appropriate to the specific conditions you find yourself in. If you want to play music at the restaurant down the street, go there, try to meet with whoever it is that books musical acts, and try to arrange an audition. Find out what that person wants in order to make a decision about what acts he or she hires, and then try to provide that.

Generally, if you want to perform music professionally, you do need a sort of resume, and that's your promo package. At the very least, you will need a good photo, a bio, and (here's where Allegra comes in) a demo recording to show what you can do. This package will give prospective employers an idea of who you are, and what you look and sound like. No matter what your area of involvement, develop your skills and hone your craft by doing what you do whenever and wherever possible. AND learn professional courtesy! A well-written letter with a professional tone, proper grammar, and good spelling will go a lot farther than an e-mail that says, "Yo, sign me."

what do I have to do to get into the music business?