7 things I wish I knew before I became a Professional Musician

Today we’re talking about 7 things I wish I knew before I became a Professional Musician in 2021.
Chapters for easy access:
00:00-0:50 Intro
0:51-3:20 #1 It's not glamorous all the time
3:21-5:49 #2 You're running a small business
5:50-8:04 #3 Don't replicate someone else's career
8:05-8:24 Disclaimer about this video
8:25-11:38 #4 Saying "NO"
11:39-13:52 #5 It's more than just being a great musician
13:53-14:39 #6 No one cares more than you do
14:40-16:59 #7 Don't get distracted by other people's success
17:00-17:46 Outro

In this video, I’ll be explaining and breaking down my thoughts, so that you can be aware of what you might be getting yourself into if you choose this career path.
This video will be especially important if you are in your late teens, in college, and even an adult who’s thinking about becoming a professional musician.

If you end up staying until the end of this video, you’re going to learn about the concepts that I’ve had to spend years to discover the hard way and through many mistakes.

So if this sounds like something that piques your interests, sit down and relax and I guarantee you that the time that you’ll spend watching this video will more than pay for itself, and all I ask of you is to give this video a like which will help the Youtube algorithm recommend this video to more people.

Also, many of these points can be applied to the creative industry as a whole and to many other fields as well. :)

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Social Media Handles:

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The instruments and gears I used for the video:

#musician #thingsiwishiknew #violin

[MSGrantMusic]

A fantastic and informative video! This is masterclass material! #2 has been the most immediately applicable to my own students and colleagues, but every single point in this video is golden! Thanks for this video!

I also especially love what you said about the ever-growing, ever-changing nature of our career. The growth of YouTube is a big example. 15 years ago, few musicians would dream of growing an audience through posting self-made videos online, but now we have professional musicians out in the world making a comfortable living doing exactly that.

[nathanchancello]

SO spot on. We as musicians don't talk about this stuff enough, even though it occupies so much of our consciousness. Great video Timmy!

[oxoelfoxo]

Great info. Musicians need to be entrepreneurial these days.

[robertcocovinis]

Hi Timmy. Wise and generous video. I often think how difficult it's been for musicians, especially my YouTube favourites, to keep your careers... and spirits afloat. You guys have to keep trying while I just replay and enjoy!

[Love-Is-Kind]

Great master class! Your shared wisdom from your personal experiences is deeply appreciated. Thank you for your valuable time. Take care and stay healthy. (Smile)

[akeraharrypiano]

This is really great advice, and I know I struggle with #3 and #7 daily as a classical musician. Thank you for sharing your advice and experiences!

[gracesviolin]

Thank you for an amazing video about the behind-the-scenes of being a professional musician. And for sharing all of this for others to know about this industry. So true and so helpful!

[laurechanviolin]

Timmy, this was great! 🤗 Really informative, personal and authentic, I loved it! ❤️ Thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom. 🙏🏻

[marciahoward]

Very good lessons for not only musicians but for all in life to take heed to. You are an excellent performer as well as a wonderful person. Your love for music shows as you play thus all of the music you play becomes magical! Thank you for being so genuinely kind and thankful. I love your adorable smile! We are thankful for you Timothy! Big hugs!

[rie.k]

Even though I'm not a musician, I've got inspired on many points. Thank you. Protect your magical hands & yourself. Keep shining! 🎻😉✨✨✨✨✨

[eowawrzkiewicz]

And yes please do a video on finances and legal issues. One thing I'm personally curious about is what kinds of visas do you need for touring? How do you get them and when do you get them in the timeline of touring. I always imagined that could be a headache. And when you work abroad in so many different countries does that make taxes complicated?

[meadowlarkascending]

Magnificent! So much excellent, realistic, honest advice and feedback from which, really, ANYONE -- non-musicians included -- could benefit. Invaluable stuff that SHOULD be taught early in life, and in conservatories, etc. but almost never is. Thank you for this, Timothy! P.S. Your personal, conversational tone is absolutely spot on!

[jonhh]

Very interesting talk. Thanks for sharing. You are spot on.

[raissaviana]

Thank you for this video, very informative! I'm still learning and I don't know what path I'll choose yet, but it's good to know those things early.

[anaisdone]

Love it! This content is great and i love how easy you are to understand. The truth in this video is very needed and important to hear by many people nowadays. Thanks for this video! I agree with all the points especially number 1. It’s a tough job for sure.

[ke-chiachen]

Thank you Timothy! Great video.These are wonderful and genuine suggestions. I am going to share with my students!

[violynnkuo]

Thanks for this video! #5 for sure! People skills, soft skills!... It's not just about playing well. Being well-rounded is definitely important.

[christinabouey]

All really great comments! Definitely a must for anyone to know in music or getting into music. I love watching you speak because it feels like we’re having a conversation. 😊

[emasutnarova]

These informations are really helpful for me, thank you!! I hope, you will continue with this type of videos.

[QuirkyGirl]

I am not a musician, but I can say that the lessons you shared in this video apply to life in general, and we can all learn from them :)