Tags:

Me topics

Dr G is here to help

Me articles

Ask CHART: answers to music career questions

CHART
My question is, how easy is it for a composer like myself, to get a job in the music industries? Also, what are people looking for when it come to composers and their music? Jennifer, 15
CHART replies: There are many career paths for composers of music — orchestral scores, band songs, film scores, tv ads, radio jingles — so best to decide on which path you'd like to explore and then volunteer your time and get some experience with someone who is active in that field. Perhaps start by asking some studios, advertising production houses, radio and video producers . See CHART'S resources page for some contact links.
What is the best instrument for me to learn to accompany singing? i.e What would benefit me most? Mikayla, 15
CHART replies: Guitar is one of the easiest instruments to learn basic chords on. Piano is another option too which suits vocal accompaniment but is a little harder to learn. There is a list of music courses and tutors at http://www.christchurchmusic.org.nz/resources
On average, how much do record deals cost? I am interested in doing that in life and am thinking of saving for one.:) Dara, 14.
CHART replies: A record deal can be structured many ways - in the past a record company signed a band and paid for the recordings, marketing and distribution - these days most bands pay for the recordings themselves, then some may look for paid assistance in promoting and selling their music. So all this depends on your budget, how much $$ you have. Studio recording rates range from $250 to $2000 per day. see our guide.
Hi, I have always wanted to play the guitar or drums like the rockstars. I have no music experience and can't even read the symbols. Do I have to be able to or can I pick up these instruments? Also is the game Guitar Hero anything like playing the real thing? Asti, 17.
CHART replies: You don't need to be able to read music to start learning the guitar or drums. Perhaps talk to the staff at music shops around town. There are also self teaching resources like Rock Star Recipes or local tutors who can get you started.
Where are the best places in christchurch to show off musical talent other than school?, Rachel 16.
CHART replies: There are all ages venues and shows promoted by 4YP, Red Panda, White Elephant and the Papanui Youth Trust - checkout the youth music section on the CHART site.

There are also lots of competitions and performance opportunities listed.

Hi Pulse, It's Manny here from The Young Souls. We came 2nd at rockquest regionals :D I've got a music career question. Is it realistic to dream of being a fulltime musician in New Zealand and manage to pay the bills?
CHART replies; Hi Manny, Many musicians dream of making it a full-time job but its very rarely a reality in NZ. Most musicians here have a part-time or full-time jobs in related industries (and usually flexible hours). Its also a question of your living costs, rent, bills, etc versus what you can earn as a musician. I know a full-time musician in ChCh that plays 5 nights a week and sometime up to 8-10 gigs per week. Cheers, Jeff PS. Thought you guys did very well at Rockquest, well done.
I'm realy struggling for music topics and titles. I play the piano and so far i have made two realy short songs. Can you help? Olivia, 13.
CHART replies: People find song inspiration in the weirdest places, perhaps get out some classic movies, read books, travel... Try keeping a small notebook with you when you are out and about to note down any interesting phrases you see or thoughts that come into your head. Listen to some of your favourite albums, what do they sing about?
How is it that most big rock stars become big rock stars? Thornton, 14.
CHART replies: By having the following:
  • Great Songs
  • Great Live Show
  • Strong Visual Image
  • Regular Communication with fans and industry
  • Building momentum on previous successes
Have a read of Getting ahead in music.
Me and my friend have made a band, The Flying Kumaras, and are wondering If our songs need to just have a melody, or lyrics? Also, in our band, I play keyboard, and my friend plays a bass, (he can play guitar) and I was wondering if that's enough, or do we need more instruments? Jasper, 12
CHART replies: I guess there are many styles of music which are instrumental (no vocals) but audiences love rhythm ie. drum beats and vocal melodies. Perhaps guitar and keyboards may work best together with the keyboard filling the bass role. Do you have a vocalist?
Are there many n.z music oppertunities or agencys? and what is the best way to approach these industries? Cassandra, 13.
CHART replies: You mean for playing live? NZ is lucky that booking a live gig is relatively easy, even for all ages artists. For contacts see the CHART Venues Directory.
Im a rap artist wanting to record my music but haven't had the money or equipment to do so i also wanted to ask is there a formal group that you hold together and if so what can i do to join? i dont care about the fame its strictly for the love of the music my stage name is (young freeze) i have experience in recording tracks before but only in colaborations with other artists im looking forward to hearing something from you'se bye for now. Reuben, 17
Chart replies: Hi Reuben,
There are a couple of cheaper options for recording around town. To first experience the studio environment contact MAINZ and you can get a recording done for free (not to be used for commercial release). There is a community studio called Te Koru () in Papanui.
Other cheaper studio options are Creative Places.All the ChCh studios can be found at http://www.christchurchmusic.org.nz/music-studios

In order to connect with other like-minded rappers, start a myspace profile and find and contact them that way.

When starting a band what in your opinion is the more important factor? Is it the band working together, or having skilled musicians? What is more important and why? Sam, 16
I think they are both important factors but in the first instance all enjoying playing together, liking similar styles of music and having the same goals eg. wanting to play live or record some songs, etc. Ultimately as band's careers move onwards and upwards different pressures increase so having a good working relationship helps and especially a band agreement to work out any possible arguments - see Devil's Advocate: Why didn't someone tell me that up front? - NZ Musician
What is the hardest obstacle most musicians have to overcome?
Mikayla, 14
Chart replies: I guess finding enough money to write, produce, perform and market themselves.
Im a singer and im really into all music, i write songs im in a duo, and have worked with a small band and i have a question ... How do you get recognised for yor talent and go further in life with your music career? Nicole, 16
Chart replies: You come along to CHARTFEST! Ok, there's more to it than that, Rockquest, Play It Strange and CHART run school band competitions which are a good start. Also creating a Myspace page and connecting with like minded bands is also another way of getting recognised. A music career is all about small steps and building momentum.
How do you become a music star? Kirsty-Lee, 14
Chart replies: It's hard to determine what 'star' means these days ... the winner of Stars in your Eyes or NZ Idol? Or is it a number 1 song on the radio or filling the town hall? What your end goal is will determine which road and what steps you take.
What is the best way to get word out about your band and for people to start noticing you? Justine, 16
Chart replies: Hi Justine, first step would be to build yourself a Myspace profile with a short blurb (written in third person), 3-4 great pictures, and appropriate top friends. Then get yourself some good quality recordings to upload.
NB: Justine - please fill in the form with your full contact details so we can put your entry in the draw.
I'M A BASSIST AND I WANT TO KNOW WHAT GOOD BANDS LOOK FOR IN
A BASSIST AND IF IT IS HARD TO BECOME WELL-KNOWN IN NEW ZEALAND? Emma, 13.
Chart replies: Bands may try and find like-minded souls who are into the same genre and styles as them when looking for new members. Ability is one thing but getting on together is just as important! It's very easy to become known in New Zealand with it being a reaitively small scene. Emma - please fill in the form with your full contact details so we can put your entry in the draw.
I have just started a band and was wondering how to get out
there and get known? Ruby, 13
Chart replies: Get involved in all the school band competitions, Rockquest, Play It Strange. Practise and play as often as you can at parties, all ages venues and make an effort to meet similar bands. Ruby - please fill in the form with your full contact details so we can put your entry in the draw.
How do people in the music industry cope with negative
comments about their music? Madison, 14.
It depends on what sort of criticism, if its constructive and from someone's opinion you value then take it on board. Music is always going to be subjective and a matter of personal taste, so make sure everything you do is of the highest quality and standards and you'll be proud of your efforts.
How long does it take to publish a cd? Daniel, 13
Chart replies: If you have the finished audio and cover artwork all ready then places like Amstore can have them back to you within 10 working days.