In the world of music, there are many different avenues from which one can work. Ever wanted to just gig and play music? If you’re talented enough you certainly have that option.
Some people are looking towards different areas of the music industry for not only career satisfaction but also for a means of financial stability.
With the advent of technology such as the Internet and the lowering cost of hardware and software needed to make music, the playing field has now been leveled out.
No longer does one have to go to an expensive studio to record music or own hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of equipment to produce and publish album-friendly tracks.
People also want to express themselves through song and regardless of one’s equipment, all it takes is some pen and paper and a little inspiration to write some meaningful songs.
Others just want to play the music they love and be in front of people and provide leadership in settings such as corporate worship services in churches.
Here are some people who are using their time in college to help them advance in a possible career in music.
Michael Curtis – Senior music major with a Christian studies minor from Wylie, Tex.
- Produces and publishes his own songs via home studio.
- Works for clients such as Alamo Media to provide them instrument driven tracks.
- Developed an interest in music production running a sound board at his church.
- Gear now ranges from mics, cables, stands, headphones, computer, recording software, and a rack-mounted interface, priced around $4,000.
In Five Years: Michael hopes to do a combination of recording bass tracks for clients as well as complete projects for a greater number of clients, including genres such as techno and dubstep. Also plans to continue running and managing live sound.
Caleb Cunningham – Sophomore mathematics major from Carrolton, Tex.
- Wrote his first song vocally in 3rd grade (first complete one in 6th grade)
- Started off writing praise and worship songs from 3rd to 6th grade.
- Has written a total of 32 complete, ready-to-record songs to date.
- Writes from his current state of emotions and feelings, songs channel his emotions.
- Favorite song he’s written is a country song “Slow Down There Cowboy.”
In Five Years: Caleb hopes to get his music heard and published to the world, whether by playing it himself live for others or allowing other artists to use his creative work to express themselves.
Blake Johnson – Junior music major from Camden, Ark.
- Currently works at Beech Street Baptist Church in Texarkana, Ark as a worship leader for youth and plays electric guitar during the Sunday morning worship service.
- Has studied singing and practiced proper techniques for live performance.
- Develped an interest and leading towards guiding others in the context of a choir or a band. He hasn’t ruled out the idea of traveling to play at gigs for a living either.
In Five Years: Blake sees himself working at a church full time leading worship among a local group of believers in a body of like-minded believers.
Photo and Video by Daniel Aylett
