”Take that path and see where it leads because, if it works out, which often it does, it’s a pretty fulfilling way to spend the rest of your life.
Colin BuchananMusician and Music Producer
If you love to make music and want to make it your career, you’re in luck – it’s never been easier to become a professional musician. Thanks to the internet, you can produce and distribute your or your work on your own without the help of a recording agency. Once it’s out there, you can use the internet and social media to find your audience and reaching out to professionals who can help you turn your music into a profitable career. Most musicians on P.E.I. still make much of their income through live performances. The high number of music venues and festivals on the Island mean options are plentiful, especially for folk and traditional musicians. It can be tough to book enough live gigs and sell enough records independently to make a living, but fortunately there is a big demand for music teachers this can help you supplement your income. There are also many music programs at colleges and universities across Canada that can help you hone your craft and make connections in the music industry.
Want to know more?
GENERAL INFO
JOBS
Musician, Singer, Music Teacher, Music Producer
JOIN UP
Music PEI has many resources to help up-and-coming musicians break into the industry and find commercial success.
OTHER JOB OPTIONS
Sound Engineer, Band Manager, Music Agent, Radio DJ, Radio Producer, Music Therapist
LET’S TALK MONEY
$22,770/year (Canada-wide average) [Source: Hill Strategies 2010]. Many musicians supplement their income by teaching or producing other musicians.
GET TO BUSINESS
Skills in accounting, marketing, and business management will help you successfully sell your music and find paying audiences.
NEAREST SCHOOLS
University of Prince Edward Island, Music Program | University of Prince Edward Island, Music Education Program | Holland College School of Performing Arts, Music Performance
EXAMPLE PATH TO SUCCESS
You can start by joining a band while in high school. After graduating, you can study music at university or college while performing at venues nearby. This will help you hone your craft while you put together a professional band. You can record an album, and use the internet to distribute music, build a fanbase and raise your profile to perform for more money and larger venues. After reaching out to music distributors, you can sign a recording deal that will allow you to distribute your music on a larger scale. While doing this, you can help other bands produce their music and teach younger musicians.
Have more questions?
ASK AN ARTIST
COLIN BUCHANAN
For any specific questions that Colin may be able to answer, please click the button below to send an email.