The Career Musician

By: The Career Musician
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • Learn the secrets of the music industry and how to build a lasting career!
    Copyright © 2015
    Show more Show less
Art Entertainment & Performing Arts Music
Show more Show less
Episodes
  • #177: Music Publishing 101 | A Few Things To Know

    #177: Music Publishing 101 | A Few Things To Know
    Mar 5 2025
    In this episode of the Career Musician Podcast, Nomad dives deep into the significance of protecting intellectual property in the music industry. Nomad shares his personal experiences and insights on copyright, trademark, and the intricacies of publishing and licensing music. Through an interesting analogy involving a unique instrument found at Goodwill, Nomad highlights the importance of owning your creative work. The episode also includes useful advice on performance rights organizations (PROs) and the steps needed to ensure you receive royalties for your music. Key Topics Discussed: Intellectual Property in Music: Explanation of what constitutes intellectual property in the music industry. Importance of copyrighting and trademarking your creative works. Unique Instrument Analogy: Story about a distinctive cigar box instrument and its connection to proprietary creation. Comparisons between tangible creations and intangible music works. Ensuring Proper Ownership: The critical need for proper documentation and registration with PROs like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. Nomad's own experience with maintaining ownership of his publishing rights. Collaborations and Royalties: Discussion on collaborations with music industry majors and the potential reach they offer. Importance of securing your share of publishing and writers' royalties. Resources and Expert Advice: Introduction to Jesse Alvarez and Cinque Musica as valuable resources for mastering publishing and licensing. Links to previous episodes with expert insights and guidance. Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to engage with the episode by sharing it with fellow musicians. Nomad invites engagement on social media platforms and emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community of career musicians. Contact Information: Email: info@thecareermusician.com Website: The Career Musician Reach out for more personalized insights and questions. End of Episode Note: Nomad reiterates his commitment to supporting musicians in creating sustainable careers. Thank you for listening and being part of the Career Musician community. Nomad’s episodes focus on empowering musicians by sharing both the challenges and strategies for a rewarding career in music. Enjoy this informative episode and ensure your music is protected and valued! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    15 mins
  • #176: Mining the Gigs You Want | A Fresh Perspective

    #176: Mining the Gigs You Want | A Fresh Perspective
    Feb 25 2025
    Mining the Gigs You Want: A Fresh Perspective Welcome to the TCM Podcast, the go-to resource for career musicians looking to enhance their craft, grow professionally, and navigate the ever-evolving music industry. Hosted by Nomad, a seasoned musician and industry expert, the TCM Podcast delivers actionable insights, inspiring stories, and creative solutions tailored for musicians at every stage of their journey. Join us weekly for engaging discussions, practical advice, and invaluable tools to help you build a fulfilling career in music. In today’s oversaturated world of commerce, entertainment, and business, landing the right gigs takes more than just talent—it requires a whole new approach and perspective. In this episode, we break down unconventional strategies to help you navigate the industry, stand out from the crowd, and secure the opportunities you truly want and need. Whether you're a session player, live performer, or independent artist, these insights will shift your mindset and elevate your career game. Tune in and start mining for success! Episode Summary: In this episode of the TCM Podcast, Nomad explores the power of change and its impact on a musician's career. Drawing a creative connection between a fresh haircut and reframing perspectives, Nomad dives into how shifting our approach can open doors to new opportunities. Specifically, this episode focuses on innovative ways to secure gigs beyond the usual routes. From stepping into unexpected spaces like your local Chamber of Commerce meetings to rethinking networking strategies, Nomad offers actionable advice to help musicians overcome challenges in finding and booking their dream gigs. What To Expect: The metaphor of a haircut as a tool to inspire change and perspective shifts. The importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring non-traditional avenues for finding gigs. Specific example: Leveraging Chamber of Commerce meetings to network and promote your musical services. A call to action for listeners to share their creative methods for securing gigs. Key Takeaways: Change Often Sparks Growth: A simple physical change, like a haircut, can mentally kickstart new ideas and perspectives. Changing the way you approach your career can lead to similar growth. Break the Routine: Avoid relying solely on typical strategies for finding gigs, like jam sessions or social media messages. Think Outside the Box: Explore unconventional settings such as business and community events to network and promote yourself as a professional musician. Make an Impression: Have materials like business cards or flyers ready for distribution at events, and ensure they feature a clear call-to-action to engage potential clients. Expand Your Network Purposefully: Interact with people outside the music industry who might have connections or opportunities you wouldn’t encounter through traditional methods. Call to Action: Nomad invites listeners to share their creative methods for finding gigs in the comments or via DMs. Got an unconventional strategy that worked for you? He wants to hear about it! Additionally, make sure to subscribe to the podcast, hit those notification buttons, and leave a 5-star review on your favorite platform to help spread the word! Follow Us On: YouTube Apple Podcast Spotify Don’t forget: "Don't be lame. Share the game, baby! Join us in refreshing your approach to booking gigs and living the career musician life to the fullest!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    9 mins
  • #175: What Makes A Pro Musician in 2025? | 3 Things to Know if YOU are a Pro

    #175: What Makes A Pro Musician in 2025? | 3 Things to Know if YOU are a Pro
    Feb 18 2025
    In this episode of the Career Musician podcast, host Nomad discusses three crucial factors that distinguish professional musicians from amateurs. Drawing from his 30+ years of experience as a session and touring guitarist, Nomad breaks down the key elements of being a career musician: 1. Dedication - The importance of not waiting for motivation but following through with consistent work and discipline. 2. Communication - How professionals effectively communicate in all aspects of their work, whether it's with small teams or large productions. 3. Showing Up Prepared - The significance of being ready and punctual, with all necessary deliverables and preparations completed. Throughout the episode, Nomad shares personal experiences and practical examples, including insights from his current work as a film composer and his early career decisions. He emphasizes the importance of treating music as a profession rather than just a hobby, and explains how professionals focus on strengths, teamwork, and long-term sustainability rather than short-term gains. The episode concludes with Nomad encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast community and share their own experiences about professional versus amateur approaches in the music industry.Main Topic: 3 Key Differences Between Professional and Amateur Musicians 1. Dedication - Don't wait for motivation - Get up and do the work consistently - Follow and trust the process - Show discipline regardless of circumstances 2. Communications - How you communicate in all aspects (emails, projects, teams) - Being responsive and professional - No ghosting people - Clear and effective communication, even if brief - Working well as part of larger teams/projects 3. Showing Up Prepared - Arrive early (well before "on time") - Have all deliverables ready - Being fully prepared for every situation - No excuses for lateness or unpreparedness - Taking care of equipment and tools professionally Additional Professional vs Amateur Distinctions Mentioned: - Professionals focus on strengths rather than weaknesses - Professionals prioritize best outcomes over being right - Professionals think long-term vs short-term - Professionals value teamwork over individual brilliance - Professionals understand practice translates to performance The episode emphasizes these traits as essential for building a sustainable career in music, rather than just being a hobbyist or amateur musician. ✅ Unlock the Secrets to Building a Successful Music Career! ✅ Dive deep into what separates amateurs from professionals in the music industry. ✅ Join host Nomad on the “TCM Podcast” with special guest Ericka Guitron as they break down the essentials for turning your passion into a profession. ✅ Are you ready to make music your lasting career? Don't miss out on these invaluable insights! Check out the full episode and start your journey today. 🎶 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    20 mins

What listeners say about The Career Musician

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    1
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    1
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    1
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for The Career Musician

Amazingly comprehensive career advice for any musician seeking to go pro!

Some of the biggest names in the music biz are right here on this podcast...telling us exactly how they made it. I’m really impressed with the production quality and the hosts ability to deliver the information in such an understandable manner and develop a story arc while doing so.
Kudos, Nomad and thank you for this insightful free resource!

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!