ALEX DEW
STEPS
Why? Skill Set Platform Bio-Demos Zero to Hero Detach Let Go Sample Packs Self mgmt +Attitude Patience Side Hustle?
SKILLZ
I thought I'd get "Down with the Gen-Z"s with the misspelling of Skills with a z.. LOL Anyway.
Skills? To be an Online musician, and specifically, here I am referring to of a recording kind, assuming in a DAW of sorts but could be analog? (That actually could be a great selling feature.. you know for warmth, authentically retro, all great selling points!.. I for instance use the fact I use a classic Valve mic for that "Warmth tone"... sorry I digress!).
It is worth plotting out "What skills you have and more importantly what you don't have!"
Here is an example of a list of skills I think are crucial:
The most important one is playing to a desirable, good standard on your instrument of choice or vocals.
Being competent to record this into a DAW ( this is usually recording along with the online client backing track or "Beat" as them kids like to say!
The understanding and principles of being able to record cleanly, limit hiss, good quality.... for vocals knowing good "Recording" vocal technique ( I will be addressing some equipment issues later on in CHAPTER ??? I have a super cheap genius DIY Vocal booth design for you :)
The understanding and good practice of exporting HQ (48khz or otherwise requested Khz) WAVS, some may want Mp3s AIFFs, etc but that's rare. I do however export MP3s for reference mixes as I work with producers online, for speed, file size, and also a good way to not "Give away" the HQ WAV mixes as yet... I'll expand on this... SPOILER alert I advise not to be precious about this but I will explain...
Can you read music/tab? ...This is not a requirement (I don't I'm all ears baby!) but could be a great selling point to highlight.
Are you disciplined and organized? This is such a crucial skill as you could be a genius musician and a wizard at recording and tech recording techniques but that means ZILCH if you fail to deliver on time to waiting producers/clients.
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How are your communication skills? this is vitally important to be successful as an "Online Musician" .
You need to be able to converse with clients quickly, politely and concisely.
A communication discipline in a way. Working and progressing on a track: being "On the ball" with keeping them updated as to how you are progressing and for instance, when they will receive a "Demo" update to check out. If you are bad at writing text I recommend Grammarly! https://app.grammarly.com in fact I am using it right now !! It's great to check grammar and spelling. My point here is you want to appear PRO not misspelling all 'over the shop' with poor grammar!
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SO IN SUMMARY
*Musical ability (instrument/vocal)
*DAW (Recording device) utilization Skill level
*Clean Recording Practice-Understanding
*Preparing WAVS/Mp3s for export-Delivery to Client
*Music Reading ability (Not required but a good USP if you can!)
*Disciplined? You can become disciplined!
* Communication Skill level