Show parents you’re serious about music career

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This article was published 14/04/2016 (3505 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I’m a musician and I’m going to make it in the industry. My parents are against it. They refer to my music as my hobby and my band as “your young buddies.” They want me to go to university and refer to this year off I’m taking as my “gap year.” My mother said to my aunt (which I overheard) that this is “just a passing phase.” They’re going to find out it’s a hell of a long gap coming up. Don’t they realize I would do even better if they backed me? I’m not handing over my future to them by becoming an accountant or a lawyer. How do I make them understand my music is my life?

— Serious Musician, Winnipeg

Dear Serious Musician: You want a different dream than your mom and dad have for you, so that means you take this year off and work. “Learn your way up” to a serving job that gives you good tips and flexible hours. Sock away as much money as you can. Actively look for gigs. Keep practising and learn as many songs as you can so you’re useful to fill in for other bands. Use some of your own money for music lessons to get even better. Learn everything, including the financial end of things. (Manitoba Music is a great local resource with various development programs and workshops you can tap into.) If your band tours, you’ll learn a lot in a hurry. Mom and dad will be plenty proud of you once you succeed.

And finally, stay off the drugs and don’t get anyone pregnant. Nothing can derail a burgeoning career faster. Sorry to be so blunt, but you need to know these things.

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6

Miss Lonelyhearts
Advice Columnist

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