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Starting a music career has never been more accessible, but it’s also never been more competitive. Whether you want to become an artist, songwriter, producer or performer, building a sustainable career takes more than talent alone.
We caught up with Paul Williams, Head of Foundations at LCCM, to find out what advice he’d give to anyone serious about starting a music career from scratch.
Paul has been signed to Columbia Records as a singer, songwriter and guitarist, toured internationally across the UK, Europe, the US and Japan, and worked as a producer, live sound engineer and festival production manager. Having built a career across multiple areas of the music industry, he shares his advice on how to make the most of your opportunities and build a career that lasts.
Can you start a music career with no experience?
Absolutely. Everyone starts somewhere, but one of the biggest mistakes aspiring musicians make is waiting until they feel “ready”.
It might sound nerve-wracking, but it’s best to start before you feel ready. Think about it like this: very song you write, performance you play and connection you make helps you build experience and confidence. A music career isn’t built in a day, it’s built by consistently taking the next opportunity.
How should you release your first music?
Getting your music onto Spotify and Apple Music is easier than ever through music distribution services such as Ditto Music, Amuse or DistroKid. The trick for emerging artists is to treat streaming more like your digital business card rather than a primary income stream. It’s also worth looking into which streaming platform is best for you and your goals as an artist.
The goal isn’t to go viral overnight, but to build a catalogue of quality music that showcases your sound, gives listeners something to discover and opens doors for you across the wider music business.
How do you start performing live?
The UK’s grassroots venues remain one of the best places to develop for emerging artist. Identify venues supported by the Music Venue Trust and think strategically about how you approach promoters. Instead of asking for headline shows, begin by offering to be the opening act for a touring band that matches your genre.
Looking for gig swaps can be a good move too. Find a band in a neighbouring city, support them there and invite them to play with you in return. It’s a simple way to grow your audience while building relationships across the music industry.
How do musicians actually make money?
One of the biggest realities of today’s music industry jobs is that most musicians don’t rely on one source of income. Instead, they build what’s known as a portfolio career – a mix of different creative roles that work together.
Plan a portfolio career that combines:
- Live performance
- Session work
- Music production
- Teaching
- Sync licensing
- Library music composition
Building multiple income streams creates a more sustainable career and opens up more career opportunities in music. If you’re interested in exploring this in more detail, check out our guide to how musicians can make money in 2026 and beyond.
When should you become more professional?
Do not wait around to be noticed before setting up your business identity. Even if you’re just starting out, it’s worth putting your professional foundations in place early.
Join organisations such as the Musicians’ Union (MU) or the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM) for insurance, legal advice and contract support.
If you’re writing or recording original music, register with PRS for Music and PPL so you can collect royalties whenever your music is streamed, performed live or played publicly.
How do you get your music noticed?
Think beyond streaming platforms. Upload every new track to BBC Introducing. For unsigned UK artists, it’s one of the strongest routes to radio play, festival opportunities and industry recognition.
Networking matters too. Attend events such as The Great Escape, Liverpool Sound City or Brighton Music Conference whenever possible. Student tickets and volunteer opportunities can make these much more accessible.
When contacting managers, labels or A&Rs, keep emails short and professional. Include a link to your Electronic Press Kit and a private SoundCloud link if needed but never attach MP3 files directly, as they often end up in spam folders.
Where can emerging musicians find funding?
The UK offers excellent support for emerging artists. Organisations including Youth Music, PRS Foundation, Help Musicians and Arts Council England regularly fund recording projects, touring, equipment, mentoring and creative development.
Learning how to write a strong funding application can become a valuable skill throughout your career.
How can studying music help your career?
For music students, university campuses are a low-risk incubator and a great place to build your initial portfolio before testing the commercial market.
One of the biggest advantages of studying music is the opportunity to collaborate beyond your own course. Working with students from film, animation, fashion, graphic design and marketing mirrors the way creative professionals work in the real world while helping you build a stronger portfolio.
Make the most of professional facilities too. Create multi-angle live session videos, high-quality audio stems and clean press kits while studios, live rooms and equipment are covered by your tuition fees.
Do you need a music degree to start a music career?
Not necessarily. But if you do choose to study, make every opportunity count.
Here at LCCM, our students are encouraged to build their careers while they’re learning through collaboration, live performance, recording projects and industry connections. Taught by lecturers who continue to work across the music industry, our courses are designed to help you graduate with practical experience, a growing network and a portfolio that reflects the realities of today’s music careers.
