How to Grow as a Musician: What All Musicians Must Know to Succeed (annotation)

Anderson, Sheila E. How to Grow as a Musician: What All Musicians Must Know to Succeed.

                 New York: Allworth, 2005. Print.

Sheila E.’s book touches subjects that can be very important for the modern jazz/pop musician trying to make it in the business. She does this by giving personal advice and having much needed information coming from other famous musicians that have been successful for a good while. The book contains advice on how to behave in a professional manner, how and when to record your music, the importance of being very careful when offered a contract from a music label and many other essential tips. She emphasizes that non-musical elements such as showing up on time, making connections with people in the industry and dressing well can be just as important as musical skills. 

I can see how this book can be useful for someone starting out in the business and trying to make it. The fact that she is not a just a person that did books about the musicians’ life from the outside makes it even better. She has been working as a musician for many years and toured with countless top of the line musicians, expanding her musical skills and career. The style of writing she uses is very inviting and does not feel distant.

Even though some of the ideas in the book are suppose to be common sense, they are worth repeating them until you get them internalized.