Hi I like to sing but I have no band and no friends and my folks(parents)divorced.What can I do? I wanted to try college but I don't have an income unless faking documents for medical conditions.I do have a medical condition but you're not going to like what you're going to hear. I don't want to tell you my medical condition but I want to find out if you can become a musician by your talent and voice.I have voice but I have 0 connections in real life.I don't want to end up singing on the street. Can someone take you in a studio if you have no one in this line of work?
Maybe if you do go busking on the street in the warmer weather next year, and you voice is Great, then maybe someone will hear you and bring you to a studio if you are really that good, and you do have to be THAT Good.
In the meantime do something, to earn some money, get yourself lessons a guitar or whatever instrument you interested in.
Windows 10 (64bit) M-Audio Fast Track Pro, Band in a Box 2025, Cubase 14, Cakewalk and far too many VST plugins that I probably don't need or will ever use
Maybe if you do go busking on the street in the warmer weather next year, and you voice is Great, then maybe someone will hear you and bring you to a studio if you are really that good, and you do have to be THAT Good.
In the meantime do something, to earn some money, get yourself lessons a guitar or whatever instrument you interested in.
Plenty of free lessons on the internet.
Good luck.
You can be recruited from the street? I really don't know how the real world works and that's the reason I'm asking this dumb question!
The music business is VERY tough these days and getting tougher as AI matures. Someone once said, "You've got to be in the game to be in the game." Seems to me that step one in getting "in the game" is to secure a steady income, then network from there.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
The music business is VERY tough these days and getting tougher as AI matures. Someone once said, "You've got to be in the game to be in the game." Seems to me that step one in getting "in the game" is to secure a steady income, then network from there.
So that means I should keep my expactations at low?
No it means if you want a career in music you advance in steps. You start by becoming proficient with your instrument, in your case your voice. You learn to sing many different song genres. You join community chorus or a church choir and learn to work with others. You sing in front of people at parties or senior living facilities. You visit clubs and bars that feature live music and ask to set in. You network with other musicians to build up your confidence, gain experience and build up a reputation.
Hi I like to sing but I have no band and no friends and my folks(parents)divorced.What can I do?
I'd suggest that a career in singing isn't for you. It's a super-competitive field, and you have to really hustle to make things happen. If you were going to be a singer, you'd be networking, joining bands, and looking for every opportunity to sing.
That doesn't sound like where you're at.
Quote
I wanted to try college but I don't have an income unless faking documents for medical conditions.I do have a medical condition but you're not going to like what you're going to hear.
Well, forgery isn't a traditional job career.
I'd suggest considering a vocational school and getting a two-year certificate. Look to see if student loans are available. Pick something where there's a high demand for the work.
Quote
I don't want to tell you my medical condition but I want to find out if you can become a musician by your talent and voice.I have voice but I have 0 connections in real life.I don't want to end up singing on the street.
Talent and voice are just a starting point.
You need to have drive, connections, and the determination, even in the face of insurmountable odds.You'll need to adapt to a field where there are less and less opportunities, less and less pay, and more highly skilled people you'll have to compete against for work.
Quote
Can someone take you in a studio if you have no one in this line of work?
Studios are happy to take your money, no matter how skilled or unskilled you are. They're there to take your money, not judge you.
Unless you mean will someone let me use their studio for free, in which the case is No.
@dcuny I don't want to do music to become rich,I want to do music because it is my passion.Unfortunately I don't live in the USA and I live in Romania where most jobs are in IT... I want to try a guitar instrument and become like the Blaxy Girls. I like rock but I don't know where to find producers,the band had a producer who was also a dentist,Costi Ionita. Is that how music works in general?You need to have more jobs to cover you financial plans?
@dcuny Is that how music works in general?You need to have more jobs to cover you financial plans?
No, that is how life works. Music is secondary to surviving. If you love music as you say, you will find a way to kindle the fire, but it may not be how you are expecting it. But don't let that stop you.
I don't want to do music to become rich,I want to do music because it is my passion.Unfortunately I don't live in the USA and I live in Romania where most jobs are in IT...
Well, you're safe with "I don't want to do music to become rich."
If music is your passion, then that's what you'll end up doing - even if that means playing on the street.
Not everyone can make their passion their job. Sometimes, it's best not to make it your job. There are plenty of opportunities to sing that don't require you to work at it full time. Join a band, sing in a church choir, whatever. If you're good and you make connections, you'll find opportunities and jobs.
Quote
I want to try a guitar instrument and become like the Blaxy Girls.
Since they were the biggest group in Romania, that's not exactly a modest goal.
The first step might be to learn to play a guitar.
Quote
I like rock but I don't know where to find producers,the band had a producer who was also a dentist,Costi Ionita.
The surprise comes when you find out who composed the song and who is the [Blaxy Girls] producer: none other than Costi Ioniţă. Often involved in plagiarism scandals and known as a great fan of manele, thanks to his collaboration with Adrian Copilul Minune and thanks to the license obtained for the Mynele TV television station, Costi Ioniţă is the "genius" behind the success of the Blaxy Girls band.
If the producer is the one who makes the group successful, they're the one who gets all the money. Even successful bands don't make that much money after all the expenses.
Quote
s that how music works in general?You need to have more jobs to cover you financial plans?
Yes, that's how it works for most jobs related to the arts (acting, writing, etc.). And there's no guarantee that you'll ever make it big in the business. Most people don't, and even people you probably think of as very successful aren't making that much money.
Get a degree or vocational training and secure a career you enjoy working in that is in high demand so you have job security. Enjoy your music as a side gig. Begin networking with others and see where that takes you. All the while living a comfortable life.
Cinderella stories where a fantastic singer-songwriter is "discovered" and then featured/produced/managed to success are pretty much just fairy tales. Yeah, it could possibly happen but you have about as much chance of winning the lottery.
I live in the United States. I have played in the Tubes in London and France. I have been to Bucharest. It is a bit easier if you are younger. It is very easy to get to know musicians in Italy who play in the streets. There are a lot of English guys and girls who play with the Italians. There is money to be made. It is difficult to learn your way around but it can be done.
There are kids and older people who are making enough money to support themselves all over Europe busking.
They know how to play the guitar or piano generally and a few other instruments. They are as much entertainers as musicians.
There are a few people like myself who would love to have a vocalist who knows how to sing. I am pretty sure I am not the only one. I assume you live in or near Bucharest. Romania is not the best area in Eastern Europe to play on the street.
Until you learn to play some instrument well enough to accompany your voice you will have to team up with someone who plays.
Playing in the street in Europe is actually a good way to become a professional musician in Europe. People will listen to you and if you are any good it will lead to other jobs.
There are many things you don't need, like a car. It is winter so more clothes are needed. If I were you I would try to get a job where you live this winter and save up some money, buy a cheap playable acoustic guitar, and play it till your fingers bled this winter. There are more tourists in the summer and it is a hell of a lot easier to deal with the weather conditions in the summer.
Try to figure out something that sets you apart from the rest of the musicians. I am from Texas, so I can do that Texas cowboy accent, which serves me well in England, for example. I speak several languages well enough to make small talk. I speak Arabic which gives me an in with the North Africans. Those guys are supporting their kids with the money they make playing, so they have little interest in sharing any with you, but if you speak Arabic, you can sometimes get in.
Look, it is getting more difficult by the year to survive playing music and it is only something you should consider if you are willing to work very hard and smart and be willing to put up with a good bit of crap and disappointments. There are plenty of people out there on the street willing to take advantage of you in many different ways. I have seen drugs and alcohol kill several of my musician friends over the years.
You may struggle from time to time to make enough to survive. That is why the definition of a guitar player who has lost his girlfriend/boyfriend is considered homeless...lol
Have fun and be good, and if you can't be good, be careful...lol
Cheers,
Billy
EDIT: Go listen to Subterranean Homesick Blues, it is pretty close to what real life is...lol In fact, you should learn a few of Bob Dylan's songs if you play on the street.
Last edited by Planobilly; 12/20/2408:54 PM.
“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig? “Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
Here is some good info on what to do if you want to make money busking. I expect to make at least 100 euros for every evening I work on the street. Big bucks? No, but you can live in a hostel, eat well, and have a lot of fun. One other thing, a good teacher is a really good thing, but there is everything you need to learn for free on the net.
9 Essential Busking Tips in Europe If you like to show off, if you value freedom and spontaneity, street performance may provide the ideal short-term employment abroad. Set your own hours, work wherever you want, and meet a lot of interesting people along the way. In most of Europe you can finance your travel by making a scene in public. Here are nine tips to put in your hat.
Dare to be different. Guitarists strumming out pop songs sometimes outnumber the pigeons, as my friend and I discovered one evening in Florence. When I broke a guitar string, we were forced to sing acapella. So we dropped U2 and harmonized old spirituals instead. We got more cash in the next 20 minutes than we had earned in the previous two hours. Unique stunts, exceptional costumes and props, or a rare musical instrument will almost always bring good results. How can you make your act different from all — or even just most — of the others? People will pay for something new and unusual.
Timing is everything. In popular, centralized areas where the crowds gather you’ll always have competition. So where to go? Better to ask when. I prefer places where the throngs are temporary, such as lines to get into a cinema or museum. I provide entertainment while they wait and have a captive audience where everybody’s relaxed and in a good mood. An occasional performance for the locals in their neighborhood park goes over well. But keep in mind that frequent repeats may cause resentment.
Think like a professional entertainer. You’re live at the Acropolis, even if it’s just the sidewalk outside, so keep high standards for yourself. Develop a 5- to 10-minute act that attracts attention, draws people in, and rewards them for staying. Rehearse it to perfection. Wear a first-rate costume in excellent condition, or at least the best clothes you can get. Use your props, voice, etc. to gather a crowd and convince them this is a real show. Most Europeans value artistic talent. Your professionalism will inspire them to give you money out of admiration, not pity.
Break the "fourth wall." Overcome the invisible barrier between you and your audience. Talk to them, make fun of them, try to interact. Respond dramatically to what they do. At least acknowledge them when they give you money. Be personable.
Keep on rolling. Passersby might dump bills in your hat the first time, but not after they see you every day. It’s helpful to vary your act from time to time but even more important to change locations frequently. This becomes crucial if you’re working in the off-season and can’t rely on a steady stream of fresh tourists to finance you.
Rules of the trade. Make sure your audience knows you’re looking for cash. Keep your money receptacle visible, and put something in it (bills, not coins) to reinforce the idea.
Watch for thieves. If someone contributes a large bill, put it in your pocket so nobody can walk away with it.
Arm yourself with all kinds of papers and documents to ward off police. Almost anything is better than nothing. Use a student ID card, letters from organizations you belong to, etc. A passport from an English-speaking country almost always smoothes the way. The local address or phone number of a friend gives you legitimacy, and even a card or brochure from a hotel or youth hostel suggests you’re not homeless. Bus, train, and plane tickets imply that you’ll be leaving soon, and police may be happy to let you move on.
Payment in kindness. Be open to receive offerings other than money. I’ve been pampered by an endless stream of pizza, coffee, gelato, free rides, and even job offers. Busking in out-of-the-way places can lead to interesting conversations that sometimes end in invitations. Be flexible. Not only will your talents keep your belly full, they’ll take you where tourists rarely get to go.
I can tell you that playing in the streets of Europe is a lot more fun than playing in a band in the United States.
Here is one of the ways I dress to get notised. \\ Billy
“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig? “Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
<...snip...> I want to find out if you can become a musician by your talent and voice.<...>
I became a musician because of talent.
I've made a living as a musician since I was a young adult, from my talent, plus a lot of hard work, and constantly reacting to the changes in the music biz.
How?
First, you must work to be proficient on your instrument. Practice, practice, and then practice some more.
You must be versatile, and be able to play whatever style of music is in demand. And you must do it better or have another edge against your competition.
Learning more than one instrument is a plus. Learning to sing properly, sing well AND playing another musical instrument well is recommended.
Be versatile: My main instrument is voice and sax, also, by extension, wind synthesizer. I can double on drums, bass, guitar, and keyboards. Being able to double has landed gigs for me that another competing sax player didn't get.
Be versatile: Learn to express yourself authentically in different genres. I've played in rock, country, jazz, folk, blue, symphonic, easy listening, disco, and salsa bands. When opportunity knocks, be prepared.
Be versatile: I've been in a duo since 1985 http://www.s-cats.com - and we play music from the 1920s to the 2020s. With over 600 songs, mostly chosen by our audiences, other than during the COVID lockdown, we've never been out of work. Being a musical chameleon helps you stay booked. The gig wants dance music? We can do it. Dinner music? We can do it. Background music? Rock music? Disco music? Country music? We can do it. And so on.
If you want to become a professional musician, your occupation will dominate your life. If you aren't ready for that, pursue it as a sideline. You will practice a lot, constantly learn new songs, analyze the market and adjust your skills, develop enough business skills to keep yourself booked, and be prepared for the ups and downs of the business.
Don't expect to become filthy rich, 99% of us don't get there, but plenty of us are living a happy life. I almost 'made it' once, but the record company wanted to exploit us instead of pay us, so negotiations failed. But there is always a chance, so don't give up hope, either.
I had a day-job for 5 years, while gigging on the weekends. After a band breakup, I wanted to try out what being normal was, and for me, normal was overrated. My day-gig was a field engineer for a manufacturer of Cable TV electronic equipment. It paid well, but wasn't for me.
If I stayed at that job, I would have made a lot more money than I've made as a musician. On the other hand, I'm much happier being a musician. Even if I drive an older car, and don't have a lot of luxury items, I'm living a better life. I live simply, but I have zero debt, the house is paid off, and I take vacations.
I make my living doing what I would do for free if I didn't need money. Instead of saying, "I have to go to work today," I say, "Oh boy! I GET to go to work today!!!"
It's not a career for everyone, and with DJs, people singing to karaoke tracks, sports bars, and other diminishing opportunities, it's more difficult today than it was in the past. That doesn't mean it's impossible, but it will take work, dedication, and some business smarts.
“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig? “Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
I would go look at what these guys have and the prices. Tell the guy you want a cheap, playable acoustic guitar with a pickup. The guitar is a very personal thing, and you need to look around and try to find one that fits your hand. No guitar will feel comfortable to a beginner at first, and you will buy several over your lifetime. Have them put some light strings on the guitar. They will not sound as loud but be much easier to deal with as a beginner.
Address: Bulevardul Tomis 72-74, Constanța 900657, Romania Hours: Closed ⋅ Opens 10 AM Mon Phone: +40 724 054 701
Good luck,
Billy
“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig? “Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/RAV5hVs.jpg)
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean