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

How to Grow as a Musician

What All Musicians Must Know to Succeed
A Friendly Guide to Launching and Maintaining Your Musical Career

Making a living from music is challenging—but it is possible.

In How to Grow as a Musician, acclaimed jazz radio host and educator Sheila E. Anderson delivers an encouraging yet realistic roadmap for musicians who want to build a sustainable, fulfilling career. Drawing on decades of industry experience, Anderson blends practical instruction with hard-earned wisdom from celebrated performers and respected professionals across the jazz world.

This expanded second edition goes beyond technique to address the real-world demands of a professional music life—combining craft, mindset, business knowledge, and personal growth. Whether you’re just starting out or navigating the next phase of your career, this book provides clear guidance on how to grow artistically while surviving—and thriving—in the music business.

Warm, candid, and grounded in experience, Anderson doesn’t shy away from difficult truths. She tackles topics like rejection, ego, perseverance, and preparation, while offering concrete steps musicians can apply immediately.

Inside This Book, You’ll Learn About

• Composing and recording music
• Developing solid practice habits
• Preparing for and delivering strong performances
• Getting, negotiating, and keeping gigs
• Understanding contracts and the business side of music
• Building professional networks and lasting relationships
• Promoting yourself effectively, including through social media
• Overcoming failure and sustaining long-term growth

What Makes This Book Stand Out

• Combines step-by-step guidance with real-life stories
• Features insights from legendary and contemporary jazz artists, including Ron Carter, Al Jarreau, Randy Weston, Tia Fuller, Will Calhoun, and many more
• Written in a warm, conversational tone that’s both motivating and practical
• Ideal for students, emerging artists, working professionals, and jazz enthusiasts
• Offers value not only to musicians, but also to fans who want to better understand and support artists

Who This Book Is For

• Aspiring and professional musicians
• Music students and educators
• Jazz artists and creatives in any genre
• Performers seeking longevity, clarity, and direction
• Music lovers who want deeper insight into the realities of the profession

Praise for How to Grow as a Musician

• Widely praised by musicians, educators, cultural leaders, and creatives, this book has been described as:
• “A literal life manual for the musician”
• “An obligatory read for all musicians and creative artists”
• “A must-have for any serious student”
• “A roadmap for navigating the music business with integrity and perseverance”

About the Author

Sheila E. Anderson is a respected jazz radio personality on WBGO 88.3 FM, the most popular jazz station in the United States. She hosts Weekend Jazz After Hours, Salon Sessions, and Sunday Night Music Mix, and curates major jazz festivals and museum programs. A lecturer on jazz history and Columbia University Community Scholar, Anderson lives in New York City.