High School

High school classes that will help you become a pop or rock musician include English, which will help you hone your writing abilities; business and mathematics, which will teach you basic business principles of budgeting and managing money; and, of course, music, specifically voice or instrument training. Marketing classes are important because musicians increasingly use social media and other methods to promote their work. Becoming proficient in the use of music editing software will also come in handy because many musicians record and mix their own work and then upload it to sites such as Bandcamp, which calls itself an "online record store." Playing in one or more of your high school bands will give you an idea of what it is like to interact with fellow musicians as well as perform in front of an audience.

Postsecondary Training

A college education isnt necessary for becoming a pop or rock musician, but it can help you learn about music, recording, and writing. In general, you should have a background in music theory and an understanding of a variety of styles of music. Learning to play one or more instruments, such as the piano or guitar, will be especially helpful in writing songs. You can pursue this education at a community college, university, or music school. There are a number of seminars, conferences, and workshops available that will involve you with songwriting, audio recording, and producing.

Certification

Certificate programs in music performance, music history, music education, and related areas are available from colleges and universities. Programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Other Education or Training

The Songwriters Guild of America (https://www.songwritersguild.com) provides songwriting workshops in a variety of cities. The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers Foundation offers workshops that cover topics such as songwriting. Visit https://www.ascap.com/help/career-development/workshops for more information. Contact these organizations for more information.

Colleges and universities, music schools, and private teachers offer music performance and songwriting classes.

Certification or Licensing

There are no certification or licensing requirements for pop/rock musicians.

Making a living as a pop or rock musician will depend on your drive and passion as well as your talent and creativity. Training is important but the best way to get experience is to actually practice and perform.

You need to be able to work closely with other artists and to have patience with the rehearsal and recording process. Youll also need persistence to proceed with your ambitions despite rejection. It might take years to see the benefits of all your hard work so musicians must have stamina and a passion for music in their core.