We can easily state that in classical music, there is a place for everyone, from music lovers to performers. However, the question for many teenagers or young people is how they can take their music career to the next level and become classical music performers.

Often in classical music, there is a misconception that a performer must prepare for this from a young age, and if they haven’t done so, they cannot reach the highest levels of success. This is often entirely erroneous because today we have many examples of young musicians who have become performers quite late, even in high school or after its completion.

Why is this possible? Simple! Classical music is not solely based on the execution of works with perfect technique, and even if it were, it is never too late to start from scratch. It all depends on dedication and involvement, a young person’s affiliation with classical music genres, and, of course, the desire for recognition.

To support young artists and help them transition from the amateur status to a professional one, we present the following tips and steps.

1. Diversify the pieces you perform. Many amateur classical musicians focus on a single historical period, such as the Baroque or Classical era. Even if you have an affinity for Bach or Mozart and sing or play passionately, try tackling different styles. A professional instrumentalist or vocalist can perform musical works from all stylistic periods, so if you want to advance from an amateur level, diversify the music you perform and learn new vocal or instrumental techniques. After all, the ability to adapt to various stylistic periods is what makes you a professional.
2. Perform your favorite works in public! Often, the notion of an amateur musician includes performing certain pieces only for oneself. In this situation, your interpretations will not see the spotlight, so you can’t call yourself a professional. If you want to move to the next level, go out and perform in places where strangers can listen to you. Why strangers? Because even if you perform a piece for your family during holidays or at various small events, it doesn’t mean you have a music career. When you present a piece to an audience, you convey emotion, which is a defining element for every artist.
3. Don’t be discouraged if the audience doesn’t appreciate your performances at first! The fact that you’ve been studying an instrument from a young age won’t automatically make you appreciated by the public, and if you started later in life, it certainly won’t make you automatically unappreciated by the public. Many world-class professional artists were booed, and the audience threw tomatoes at them during their first performances, but that didn’t stop them from building a career in music. Remember that success comes only with perseverance, and you shouldn’t easily give up on your dream.
4. Meet other artists! Often, to become a good classical music performer, you need a mentor. To find one, you need to interact with other artists who have likely gone through the entire process you need to go through at the beginning of your journey. Find similar artists whom you admire and talk to them; they will certainly be open to offering advice and support so that you can have a successful career just like them.

For more info, check: