Breaking Into the Music Industry While in School

Kristian Gorenc Z

Jun 24, 2025

Got dreams of becoming the next big thing in music, but you're still juggling classes and homework? You're not alone. Many aspiring artists, producers, and music entrepreneurs wonder how they can break into the music industry while managing their academic responsibilities. The good news? It's absolutely possible, and there are tools and strategies out there that can help make it happen. You just need the right mindset, resources, and a bit of time management.

So, let’s dive into some practical tips and tools that can make your dream of breaking into the music industry while still in school a reality.

1. Develop Your Skills, Even in Between Classes

One of the biggest challenges of being a student with big music dreams is finding time to hone your craft. But here's the thing: you don’t need hours and hours every day to improve. Instead, try making use of the pockets of time you have between classes, during study sessions, or even in the evenings.

Get Help When You Need It

If you find yourself struggling to balance coursework and music development, it can be helpful to ask for support. Sometimes, to free up time for practicing or working on your music, it might make sense to delegate some of your academic workload. For instance, if you’re overwhelmed with essays or assignments, you could consider options "pay someone to write my paper" to ease the burden. This gives you more time to focus on your craft without sacrificing academic success. Remember, the goal is to stay efficient and manage your time wisely—getting help with your studies can be a smart way to ensure you're not neglecting your passion for music.

Practice on the Go

If you’re a musician, make sure to practice wherever you can—whether it's guitar, piano, or singing. It’s all about consistency. Use your dorm room or bedroom to record ideas or melodies. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just enough to capture inspiration. If you're into electronic music production, try making beats on your laptop or even a smartphone with apps like GarageBand or FL Studio Mobile. These apps allow you to create music anytime, anywhere.

Learn Online

You don't always need a formal music school to learn the ropes. Many successful producers, musicians, and songwriters have picked up skills through online tutorials, courses, and platforms. Websites like MasterClass and Skillshare offer music-related classes taught by industry professionals. Similarly, YouTube is an incredible free resource with countless tutorials on music production, mixing, and songwriting. It’s all about investing a little time here and there.

2. Leverage Social Media to Build Your Brand

In today's digital age, social media is one of the most powerful tools for breaking into any industry—especially music. You might not have a record label backing you (yet!), but platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and SoundCloud are excellent places to start building your presence.

Engage with Your Audience

You can begin by posting your music or music-related content regularly. Whether it's original tracks, covers, or behind-the-scenes footage of your creative process, your goal is to showcase your talent and connect with potential fans. TikTok, for example, is a great platform for viral content, and if you create something engaging or trend-worthy, it could snowball into major exposure.

But it's not just about posting your work. Engaging with others in your field is equally important. Commenting on fellow musicians' posts, collaborating with other artists, or even joining music-related communities can help expand your reach and establish relationships in the industry.

Use the Right Hashtags

Hashtags are your best friend when it comes to visibility. Research popular music hashtags relevant to your genre and audience. Hashtags like #NewMusic, #IndieArtist, or more niche tags based on your genre (e.g., #TrapBeats, #PopMusic, #SingerSongwriter) can help you get discovered by people who care about the music you're making.

3. Network Like a Pro (Even From Your Dorm Room)

Networking is a huge part of the music industry. While you might not be able to attend fancy industry events while in school, there are plenty of online spaces where you can connect with like-minded individuals, artists, and even potential collaborators.

Join Online Communities

Platforms like Reddit, Discord, and Facebook Groups have thriving music communities where people share advice, feedback, and opportunities. Subreddits like r/WeAreTheMusicMakers or Discord servers dedicated to music production offer great spaces to network with others, ask questions, and even collaborate on projects.

Also, try to reach out directly to people whose work you admire. Whether it’s through social media or email, don't be afraid to introduce yourself and express your admiration for their work. The worst that can happen is they don’t respond, but you won’t know unless you try!

Collaborate with Peers

Being in school also gives you the advantage of having peers who might share your passion for music. Work with classmates on projects, or consider offering to make music for student films, projects, or even events at your university. Collaboration can open up new opportunities, build your portfolio, and increase your credibility within the community.

4. Create a Portfolio and Publish Your Music

Creating a portfolio of your work is a crucial step toward getting noticed. Whether you’re into songwriting, producing, or performing, having a professional portfolio gives you something concrete to show industry professionals.

Use Streaming Platforms

One of the easiest ways to publish your music is through streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud. These platforms are widely used by listeners and music executives alike. Distributing your music through sites like DistroKid or TuneCore allows you to get your tracks on major streaming platforms and earn royalties.

If you're worried about how to create and distribute music without expensive studio equipment, don't stress! Many successful artists have recorded and distributed their first tracks from their bedrooms using affordable software like Logic Pro or Ableton Live. In fact, a lot of music today is created using basic home studio setups, so don't let the lack of a big budget hold you back.

Upload to YouTube

For visuals, YouTube remains the go-to platform. You don't need a high-budget music video—start by posting lyric videos, acoustic versions, or even simple live performances. Visual content helps humanize your brand and can dramatically increase your reach.

5. Stay Organized and Manage Your Time Effectively

Balancing school and music can be overwhelming at times, but staying organized is key to success. After all, you're trying to master both academia and a creative career simultaneously.

Use Time Management Apps

Apps like Trello, Notion, or Google Calendar can help you organize your music projects and school deadlines. Set aside blocks of time specifically for music, whether it's producing beats or promoting your work on social media. Scheduling specific times for both school and music means you can stay on track without burning out.

Prioritize Self-Care

Don’t forget that you're a student first, and taking care of your mental health and well-being is essential. Breaks, exercise, and downtime are necessary to keep you productive in both your studies and your music career. Burnout won’t help you get further in the industry or in your education, so make sure you’re balancing work and relaxation.

Final Thoughts: Breaking Into Music Takes Patience and Perseverance

Breaking into the music industry while in school may seem like a daunting task, but it's absolutely achievable with the right mindset and strategies. Use every opportunity to practice, connect with others, and build your online presence. Stay consistent, stay organized, and be patient with yourself as you continue to grow as an artist.

The most important thing is to never give up on your dreams. With determination, creativity, and a bit of hustle, you can make a name for yourself in the music industry, even while pursuing your degree.

So, ready to start your music career while still in school? The tools and strategies are there—you just have to take the first step!