Once you have decided to take your passion for music from the hobby level to the career level, there is no quick and easy way to be successful. However, there are some basic steps you can take to enter the community of professional musicians and reap the benefit of those you meet, interact with and perform for.

Record and Upload

One of the first things you need to achieve is getting your music recorded in a format you can share. And once you have a digital copy of your music, begin sharing it with a global audience that reaches far beyond your local scene. Sites such as Last.fm allow musicians to upload music, create a bio and network with other musicians and music enthusiasts at no cost.

Network Online

Online social networking is essential for building your fan base. Create pages on Facebook and MySpace, and create an account on Twitter. Once you have your Twitter account, start interacting with other musicians as well as potential fans. Many Twitter users set Mondays aside for specifically discussing music. To join this conversation include "#musicmonday" in your tweets, or Twitter posts, and include information about your music as well as links to where others can listen to it.

Perform Live

As you build your online fan base, build a live, in-person group of followers by performing your music at every opportunity. Many bars, clubs and even coffee shops have open mic nights where new performers can cut their teeth. If you have a more polished level of performance and are prepared to play an entire set, talk to the owners of those establishments about performing on your own. Do not be alarmed if you are asked to open for a more well-known act at first. Remember that the business owner must consider the amount of business that will be generated by having a live band play. As your music grows in popularity and you gain a good reputation, you will be more likely to be rewarded with your own headlining opportunities. You also are probably thinking about the golden apple that is the recording contract, or a record deal. Record label executives want to know that they will be making a good investment, so having that reputation and fan base will help to show them that they should invest in you.

Source:

Mashable.com: 12 of the Best Music Social Networks

Musicthinktank.com: 7 Insider Tips On Getting More Gigs

Wired.com: The Best Ways to Discover Music Through Twitter

Resource:

Musefy.com

Twitter.com

Last.fm.com