In this episode, I explore the topic of launching a music career with a neurodivergent brain, sharing insights and personal experiences, as well as a recommendation. Despite encountering challenges while building my own career, I have persevered and emerged stronger and more resilient.
🔴 Red Section = Insights
🟡 Amber Section = Improvised - My Experience
🟢 Green Section = Recommendation - Bandzoogle
🎵 December (Transition) from Jon's Annual album, which you can listen to on all streaming platforms or jonhartmusic.com
👇🏻 3 options you can do to keep the podcast running 👇🏻
Support the showThanks so much for listening.
Follow / DM me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for music and podcast updates.
If you want to get in touch with your thoughts, suggestions etc head to jonhartmusic.com
I'd love to hear from you and help build this community. If you know other neurodivergent musicians (or musicians who may be curious) please do share around.
Hi, and welcome to the Neurodivergent Musician podcast, where I explore the world of neurodiversity and musicianship. I'm your host, Jon Hart along with Luna my guitar and today i’ll be talking about building a music career. Each episode is broken up into a traffic light format where I’ll share insights in the red section, improvised babble in the amber and recommendations you might find handy in the green. I know firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with pursuing a career in music.
First, let's talk about self-awareness. Knowing your strengths and limitations as a neurodivergent musician is crucial to building a successful career. Take the time to reflect on what you excel at musically, as well as what areas you may struggle with. For example, you may have exceptional abilities in music theory, but struggle with social interactions at gigs or in the studio. By being aware of these strengths and limitations, you can develop strategies to work around them and make the most of your musical abilities.
Another important aspect of building a music career as a neurodivergent musician is finding a supportive community. Connecting with other musicians who understand your neurodivergent experiences can be invaluable in terms of support, advice, and networking opportunities. Look for local music groups or online communities that cater to neurodivergent musicians, or attend events that celebrate neurodiversity in music.
Networking is also crucial to building a music career. However, networking events can be overwhelming for neurodivergent musicians, who may struggle with social anxiety or sensory overload. One strategy is to attend events with a friend or mentor who can help you navigate the social landscape. You can also research events ahead of time and plan out which people or companies you want to connect with, so you can focus your energy on those specific interactions.
When it comes to marketing yourself as a neurodivergent musician, authenticity is key. Don't try to hide your neurodivergent traits or fit into a mold of what you think a musician should look or act like. Instead, embrace your unique perspective and use it to your advantage in your music and branding. For example, if you have perfect pitch, emphasize that in your marketing materials as a unique selling point.
Finally, it's important to prioritize self-care as a neurodivergent musician. Pursuing a music career can be stressful and overwhelming, and it's important to take time to recharge and prioritize your mental health. This might mean taking breaks from social media or gigs, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or seeking out therapy or other mental health support.