The music industry has gone through many changes over the years. Recently, the rise of music streaming services has changed the way that people consume music. For the most part, people don’t go out to buy albums any longer. Instead, they pay for monthly subscription services to music streaming platforms and are then able to listen to whatever music they want to at any time. 

This drastic change from the model of purchasing individual albums or songs has altered the music industry. If you’re curious about just how much streaming has changed the music industry, then you should keep reading to learn more. You’ll also be able to examine a little bit about what might be next. 

Selling Music Is Different Now

Selling music is significantly different now than it was just 10 years ago. People still bought CDs and MP3 albums earlier in the 2010s. Although there are still people who prefer to purchase their music outright, the masses have largely turned to streaming services. These subscription models have lead to industry growth overall, but this might not be great for music artists in every way. 

The amount of money that an artist earns from a music streaming application is relatively low. When compared to the money that artists used to earn from music sales, it might not be great for everyone. Even so, the potential is there to make money from music streaming apps. It’s just different than it used to be and artists are adapting to this new model.

Standing Out Is Becoming Tough

Standing out as a musical act is becoming tougher due to how easy it is to put your music out there. Indie artists and bands have an easier time than ever when it comes to simply making music available. It’s still tough to build a name and become popular in the music world, though. Being a standout artist or band is still going to take real talent and you’re now competing with thousands of artists or bands from the same genre on the same streaming services. 

Augmented Reality Might Be the Future

Some experts think that augmented reality might be the future of the music industry. Augmented reality makes use of technology to put a listener in a certain experience. Images can be projected that will make the listener feel as if they are somewhere else or as if something else is in the room with them. This could be used to provide unique experiences that will accompany songs and it could change the industry. 

Virtual Reality Concerts

It should also be noted that virtual reality concerts are likely to become a big deal in the future. VR technology is seeing some use in the video game world currently and the technology is continuing to evolve. This could make it more practical for people to experience concerts without having to pay for expensive tickets or needing to travel to a big city. The potential for VR concerts will be huge if the VR technology starts to become more widespread in the decades to come.

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Music programs in schools are getting cut far too often, which is a shame considering how important music is in children’s education. Though other programs are just as important in a child’s education as music, many people forget that music has as much of a positive impact on children as the rest do. Music is beneficial in the long-run for a child’s growth and development, which affects their future as well. Here are some of the benefits that come with music education. 

 

Language

 

Music is sung in all sorts of different languages: English, German, Latin, and countless others. Having music education will help expand children’s vocabulary and enhance their reading comprehension skills, so long as the education is consistent. This is because the parts of the brain controlling both musical ability and language comprehension are related: like with languages, music requires children to learn how to recognize and repeat pitch, tone, and word enunciation. 

 

Memory

 

Music education means learning how to memorize many different musical components: sight-reading, how to play notes, and recalling lyrics are three such components. Learning how to do this improves the memory center of the brain. Music overall is easily stored in our memories—have you ever had a song stuck in your head? That’s music memorization. This memorization can be used to help children remember things like facts, help them study, and act as resources when presenting materials to others.

 

Hand-Eye Coordination

 

When you play an instrument, you need to learn how to play each note without looking at your hands. Not only does this relate to memorization, but it also enhances your dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Musicians need to be able to find the right fingerings on their instruments for certain notes written on the sheet music in front of them while looking at the conductor, leaving little time to look at their instrument (if that’s even possible) to find the right fingering. Playing instruments from an early age helps young children grow their motor skills; even hitting a triangle or block can help them in the long run.

 

Teamwork

 

A band or orchestra needs to work together to play music correctly and in a way that sounds good. This requires a lot of teamwork between yourself, your band members, and the conductor; this also means trusting that everyone else will do their part during the concert. Music can be about individual expression, but it’s also vital in teaching children about teamwork. It can also give students a sense of belonging at school when they participate in their school’s music programs. 

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So many people have become interested in the idea of entrepreneurship. It’s easier than ever to try to start a business, but it can still be difficult to find success. You are going to want to make sure that you’re doing things right so that you can have the best chances to thrive as a new entrepreneur. Take a look at the following eight essential tips for small businesses that should help to propel you forward. 

You Must Take Risks

There is no way for you to find small business success if you aren’t willing to take risks. Risks are a necessary component and it’s possible that you might fail. You must have the courage to face the possibility of failure so that you can realize your entrepreneurial dreams. 

Networking Matters

Networking matters a lot if you’re trying to find success as a small business owner. You should take networking opportunities every chance that you get because you never know when knowing someone is going to come in handy. 

Understand Your Niche

Understanding your niche is crucial and you should know your industry inside and out. Take the time to become an expert in your field so that you can provide the best services or products. 

Never Stop Learning

You should never stop learning if you want to be a successful small business owner. There will always be new things to learn and you’ll want to keep up on market trends. 

Invest in Your Business 

Investing in your business is necessary and there will be times when you’ll need to spend money to make money. You might need to upgrade important pieces of equipment or you could need to upgrade your facilities to better meet the needs of your customers. 

Be Careful with How Much You’re Spending

Being careful with how much you’re spending is important as well. You need to keep an eye on your monthly expenses so that you can do your best to ensure that your business remains profitable. 

Try to Be Flexible

Trying to be as flexible as you can be is helpful, too. You see, the market can change faster than most people realize and you’re going to need to be able to adapt to new situations. 

Take Care of Your Health

Your health really matters and you need to take care of yourself so that your business can thrive. Try to get enough sleep at night and eat a good healthy diet. Take care of your basic needs so that you can have the energy to operate your business successfully.

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Do you want to become an entrepreneur? If you do, then you might be holding back because you aren’t sure how to get things started. It’s actually a lot simpler than you might realize and it can be taken care of in just a few steps. Take a look at the following three-step guide to becoming an entrepreneur. 

Come up with a Business Idea

The most complicated part of the initial process is probably going to be coming up with a business idea. You need to figure out what type of business you’re interested in operating. There are many possibilities and which type of business is going to suit you will depend on many factors. It’s likely best to pick something that you have some familiarity with and you should probably be passionate about it, too. Finding a business idea that you’re passionate about will make it easier to enjoy your work. This will keep you engaged with the process and you’ll have a simpler time getting people fired up about your business. Take your time to think about various business ideas and ensure that they’re viable before moving forward. The business idea definitely needs to be able to make money or it isn’t going to be worthwhile. 

Write Your Business Plan

Writing a business plan is the next step and this doesn’t have to be overly complicated. You just need to do a bit of research so that you can write a plan that you will be able to follow. The plan should showcase how you’re going to get the business up and running as well as your path toward profitability. A good business plan can be very helpful if you’re looking to attract investors as well. 

Procure Financing

Procuring financing is going to be the final big step before you can get your new business up and running. Every type of business is going to require a certain amount of start-up money. Some businesses will require more money than others and you might need to go after small business loans. Determine how much money you need and talk to lenders about everything so that you can get started. 

 

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Some people wind up agonizing over the details and take forever to start a small business. Did you know that it’s actually possible to start a small business in a few hours? If you approach things with the right mindset, then you can actually streamline the process quite a bit. Read on to discover how you can start a small business in just a few hours. 

The Company Name Doesn’t Matter at First

You actually don’t have to take weeks to try to come up with the best company name. Many people don’t know this, but you can operate your business under a different company name than your business name. This means that it makes sense to just pick a name so that you can start moving forward. You can always change the name later and you can worry about the details for marketing purposes after you have set everything up. 

Procure Your EIN

Procuring your EIN is an important step when you want to start your business. EIN stands for an employer identification number. You’ll need one of these if you plan to have employees or if you’re going to form a corporation, partnership, or an LLC. Getting one is free and you should do it even if you aren’t sure whether you will have employees or not. 

Get Your Business License and Other Permits

Next, you’re going to need to take the time to get your business license and any other permits that might be necessary. There could be certain permits that you will need depending on specific laws where you live. This can also be different based on the type of business that you’re planning on starting. You can ask local authorities to get all of the information about what you will need to get things rolling. 

Open a Business Bank Account

Finally, you should take the time to set up a business bank account. It’s for the best that you keep your business funds separate from your personal finances. This helps you to avoid potential drama and it makes things so much easier when it comes time to do taxes. Use your business name and your EIN when setting up the business bank account and everything should go smoothly. 

 

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Are you thinking about starting a business sometime soon? The idea of starting your own business venture can be exciting, but there is a lot of work to be done if you’re going to find success. It’s going to be smart for you to read up about what starting a business is going to take. Keep reading to learn more about starting a business so that you can prepare yourself for what lies ahead. 

Research Is Imperative

You have to take the time to do your research if you want your business venture to succeed. It’s important to research everything that you can about the market and you’ll also need to learn about your competition. New entrepreneurs have to know everything about the business that they’re trying to get into as well. You’ll be spending a significant amount of time just researching things. 

Create a Business Plan

Creating a business plan is also going to be in your best interest. If you can create a business plan that is somewhat flexible, then that will be for the best. You want a general plan that will give you some guidelines to follow when you’re starting out. Being able to show your idea for how your business is going to become profitable will matter if you want to try to secure business loans from certain lenders. 

Figure Out the Finances

Finances need to be figured out as well and you’re going to need a certain amount of money to launch a business. Depending on what type of business you want to launch, it might be necessary to get small business loans. If you are launching a business that doesn’t require a lot of start-up money, then you might be able to save up for a while to cover the expenses. Determine how much money you need so that you can figure out which path you need to take. 

Pick a Business Name

The final step before you start to launch the business is going to involve picking out a name. This can be a bit tougher than you might think it would be. You want to pick a name that represents what you have to offer while also ensuring that potential customers will remember it. Take your time to pick out a business name that you can be proud of and don’t try to rush the process. 

 

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If you’re looking to improve your business in 2020, then it’s a good idea to take a look at the following 10 business tips. These tips will provide you with many practical solutions for problems that you might be facing. Make 2020 the best year for your business yet by implementing some of the advice below. 

Choose Your Niche Carefully

If you’re looking to start a new business venture in 2020, then it’s important to choose your niche carefully. Find something that you have a connection with while also ensuring that the business venture will be profitable. 

Build Your Business to Last Long-Term

Many business owners make the mistake of focusing too much on short-term profits. It’s going to be better for you to build your business to last and you’ll need to make decisions that will set you up for the future. 

Learn to Solve Problems for People

If your business can help people to solve problems, then you’re going to have an easier time building up your customer base. Approach your business from this standpoint and solve issues that people are encountering. 

Work Hard to Meet Your Customers’ Needs

Meeting your customers’ needs should be your highest priority. Always strive to go above and beyond for your customers. 

Profit Matters More Than Revenue

People obsess over revenue without understanding that profit is what really matters. You could make a million dollars per year in revenue and only wind up profiting a small portion of that if you have too many expenses. 

Starting Small Is Smart

Sometimes it’s smart to start small when you’re first starting a business. You can expand your business to focus on providing more products or services after you have established yourself. 

Employee Morale Matters

Are you paying enough attention to employee morale? Your employees are such a huge aspect of your business and you need motivated employees so that your business can function properly. 

Your Business Should Match Your Personality If Possible

If possible, try to make your business match your personality. This makes it easier for your business to come off as genuine and you can pour more of yourself into the business. 

Pay Attention to the Competition

Pay attention to the competition so that you don’t get caught off guard. You should always be cognizant of what your competition is doing. 

Don’t Overthink Everything

Some business owners get too worried and wind up overthinking every little move. Sometimes you just have to take action and you can’t keep second-guessing yourself all the time if you want to find success. 

 

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New entrepreneurs sometimes get intimidated and worry about whether they will truly be able to make it. It’s true that the business world can be quite competitive, but it’s possible to achieve your dreams if you’re willing to work hard. Take a look at the following seven simple and powerful tips for new entrepreneurs. You’ll be able to put yourself in a better position if you follow this advice. 

Look for Your Niche

The first thing that you need to do is look for your niche. Find a business type that you’re passionate about and that you’re going to be good at operating. Make sure that there is a demand in the market for your niche as well. 

Never Accept Rejection

You can’t just go home and feel defeated when you face rejection. It might take time to secure funding for your small business and you might also be told “no” when bidding for certain contracts. Never accept rejection and have the courage to keep trying. 

Understand the Importance of Communication

Communication skills are incredibly valuable when you’re trying to become a successful entrepreneur. You need to be able to communicate with employees, business partners, and vendors so that things can go smoothly. Work on your communication skills and understand that sometimes you have to listen. 

Be Flexible

Flexibility is a very good quality when you’re trying to be a business owner. The market has the potential to shift very fast and this could cause your business to need to adapt. If you can create flexible business plans, then you’ll have an easier time adapting your business to meet the demands of an ever-changing market. 

The Customer Is King

Your customers need to be treated with respect because they’re the lifeblood of your company. Go above and beyond to keep customers happy. You want them to remain loyal to your business for years to come. 

Learn From Failures

There is a good chance that you will deal with failures along the way. Use these failures as learning experiences. You’ll be able to grow from these experiences and become a better business owner. 

Learning Never Stops

Learning isn’t something that ever stops. Even once you find success, it’s still going to be prudent to keep pursuing knowledge. You don’t want to get stagnant and fall behind. 

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You know that music is something that is very important to humanity as a whole. Have you ever wondered what music is exactly, though? It can be tough to pin it down if you look at it in broad terms, but you can say that music is a combination of sounds that are used to elicit an emotional response. People have been playing music since before recorded history and it has become woven into the fabric of human existence. 

Music is an Expression of the Soul

If you ask many musicians and artists what music is, a lot of them will respond by saying that it is an expression of the soul. People use music as an outlet so that they can express emotions that they feel deep inside. Sometimes it can be tough to find the words to express what you’re feeling, but it’ll be easier to showcase your emotions by using music. Music can be considered another way to communicate and it can be a powerful form of expression. 

Artists and musicians use music to express their feelings and beliefs. People have used music for the purposes of political protests and they have also used music to help people heal in the wake of tragedies. Using music to express emotions is natural and it has led to people being able to relate to each other easier than usual. Music even has the power to bring disparate cultures together in some circumstances. 

Music Helps People to Define Themselves

Music helps many people to define themselves as well. You are probably familiar with different genres of music and you might know that there are different scenes or styles that people relate to within those musical genres. Many people use their tastes in music as a way to help define who they are as a person. Music can be so powerful that it can cause some people to want to identify with that music and weave it into their lives in some way. 

Music Is a Powerful Tool 

You’ll also find that music is a powerful tool that can be used for many purposes. For example, music is used during movies to make people feel a certain way about a scene. Human emotions can be manipulated by using music in specific ways. People use music all the time to manipulate how they feel and you can use this to your advantage. 

Music could be used to put yourself in a better mood after you have gone through a tough day. It could also be used to pump yourself up when you’re getting ready to exercise. Music has a biological impact on humans and this can be helpful if you learn how to use it right. 

 

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Running a family business has the potential to be quite satisfying, but it isn’t necessarily going to be easy. Sometimes you can run into problems with your family business due to fighting with your family and power struggles even occur sometimes. If you want to run a peaceful family business, then you need to approach things properly. Read the following tips to running a peaceful family business so that you can avoid problems. 

Ensure That Everyone Has Defined Roles

If you want to avoid fighting with your family over certain things, then it’s going to be best to designate specific roles for people. If everyone knows what their job title is and what that job entails, then they should stay in their lanes. There won’t be as much miscommunication if everyone has a good idea of what they need to be doing. You want to avoid having family members stepping on each others’ toes, so to speak. 

Put a Succession Plan in Place

Sometimes fighting will occur when there isn’t a clear line of succession for the family business. For instance, you might have multiple children and they all might want to take over the family business when you’re ready to retire or if you were to pass away. Put plans in place to have someone specific take over the family business once you’re not running things any longer. This will keep people from feeling confused and should help to eliminate fighting over the company. 

Keep the Drama Away From the Workplace

All families will have problems here and there. You might have tensions in your family from time to time, but that doesn’t mean that it is appropriate to bring those problems to work with you. If you have family troubles and they’re starting to impact your business, then you’re doing things wrong. Tell everyone in the family that the family drama stays at home and is to be settled outside of work without exception. 

Don’t Just Hire Family Members

It’s also probably a bad idea to hire only your family members. You should have people who aren’t in the family placed in key positions. They can help to balance things out and it will make sure that things move in the right direction. Also, never give key roles to family members when they aren’t ready for those roles. 

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