Part II: Putting yourself out there

So, you've joined a PRO now, right? Good! Now it's time to let the world listen in.

You can write all the songs you want but, if no one ever hears them, how do you expect to make a living off them? You have to start performing your songs in public if you want any chance of being taken seriously. And, in order to really be taken seriously, you need to be able to play your stuff. And not just play; play it well. If you need lessons, take lessons. Chances are, there are dozens of qualified teachers in your area both instrumentally and vocally. Practice your songs; memorize the lyrics. How many times have you seen someone perform live and wondered how on Earth they got that gig? Sure it was funny at the time, but it could just as easily be you up there if you aren't prepared. So practice, practice, practice!

And then, find a venue. Just start calling bars, coffee shops, and restaurants to see if they have, or would like to have, live music. Talk to your PRO about participating in any of their upcoming showcases. Don't go looking for money; if you're good enough, that will take care of itself. What you need to focus on is just letting people hear your music. And the more often you play, ironically, the more people will hear you. The more people hear you, the more people talk about you. The more people talk about you, the more interest you'll get from people who know what they're doing, like publishers and writers, artists and labels. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is when the real magic can start.

Next up: Finding a suitable mate.

Tim blogs about MCU's participation in the upcoming Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival

The 18th Tin Pan South Songwriter Festival is coming March 30 - April 3, and we're back with another show!

It was another amazing MCU show at the Bluebird tonight...

MCU's Tim Beckner shares his experience on a truly moving night in Music City...

Someone once told me that poetry is the sound of two nightingales dueling...

Johnny T checked out Nashville's amazing new weekly music showcase.

Johnny T & Jon D Present The 2009 MCU Year End Review!

We need your support on December 16 at the Bluebird Cafe

Guest Artist Mare Wakefield blog about her recent 5 week tour

Guest blogger and MCU artist Gavin Mikhail's humorous Groban rant

And he's at 12th & Porter every Wednesday in June

Join us May 14 as we support Project AK-47 and their fight to free child soldiers.

special guest Jonny Lang. Oh, what a night for MCU!

More advice on surviving as a songwriter from our friend and guest blogger...

Here are some ways you can help as we promote AIDS awareness today.

MCU's Jon Dicus reflects on the Nov. 13 benefit show for Nashville Rescue Mission.

16 artists join together at Rocketown Nov 13 for a great cause.

Another great blog from our friend Mare Wakefield.

Read part three of our blog series on getting a publishing deal from our friend Stryker...

Read his blog and join us for his CD Release party 12th & Porter Oct 11

Chris Rule discusses House of Heroes and The Autumn Film...

Read about why playing live can be the key to your success in music...

Read a review of the Ten Out of Tenn tour by our man Chris Rule...

Our Guest Correspondent writes about Andy Gullahorn...

Check out our new blog by Portland artist Justin Jude...

Check out our newest blog series on how to be a hit songwriter...

Read Chris Rule's latest article on NoiseTrade.com...

Read an update of Darnell Levine's journey on the road...

Our Guest Correspondent Chris Rule presents free Andy Osenga music.

Read a blog by our featured artist... Clay Cumbie

Heeeeeere's Gavin Mikhail...Guest Blogger, showing the love!

"There are many different types of songs..." by Mare Wakefield

Two Weeks and We're Getting There...

Johnny T's recap of this week's Songwriter Festival

Music City Unsigned is back with a lot of new features and a trio of artists for our latest episode.