I grew up in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, NY, and spent most of my time hanging out at the local candy store on Parkside Avenue with about 30-40 neighborhood musicians. We had no music schools to teach us. So we did the best we could—flying by the seats of our pants.

We played mostly cover songs because we didn’t know a thing about song structure or harmonies or killer choruses. We auditioned at local clubs playing five or six sets a night for free hoping to get a spot on a Friday or Saturday show. We just didn’t know any better. There was nobody there to teach us.

Say the word “school” and most people turn off immediately. But I am here to tell you that, with 42 years of industry expertise under my belt, school is really the way to go. So, whether you want to be a personal manager, publisher, rock star or just a good ol’ weekend warrior, here are some reasons for going to a music school to develop your career:

1. FOCUS

Back in Brooklyn, we learned songs by listening to the records and trying to match the sound of the record to the guitar chord. Although it usually worked, this was no way to develop as a musician. Music Schools, such as Musicians Institute (where I am the Director of Music Business for the Extension Program), provide definite focus on instruments for performers and the business of music for aspiring entrepreneurs. They have a plan for developing artists and they follow it rigorously—lesson after lesson.

2. REPETITION

By repeating your lessons daily, you become confident and you can see yourself progressing. This is not like jamming at home. This is structured performance done each day until perfected. Seeing your progress inspires you to rehearse more and get even better.

3. DEVELOPMENT

At a music school you develop both your skills and your knowledge. Business students learn the fine art of negotiating and networking while musicians learn how to play cleaner and make each note count. Keep in mind that in school, there is always a world-class instructor at the head of the class to guide you. These are professionals who have recorded, toured and, in most cases, are still performing today.

4. NETWORKING

Use your classmates to inspire you. Learn from them. Rehearse with them. Work out the daily lessons with them. This is a great networking opportunity and a chance to form lifelong friendships. And who knows, with any luck, you guys might even form a band together.

5. DRINK DEEP 

Back in Brooklyn, there was a limit to what we could do as local street musicians. We couldn’t move forward as musicians and businessmen because we didn’t know the right questions to ask or the right people to go to for answers. You can never have too much knowledge. Music Schools let you drink deep of the vast, never-ending opportunities that lie ahead. From studio musician to band member to businessman to publisher or instrument tech, instructor or producer—you can summon up all the knowledge you need. Knowledge that lets you reach inside your soul and go places you’ve only dreamed about.

6. THE TECH SIDE

Whether it’s learning about triads or harmonies or sharps or flats, music school allows you to understand what it is you are doing. Learning how to sight-read can provide plenty of job opportunities at sessions, weddings, corporate affairs and cruise ships. Doing a music business internship opens the doors to an entry-level gig at a music-related company. You can’t get this on a street corner.

7. GUEST SPEAKERS

Every music school goes out of its way to bring guest speakers into the fold to speak and interface with the student body. This is an invaluable experience. Since I’ve been at Musicians Institute we’ve heard from Billy Sheehan, Steve Vai, Alice Cooper, Don Was, Donald Passman and a host of other successful musicians and industry pros. They come into the classrooms to share their expertise with the students who are just starting out. They answer questions, talk about their personal experiences, and yes, sign autographs. Priceless. 

8. CREDIBILITY

Telling a potential employer you studied at a music college such as MI gives you credibility. Your boss immediately knows you put in some rigorous hours perfecting your craft. There are no-nonsense schools all over the country where the work ethic is sky high. You will be viewed as a likely candidate for the job! Most of the music schools use industry pros and technically savvy musicians in the classrooms—people with years of performing, touring and business expertise. 

9. ACCOMPLISHMENT

I work about 10 - 12 hours a day and when I get home, I’m usually exhausted. But it’s a good kind of exhaustion. I have a total feeling of accomplishment. I completed all of my responsibilities for the day with great results. The feeling of accomplishment you get from seeing yourself perform better is inspirational. It keeps you going. Finishing up a great rehearsal with the band using some of the techniques you’ve learned in class is so cool. It means you’ve moved forward. You’ve moved closer to being the consummate pro! 

10. CERTIFICATE/DEGREE

There’s no better feeling than hearing your name being called and walking across the concert stage to receive your diploma or certificate of completion. It’s the culmination of years of hard work, years of studying and rehearsing and performing and learning. And looking back, I think you’ll agree that you are so much better for it. 

True, the Billboard charts are filled with success stories of musicians who are self-taught. And a school degree is no guarantee of future success. But to really be all you can be, you need to drive toward excellence at every opportunity. You need to equip yourself with the tools of your trade and be prepared for any eventuality. And in most cases, the place to get those essential tools is at a music school.