The Problem

Before we get into it, let’s agree on these universal truths:

• Being exceptional at anything requires effort, time, and sacrifice.

• Because of truth #1, you can do anything you set your mind to. There are no rules. 

• You decide what success looks like, and when (or if) you achieve it.

Now that our frames align, let's start off with a wide lens and focus in. 

SUCCESS

When you read that word, your brain associated it with scenarios such as:

• Winning a trophy, an award, or a scholarship.

• Making a certain level of income or lifestyle.

• Making an impact on the world in some way. 

Whatever came to your mind is not wrong! Remember the truths…

Now ask yourself: what types of people, careers, and paths arrive at that picture of success?

Doctors? Lawyers? Professional athletes? Politicians? Nobel Prize-winning scientists?

If you desire one of those lives — GO FOR IT! 

We stand firm by the truths stated at the beginning, that there are no rules. Even in achieving the success that you desire. 

THE PATH

Let’s zoom in on one of those paths for a second: athletics. 

Of all the career paths, professional athletics is one that models the input/output equation:

High-level (intense) training X time = WINNING (success)

In short, you can make your training more intense or add time. Either way, you'll be closer to your goals. More on this in another post…

Back to the path!

Most pro athletes have a clear path from middle school:

1. Show strong talent and athleticism from a young age.

2. Gain access to one-on-one coaching

3. Gain hours of playing time and group coaching with public school teams.

4. They create a recruiting profile on sites like Max Preps, Perfect Game, and NCSA. It holds rankings, game film, stats, and more. 

5. Colleges and pro teams use these portals to find their talent.

6. Attend events to “showcase” their talent.

7. Attract many scholarships or job offers from colleges or pro teams. Then, decide on a path to pursue. 

This model has been around since the internet—and it works!

What about musicians? Let’s look at the typical path, also from middle school:

1. Is ‘fitted’ to an instrument (band) and begins to show musical talent

2. Gain access to one-on-one teaching

3. Add up hours of playing time and group skills with public school ensembles.

4. Make a decision to “pursue” music as a career.

5. Look at potential schools (cost, distance, potential, etc.).

6. Prepare and take auditions at as many schools as they can afford to travel to. 

7. Choose schools based on affordability and scholarships offered. 

Musical and athletic pursuits share a common starting point. If you noticed, they changed at point #4.

So here’s the problem:

Student musicians need someone in their corner. 

A place where they can feel like their practice is paying off (yes, you need to be practicing). 

They need stats. Like an athlete who trains to run faster, jump higher, and improve their game. 

They need a place to collect their performance videos.

They need a place for colleges to start seeing them.

This is where Sound Scout comes in. 😎

If you’re a student musician and you’ve read to the bottom of this post, you’re in the right place. 

We are here for you — start your profile today and start taking control of your success.