CCAT is offering a 12-month scholarship worth $10,000! For info, visit ccat.edu.au or email information@ccat.edu.au or add us on MySpace www.myspace.com/collegeofcreativeartstechnology

And away we go...

1. Education
Get involved in music by getting a real education in the field you want to succeed in, whether it's audio engineering, music performance or management. Make sure you go to education providers that teach you the skills you need!

2. Networking
One of the most important things in the music industry is meeting people. The best way to get more gigs is to get talking to people! Those people may know others who are interested in your band.

3. Build a Portfolio
Make sure you keep a catalogue of anything you've written or recorded coz you never know who'll want to hear it.


4. Practice Makes Perfect
It's an old saying, but it's true! If you wanna compete with all the other musicians out there then you need to practise, practise, practise!

5. Career Goals
Write out short-term and long-term goals for you and your band, like what you want to be doing in six months' or a year's time. Think about what you want to release, where you want to play, which bands you want to tour with, etc. The sky's the limit!

6. Learn about the industry
Always keep up-to-date with the entertainment industry by reading industry magazines or websites. This info will help you find out what skills you need to develop.

7. Budgeting
Create a budget! You won't always have a lot of money to begin with so make the cash you do have stretch as far as possible. For example, can you cut down on costs by calling on favours from friends? Then do it!

8. Market Yourself
Marketing is a really important aspect for any artist or business in general. If you don't market your talent, no one will know who you are or what you are about. First stop - MySpace and Facebook!

9. Seek Feedback
Feedback is a great way of telling if you are doing the right thing or not. Don't lose faith if it's not always positive!

10. Persistence is Key
Whether you get good feedback or not, it's important to keep on going, persist and learn from your mistakes - don't give up on your dream!