How to Start a Music Career in Los Angeles (Even Without Industry Connections)
Welcome to Los Angeles, the city where musical aspirations take flight — and sometimes face the bittersweet sting of reality.
Every day, passionate singers, songwriters, and artists arrive here, each seeking the same dream: to create music that resonates deeply with others and to build a lasting career. The reality? You don’t need the right connections or a big break to pave your own path in this vibrant music landscape.
Here at I Heart My Voice, we’ve dedicated over 20 years to empowering artists of all levels — from eager newcomers to established stars — build their dream voice and singing careers.
This guide is your roadmap for success, detailing how to embark on your journey, connect with like-minded souls, and thrive in the most competitive music city in the world — with heart, strategy, and the enduring tenacity that defines true artistry.
1. Define What “Making It” Means for You
Everyone’s version of success looks different. For some, it’s chart-topping singles. For others, it’s sustainable income from music or creating impact through artistry.
The first step to starting a music career in Los Angeles is to define your why.
Ask yourself:
Why do I want to do this?
What does success actually look like for me?
How will I measure growth outside of fame or validation?
When your goals are grounded in clarity and purpose, you stop chasing opportunities — and start creating them.
✨ At IHMV, this mindset work is woven into every program we offer because we believe your artistry expands from the inside out.
2. Develop Your Core Skills: Voice, Songwriting, and Performance
In LA, talent isn’t enough — refined skill sets you apart.
Whether you’re a pop vocalist, R&B songwriter, or indie performer, your technical foundation determines how far your artistry can grow.
Start with focused, professional training through a music teacher in Los Angeles. Personalized coaching helps you:
🎵 Strengthen range, tone, and breath control
🎵 Write songs that express your unique voice
🎵 Build stage confidence and emotional authenticity
If you’re still developing your sound, explore one-on-one training through our Find Your Voice program — designed to uncover your distinct artistry.
For those ready to level up, our Thriving Singer program takes you beyond technique and into career strategy.
3. Learn the Business of Music — Not Just the Art
This is where most artists get stuck.
You can have incredible talent but struggle to translate it into income and opportunity.
A successful music career in Los Angeles means understanding the business side — because that’s where longevity lives.
💡 Start here:
Register your songs with ASCAP or BMI.
Learn about publishing rights and royalties.
Release your music on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
Build your EPK (electronic press kit).
At IHMV, we coach singers on both artistry and entrepreneurship — so you can confidently promote, pitch, and profit from your craft.
For an even deeper dive, check out our related post on Marketing for Singers: How to Build Your Artist Brand
4. Build Your Network and Collaborate Intentionally
In LA, your community is your currency.
Networking doesn’t mean “handing out business cards.” It’s about creating real relationships — with other artists, producers, songwriters, and coaches who share your vision.
Here’s how to start building your network:
🎵 Attend local showcases and open mics.
🎵 Take group classes — like our Group Singing Lessons — to meet collaborators.
🎵 Go to industry mixers and songwriting camps.
🎵 Follow and engage with local creatives on Instagram, TikTok, and SoundBetter.
If you’re new to town, our upcoming blog post “How to Network as a Musician in Los Angeles” will walk you through everything — from online groups to real-world hangouts.
6. Record and Release Music — Even Before You Feel Ready
Don’t wait for “perfect.”
You’ll learn more by releasing music than by sitting on finished demos for months.
If you’re unsure how to start producing or recording, our VIP Song Accelerator helps singers write, record, and release professional-quality songs guided by our award-winning mentors.
Focus on:
🎶 Authentic lyrics over perfection
🎶 Simple arrangements that highlight your voice
🎶 Consistency — one song every few months builds momentum faster than one perfect single every few years
Remember: releasing your music isn’t about “being ready.” It’s about being brave.
7. Nurture Your Mindset and Energy
Let’s be honest — building a career in LA can test your spirit.
Rejections, comparison, and burnout are part of the process, but your mindset determines how you move through them.
At IHMV, we teach singers to balance drive with grace:
🌿 Create daily rituals to ground yourself (journaling, meditation, affirmations).
🌿 Surround yourself with people who believe in your dream.
🌿 Celebrate small wins.
🌿 Remember why you started singing in the first place.
Because your voice isn’t just a sound — it’s a reflection of your spirit. And when your energy aligns with your purpose, your career will follow.
8. Invest in Mentorship and Artist Development
Every successful artist has a coach, mentor, or guide — someone who helps refine their craft, strategy, and mindset.
That’s what our team of music teachers in LA is built for: professionals who help singers develop in all areas — technique, songwriting, performance, branding, and confidence.
Through programs like The Thriving Singer, you’ll:
Build your career strategy
Learn how to pitch yourself
Develop a strong vocal and emotional identity
Get industry-level support tailored to you
Mentorship isn’t just for beginners — it’s for artists who are ready to grow intentionally.
9. Keep Evolving — Your Career Is a Journey, Not a Moment
The Los Angeles music scene changes fast — new genres, new tech, new opportunities. The key is to keep learning, keep growing, and keep refining your craft.
That’s why our team at I Heart My Voice stays connected to every stage of the artist journey — from kids and teens learning to sing to professionals performing worldwide.
If you stay committed, open, and aligned with your truth, your music career will continue to evolve — and so will you.
FAQs: Starting a Music Career in Los Angeles
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Focus on developing your talent, releasing music, and networking authentically through classes, showcases, and mentorship programs.
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Strong vocal technique, songwriting, performance confidence, and an understanding of the music business.
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Work with coaches who focus on both artistry and career strategy, like the IHMV Music Teacher Los Angeles team.
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Start small — open mics, showcases, and community events — then build to bigger stages as your experience grows.
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Keep your purpose front and center, celebrate progress, and surround yourself with mentors who support your growth.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Connections — You Need Commitment
Starting a music career in Los Angeles isn’t about luck or who you know — it’s about persistence, preparation, and passion.
If you’re ready to learn from industry-tested coaches, build your artistry with purpose, and connect to the heart behind your voice, we’d love to guide you.
Reach out to our LA coaches and take your first step toward turning your music dream into your real, thriving career.
At I Heart My Voice, we help singers unlock their full potential through online singing lessons, vocal coaching, and artist development programs.
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to go pro, our award-winning team has guided singers to Broadway, Disney, Nickelodeon, major labels, and viral success.
