November 1, 2014 SHOULD I GIVE UP MY DREAM?! What’s Up Brandon, I really want to be a famous entertainer one day. I love music and “old school” singers like Stevie Wonder and Prince. I practice singing and playing my guitar every day and I even write my own songs. The only problem is that no one takes me seriously, and my parents say I should have a normal career and be something like a teacher, attorney, computer programmer, doctor, social worker, etc. I want to go to a performing arts high school and major in music in college. I don’t want to give up on my dreams, but I’m really starting to get discouraged by all of the negative talk. What do you think I should do? Singing the Blues In Brooklyn Hi Singing the Blues in Brooklyn, Sorry to hear you’re getting these bad vibes from your parents. When you’re following a dream, you need all the good vibrations you can get. (Since you mentioned you like “old school” music, I’m assuming you get the reference!) Now, I don’t know your parents, but it sounds like they’re trying to look out for you. They’re just doing it in a really restrictive, discouraging way. They say, “You should be an attorney or a programmer,” and you hear, “Your dream is dumb and we don’t think you can do it.” But what they really mean is “We love you and want you to have a great future, and we know a career in music is really hard.” If I’m right and that’s what they mean, they’re not wrong. A career in music is hard. But it’s also pretty glamorous with all the wealth and fame. There’s a reason they made a “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band” video game because everybody wants to be a pop star. But, there are no games called “Trash Collector,” “Portable Toilet Cleaner” or “Head Lice Technician.” I’m not trying to give you more negative talk when I say it’s hard – I’m just giving you a preview of the movie playing in your parents’ brains when they hear you say “musician” and “performing arts school.” They’re probably picturing you living in a van, eating spam, and singing on the street with a hat out for coins. But here’s the thing: it might not be easy to be a musician, but the world needs them! There are people who end up making a living writing songs, playing guitar, and doing all kinds of other music-related stuff. I Googled it and found that there are a ton of ways to make a living in the industry. (Check out this mile-long list!) Maybe it would help to show this to your parents so they’ll know that, even if takes a while to do exactly what you want to do, you’ll have options to make money while you’re working on it. Nothing says, “take me seriously” like some serious research. And if they still don’t see the light (or spotlight) and won’t let you go to a performing arts school, don’t think it’s the end of your dream. There are tons of musicians out there who didn’t go to school for it. So even if that doesn’t pan out, you can still rock out some day. Just don’t stop believing (another “old school” song!) and some day I may be writing to you – for your autograph!
Jelena says November 8, 2014 at 12:29 am Brandon, I have a problem! My parents think I’m always lying, but I’m not! And, I keep telling them I’m not, but they won’t believe me! Which gets pretty annoying because it happens everyday of my life!! Will u help me?!! Not a liar girl
Animated Emoticons says November 8, 2014 at 12:08 am You should never give up on what you want! Just follow your dreams! 😉
DorkGirl says November 7, 2014 at 7:30 pm Im the same way I LOVE to sing, write music, and preform. The problem is I get embarrassed a lot and I don’t like to sing, write songs, or preform in front of my parents cause I think they want me to just be a normal career The reason your parents are acting this way is beacause normally, when you have TRUE talent people try to harm you, or spy on you. Even when your needing privacy, and once you become so big! no one will forget – theres NO GOING BACK — lots of luck!! BYE
Eco Ego 5001 says November 7, 2014 at 6:22 pm If you really love music, you should just go for it. Your rents probably just are looking out for ya. They might think that your love for music is a passing childhood dream. But if it’s not, you should totally go talk to them. I mean a heart-to-heart talk. And tell them how you feel. That probably sounds super dorky, but if you talk with them, they might understand more. And please don’t get discouraged! I’m rooting for ya! And I think its really cool that you like old school stuff. I like music and dance from the 30s, 40s, and 50s. Personaly, I think the artists were a lot better back then….. But anyway, if you have a dream, just go for it! It took forever to convince my parents that I was interested in art and dance. They were really doubtful that I’d stick with it. But now, I can draw really well and dance well too. After a little while, the rents will start understanding. If your friends don’t think that you’ve got what it takes, then perform for them! Nobody will know how good you are unless you show them! BTW I love Prince, too. Purple rain, purple rain!
werido@school says November 7, 2014 at 6:21 pm I would say you are lucky to sing in front of people. Just follow your dreams and you should be fine.No reason to be in the blues.
dorkalicious says November 7, 2014 at 5:31 pm Follow your dreams and never give up no matter what anyone says
Danielle says November 7, 2014 at 4:01 pm Hey!! I know how u feel about being discouraged. I am good at skateboarding and want to be a pro. Trust me just ignore them.
Bella birdy says November 7, 2014 at 11:56 am I say DON’T! No matter what, don’t let anything bring down your dream! Dude, I’m serious and I’m doing the same thing. I’m pushing towards my dream and so should you!
Joy says November 7, 2014 at 3:21 am Everyone wants to be something when they grow up, it’s not just you! I used to do piano 18 months ago, but then I decided to quit. I think the main reason I quit was because I was tired of it. (not saying you would get tired of music) If you’re really passionate about something, go ahead. It’s your life 🙂
Miss Read-a-Lot says November 6, 2014 at 9:01 pm Never give up! Sorry, it doesn’t look to encouraging, I’m a dork for grammar. If those people are telling you to give up, then they aren’t the people you should be talking to. Join the musicians at your school and practice your art! Also, you’re still young and no major decisions have to be made about your career until you get older and YOU make them! Also, tell your parents you plan to have a back-up career just in case music doesn’t work out. “Negativity is nothing but a word, unless you chose to believe it.” Miss Read-a-Lot
Esther says November 6, 2014 at 12:31 am Don’t give up on ur dream!! I want to become a famous tennis player one day, but I still believe that there is time!!
fanta d says November 5, 2014 at 9:09 pm I had that same problem. Everyone actually told me you cannot do it and you might as well stop trying! But, after 5 years of hearing those people talk and talk and talk, I kinda just didn’t care anymore. I knew that if it were their dream they wouldn’t give up! I don’t care, but its not their dream, its mine! And, if I don’t wanna give up, I don’t have to and no one should make me!
Allyson says November 5, 2014 at 8:07 pm Just persevere as a musician and keep trying until you reach your goal!
Out of the Picture says November 5, 2014 at 7:28 pm You shouldn’t give up on your dream. Prove to your parents that you really believe in your dream! Start by playing songs and even start making up your own! Dream big!
TSwift Fan 101 says November 5, 2014 at 5:48 pm The same thing is happening to me. I LOVE to sing. But lately everyone says I’m not that good, even my friends. Every time I try to write a song, it doesn’t really sound great. And I was starting to believe that. But, now I know I can be good, if I practice really hard. That’s what you should do. Good luck!
Jenna says November 5, 2014 at 5:27 pm Dont EVER give up your dreams, you can be anything you want! Show off your skills! You know that song where it goes ” everybody talks, every body talks”? Its true but dont listen to them, listen to your HEART.