13 Examples of SMART Goals for Musicians

Being a musician is an enriching experience but can also be daunting. The journey to success involves setting goals that are both achievable and motivating.

However, many aspiring musicians don’t know how to develop SMART goals to help them reach their dreams in the music industry. This article will discuss examples of SMART goals musicians can set to improve their craft.

Table of Contents

What is a SMART Goal?

Your musician goals must be developed in tandem with the SMART framework. In case you weren’t aware, SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based.

Let’s dive deeper into what each SMART letter represents:

Specific: When creating your goals as a musician, try to be as detailed as possible.
Measurable: Musicians must ensure their goals are measurable and trackable over time.
Attainable: Do not set unrealistic goals for yourself. Make sure they are within your current capabilities.
Relevant: Align your goals with your core values. Doing so will inspire you to put your best foot forward.
Time-based: Most people tend to procrastinate their objectives. That’s why you need a deadline for your goals to keep you accountable.

By following these 5 criteria, you will realize success as a musician. You’ll take the required steps to advance your music career.

13 SMART Goals Examples for Musicians

Here are the 13 examples of SMART Goals for your music career:

1. Increase Performance Repertoire

SMART Goal: To stay current and relevant in the music industry, I will increase my performance repertoire for the following 6 months by researching and learning two new pieces of music monthly.

Specific: The goal is clear and detailed, stating precisely the objective and how it will be reached.
Measurable: The musician can count the number of new pieces of music learned each month.
Attainable: You’ll want to set aside time to research and learn new music pieces.
Relevant: This relates to staying current in the music industry as it ensures that the musician is up-to-date with new pieces of music.
Time-based: There is a 6-month time frame for goal completion.

2. Learn a New Instrument

SMART Goal: I will learn to play a new instrument within 7 months by enrolling in music classes and practicing at least three times a week. I want to diversify my musical repertoire and become a more versatile musician.

Specific: This outlines which instrument you will learn, how (enrolling in music classes), and for how often (at least three times a week).
Measurable: You can track the time spent in music classes and how often you practice.
Attainable: Learning a new instrument takes time and practice, but it’s doable within 7 months.
Relevant: This goal is appropriate because it allows you to diversify your musical repertoire and become a more versatile musician.
Time-based: You have 7 months to learn the new instrument.

3. Make Your Recordings

SMART Goal: I’ll establish a recording process and create three of my recordings by the end of this year. This includes creating demos, booking studio time, and mastering the recordings. I want to ensure that I can produce high-quality music independently of others.

Specific: The SMART goal is explicit because it outlines how to create three recordings.
Measurable: The person will proactively follow the three listed action items for goal success.
Attainable: This is realistic and achievable with a clear execution plan.
Relevant: The goal is pertinent to creating their music and recordings.
Time-based: Goal attainment is expected by the end of this year.

4. Create and Post Videos Online

SMART Goal: I’ll strive to create and post four videos online featuring original compositions and covers of popular songs within two months. I will build a greater presence for my music and foster relationships with potential fans and collaborators.

Specific: The musician is clear on what they want to do: create and post four videos featuring music.
Measurable: Pay close attention to the number of videos posted.
Attainable: This is a realistic and achievable goal given two months and the necessary resources.
Relevant: The statement of creating videos for their music is appropriate and beneficial to the musician’s career.
Time-based: You will achieve this particular goal over two months.

5. Develop a Social Media Following

SMART Goal: By the end of 60 days, I’ll have gained 500 more followers across all social media channels. I will post content on my channels at least twice weekly and engage with potential followers through comments and conversations.

Specific: You have a plan and set of actions to complete—post content twice weekly, and engage with followers.
Measurable: You will count the number of daily followers within the given timeline.
Attainable: This goal is achievable by assuming you’re actively engaging with potential followers.
Relevant: Musicians need to build a fan base, and having an active social media presence is critical.
Time-based: You should anticipate goal attainment after 60 days.

6. Connect with Music Professionals

SMART Goal: I will network with music professionals by attending 5 networking events for the 8 months ahead. I want to use these events to build relationships and partnerships with potential collaborators and industry professionals.

Specific: You will attend 5 networking events to build relationships with potential collaborators and industry professionals.
Measurable: You could determine the number of networking events you have attended each month.
Attainable: This goal is possible if the person makes time to attend the networking events.
Relevant: Creating relationships with music professionals is an essential goal for any musician looking to develop their career.
Time-based: The musician should strive to meet this goal in 8 months.

7. Compose an Original Piece of Music

SMART Goal: I will compose an original piece of music that resonates with my target audience within three months. I want to create something unique to capture my audience’s attention and help my music reach a wider audience.

Specific: This goal states the objective, which is to compose an original music piece that resonates with the target audience.
Measurable: Evaluate the progress of the piece every month to ensure consistency and completion within the given timeline.
Attainable: Creating an original piece of music could be done within a three-month timeline.
Relevant: This is suitable for musicians who want to expand their reach and create something unique.
Time-based: There is a three-month end date for accomplishing this goal.

8. Perform in a Concert Series

SMART Goal: I want to perform in a concert series by the end of 8 months. To achieve this, I will research venues and promoters looking for musicians to perform, practice and refine my setlist, and reach out to venues and promoters with a professional pitch.

Specific: This goal is about performing in a concert series and honing the skills needed.
Measurable: Gauge the number of venues and promoters contacted, the quality of the setlist, and the outcome of pitching to them.
Attainable: With enough research, practice, and preparation, performing in a concert series is very doable.
Relevant: Performing at concerts can open up many opportunities to network and further a musician’s career.
Time-based: There is a deadline of 8 months for this particular goal.

9. Enter a Music Competition

SMART Goal: I’ll submit a piece to a music competition by the end of three months. This goal will help me hone my craft, build a portfolio, and gain recognition from industry insiders.

Specific: The individual aims to submit a piece of music to a competition.
Measurable: You can monitor progress as you prepare your piece for submission.
Attainable: This is reachable because you’ll actively take steps to hone your craft and build a portfolio.
Relevant: The statement is appropriate because it will help the individual gain recognition from industry insiders.
Time-based: The goal is time-bound since it has an end date of three months.

10. Study with a Professional Musician

SMART Goal: I’ll set aside a budget to take lessons with a professional musician at least twice a month, so I can improve my skills and expand my knowledge of music theory by the end of the year.

Specific: The goal states the objective and what will be done to achieve it.
Measurable: You can count the number of lessons taken and the knowledge gained.
Attainable: This is achievable because it is reasonable to attend lessons with a professional musician.
Relevant: This goal is appropriate because it will improve your musical skills and knowledge.
Time-based: There is a timeline of one year for completing the goal.

11. Attend Workshops and Seminars

SMART Goal: I want to stay current with music technology and trends, so I’m going to attend at least one workshop or seminar related to music production and performance every two months.

Specific: This goal outlines a plan to attend workshops and seminars related to music production.
Measurable: Make sure you count the workshops or seminars you have attended.
Attainable: This is attainable for most musicians since workshops or seminars are often available in different cities.
Relevant: Musicians must stay current with the latest trends and technologies related to their craft.
Time-based: This is a reoccurring goal that you pursue bi-monthly.

12. Foster a Positive Attitude

SMART Goal: I will strive to be more positive in all my interactions with colleagues, both in person and online. I want to be known as someone encouraging and upbeat rather than negative or critical. I’ll aim to set an example of positivity for the team by finding something to appreciate in every interaction.

Specific: The statement sets out what you want to achieve (be positive in all interactions) and who you will interact with (colleagues).
Measurable: You could determine how often you can be positive in your interactions.
Attainable: Fostering a positive attitude is achievable for anybody.
Relevant: Being positive can create a better work environment and colleague relationships.
Time-based: This is an ongoing goal of being more positive daily.

13. Develop a Website

SMART Goal: I’ll create a professional and comprehensive website for my music business by the end of four months. I want the website to be functional, engaging, and easy to navigate. It will include information about me and my music, any upcoming shows or events I’m playing, and a way for people to contact me.

Specific: The SMART goal is explicit in describing a website for the music business.
Measurable: The musician can monitor the completion of their website every week.
Attainable: It is realistic to build a website within four months if the person has adequate resources.
Relevant: Creating a website will add visibility to your music business.
Time-based: Four months is required to accomplish this statement.

Final Thoughts

SMART goals are a vital part of becoming a successful musician. By breaking down goals into actionable steps, musicians can increase their chances of success.

Whether you’re just starting or an experienced artist, SMART goals are beneficial when it comes to improving your craft and reaching your musical dreams. These types of goals are essential for rising to greatness in the music industry.