Find Work in the Music Business

Finding work in the music business is difficult and is probably one of the most competitive businesses to succeed in. Here's some help...

Steps

Get an instrument. This could be your voice, a piano, drums, flute or any other instrument, everyone has pros and cons, so take your time to think which instrument you will be playing. Make sure to be passionate about what instrument it is, because you would feel wrong on the inside thinking " I could've picked this. "
Practice until you can play the instrument to a good standard. Many techniques can be employed for this as different styles of music call for different techniques. A wide spectrum of these techniques will attract more people to hiring you.
Make sure you are playing your instrument to a standard which you are confident with. When you feel confident to play in front of people.
Make a record and send it to venues, agents and promoters. Record a professional sounding demo. An agent or promoter will only be interested in your music if it sounds good both in quality and in musicianship and they can tell you have put time into it.
Look to groups like the Musicians Union for help. They have the experience and will provide you with as much literature as you can read.
Understand that a good agent can help to find paid work but working independently is the most profitable way.
Keep your ego down and remember to enjoy yourself and relax. Be friendly and polite to people. They may recommend you for other work.

Stay tenacious. Don't be disheartened if you are turned away from auditions. It doesn't mean you are not good enough, just that you are not what they are looking for.
Get insured. If all your equipment is insured you may save yourself from a massive financial issue if anything happens to your gear.
Make sure you can rely on musicians in your group if not playing solo or session.

It's a tough industry to succeed. Be prepared for many disappointments. But the key is tenacity and don't give up.