It seems that almost everyone at some point in life has had the dream to be famous. Either acting or being a musician or a few other choices such as a scientist or an author. Celebrities are always interesting and always have all the attention. This dream often fades over time though as reality kicks in and you realize that becoming famous is usually an unreachable goal.

There is however a way to create your personal "fame" or at least get a taste of what it's like to be the center of attention. Play in a Rock and Roll band! It has to be one of the most exciting experiences you can have in a lifetime. Now I know probably half of you out there are saying "But I can't play a single note on any instrument!" If this is the case than starting a band should be that much more fun. Gather up about four or five of your pals and run the idea by them. Decide who has the best voice, who would like to pound on the drums, who wants to play bass and guitar. It's usually not that difficult to assign your positions in the band since they are all fun.

Next thing you have to do is to go out and buy some equipment, second hand preferably since it's cheaper. If you can afford it then buy some high quality instruments, this will make even the most inexperienced musician sound good, just like low quality equipment can make the best of musicians sound bad. Practice at home everyday, and starting off get together at least twice a week to show each other how you are coming along with your playing skills. After you all get the basic understanding of your instruments then it's time to compile a list of songs that everyone agrees on and can possibly play with a little practice. Keep trying and learning, it's very easy to get frustrated when you are just starting out.

The biggest problem with people just getting into the band scene is that they don't understand that a band is like a marriage only its among four or five people. Too often people take sides, back stab, disagree, fight, quit, re-join, and not show up, the list goes on forever. For example when I started a band with my best friend about seven years ago we recruited a bass player and drummer, today the only original members of that band besides me is the drummer. The guitar player we have now is the fourth, the bass player is the fifth, and even I was replaced once but managed to get the drummer back to start over.

If you manage to keep yourselves together for about a year then that itself deserves a metal of honor. You are probably ready now to reap the rewards of your hard work and dedication, its time to get a gig! Play at a small pub or school dance, and remember to ask if you are responsible for playing CD music in between your sets. To be totally prepared for a dance you need at least 3 sets of 8 songs minimum, even then you might have to repeat a couple of your best songs. Also have adequate amplification to fill up the place you are playing. It's easy to hear your little 10 watt amp in you bedroom but take it out into an auditorium and you will be no louder than the guy in the front row yelling at you.

With these few tips in mind you could be well on your way to stardom! But if not at least you will learn to play an instrument and gain some popularity among your friends. Good luck and have fun with it!

--Lestat