[twister881]

I've only been an amateur. Seek professional advice from the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles. IMO, only two places for budding contemporary musicians to be, Nashville or LA. Can he sing, i.e., good "pipes," and does he have the passion & drive? Sing, songwrite, be an accomplished guitarist or keyboardist, & practice, practice, practice and perform, perform, perform.

[Trumpet 1]

He has to want to play live in front of an audience. And he does not have to be perfect. A good music school helps. Juliard is one of the best. A kid from my high school went to the University of Georgia school of music on Thrombone and wound up in the Johnny Guitar Watson Band. Most college music schools hate rock music, and therefore the State university may not be best for rock guitar. Play and keep playing and keep being in a band that plays to an audience. Try to find a style and keep trying to build on it. Be a friend of the musicians and be willing to be flexible with trying new styles. Blues rock is popular. Go to lots of live concerts.