How do most people become musicians? (process)?

Know the right people at the right time.  Where i live the market for music just isn’t there.  If i wanted to do music i would have to go to Toronto or Vancouver to pursue it.  Meet with agents who will take you on.  It’s not an easy process and it’s a lengthy one too

First, they give up the fantasy that someone is just "discovered" and given a musical career .  Then they recognize that it's a business and people are in it to make money, not make your dreams come true.  Then they accept that there's no one way to become a musician - no magical set of steps you go through then viola! you're a rapper.

Let's assume that you actually know how to rap and are good at it.  You might want to try and book local gigs - whatever you can - to see if anyone is actually interested in your performance skills.  You want to figure out how your skills fit into the marketplace.  Then start researching and learning the business end of the industry.  It's not about just rapping or getting into a studio and recording - it means understanding everything from contracts to marketing to networking.  It would be your career so you need to step up and take responsibility for it and not expect someone to take your hand and walk you through it.

Good luck.

A great deal of natural talent and even more luck. 

Most musicians get professional training. 

Start with a blank sheet of paper.  Write down what you want to do.  What music do you like?  If it’s rap, try and emulate your favourite artist. 

Bands learn a lot starting out by doing cover versions of songs.  If you’re into lyrics, poetry etc study it, listen to favourite tracks analyse and break it down.  Invest in a drum machine and practice making beats.  Learn your craft before going into a recording studio otherwise you’ll burn money.  Invest in a portable digital recorder, or your phone for audio ideas and samples. Talk and collaborate with like minded individuals.  Be creative - you’re a musician.

I'm not suggesting that there is anything wrong with being a rapper but (like being a poet or playwright) it's not really being “a musician”.

So far as being a musician goes, I agree with Cogito. Being a rapper obviously doesn't involve learning an instrument and, apart from having a sense of rhythm, doesn't really involve anything musical. The practicing and dedication still apply though.

Good luck.

People become musicians - REAL musicians - by learning one or more instruments, practising, studying, dedication and determination.

Rap is NOT music.  It's just shouting bad poetry in time to a very basic rhythm.

It all starts with a natural love of music.  That’s the common denominator for every musician.

I was given a guitar for Christmas when I was 14 and it went from there.  Nobody in my family were musically inclined at all.  So that’s not a requirement.

What usually happens is you play and practice, practice and play.  Then you run across other people about your level and play together.

As you improve, you find others who will match or exceed your level.

I did a lot of live performances before I ever did any recording.  Saving up money for studio sessions is way down the road for a budding musician.  That’s nothing to be concerned about.

The key requirement is to be “proficient” on your chosen instrument.  And that varies based on the job at hand.  Proficiency is minimal for a bunch of guys jamming in a garage on the weekends.  Proficiency is extremely high for a working studio musician who is being paid to play on a recording.

But none of that really matters if you’re interested in being a musician.  If you love music and want to play?  Pick an instrument and get at it!  Once you can play one song, start to finish, you are a musician.