1. Grow your hair out.

Good Geddy.
If you're a dude, consider some facial hair as well.

That's the spirit, Ian!

2. Read a lot of books. You need to be really smart, especially if you plan on writing lyrics.

Whatever Neil is reading, I'm guessing it's an interesting read.

3. Develop an interest in at least two of the following genres:
-Classical
-Jazz
-Folk
-Worldbeat
- Avant-garde
-Tradtional
-Electronic
Or just like all of the above. Whatever suits your fancy.

4. Learn and master an instrument, or two, or three, or, you get the gist.

5. Form a group with a few like minded folks who also play instruments. Hopefully one of you knows how to play either the flute, violin, cello, trumpet, or some other traditionally classical instrument.

Observe, cellos in ELO

Robbie Steinhardt of Kansas on violin.

And Peter Gabriel of Genesis playing his flute on his belly.

There's always at least one!

6. Be Fabulous.

Here's Rick modeling the latest in capes.

And Peter modeling the latest in bat wear.

The members of Rush wearing fabulous kimonos.

Ian wearing this fabulous get up.

Sandy Denny of Fairport Convention just is fabulous.

And finally Tony in a fabulous blue sweater. Hey, not everyone can dress up like a flower!

7. Now, write some epic songs. Preferably longer then five minutes.
Bonus points if you can go above twenty minutes.
Extra bonus points if you can create a concept album.
Extra extra bonus points if the concept album deals with a concept of deep philosophical meaning. (Yes, I'm looking at you, Genesis and Pink Floyd!)

8. Finally, get out there and develop a fan base!
This may require the following:
Costumes I.e. Dressing up as a renaissance guy
Instrument abuse I.e., stabbing your keyboard

9. Finished! Just keep cranking out cool albums and you're golden!

I hope you found this little review of being a prog person accurate.
Please comment and vote.