“If you’re dedicated to becoming a professional, you have to prepare to compete in the marketplace.” The Musician’s Way, p. 300 If you aim for a career in music, your educational choices will profoundly affect your future. Here are 10 guidelines to help...
“Probe every aspect of what ‘being a successful musician’ means to you.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 302 If you aspire to a career as an independent musician, you’ll find lots of “how to” advice online. This post takes a reverse approach: I...
“If your concept of success is restricted to being an international soloist or performing with a major symphony or opera company, then you’re probably headed for difficulties in life.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 300 There are ample rewarding...
“There are over 7 million borrowers in default on a federal or private student loan.” -Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (August 2013) Student loan debt has reached crisis proportions in the US. Not only are millions of borrowers unable to make their loan payments,...
“For music and service to become your way of life, you must confront economic realities.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 299 Aspiring classical musicians commonly study in a context resembling the ancient “master-apprentice” model. That is, they take...
“Putting all of your eggs in one career basket isn’t a smart bet for either your livelihood or your happiness.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 300 Countless young musicians aspire to become professional performers, but few understand the music industry well...
“It is not enough to be industrious; so are the ants. What are you industrious about?” –Henry David Thoreau In a classic episode of the animated comedy South Park, the main characters track down a clan of gnomes who have been stealing the townspeople’s...
“You can’t tell by looking at a piece of paper what some of the strengths and weaknesses really are.” –Kevin Kelly, hiring guru, quoted on Forbes.com In almost every field, job seekers who rise to the top of their applicant pools will be interviewed....
“With a narrow view of success, musicians unconsciously limit their career options.” –Angela Beeching The Musician’s Way, p. 300 Although veteran musicians might derive the bulk of their earnings from full-time jobs, rising artists often depend on multiple income...
