“I recognized a gap between what we musicians typically learn during our schooling and what we actually need to know.” -Gerald Klickstein In September 2018, Yamaha Music Media published a Japanese translation of The Musician’s Way, which rocketed to the top of its...
“Diverse careers are available to musicians because people worldwide consume huge amounts of music-related products and services every day.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 300 Supply and demand are the fundamental forces that determine prices. So, for us classical musicians,...
“What is best in music is not to be found in the notes.” –Gustav Mahler (Gunther Schuller, The Compleat Conductor, Oxford, 1998, p. 106) If you’re a classical musician who aspires to a concert career, you’re in danger. In danger of becoming a commodity. That’s because...
“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...
