Almost all students who study classical music at the college level spend most of their time in practice rooms, studying music theory, learning about music history, and other important aspects that make up the traditional music program. The typical goals of classical music performance majors are to be a famous soloist, or a member of a prestigious (full-time) major symphony orchestra… perhaps carving out a career as a university teacher.
Too often, people don’t realize that very few musicians will achieve those lofty goals. This isn’t meant to be a downer. So many highly trained, skilled, and passionate musicians create a different path, finding a satisfying and rewarding career that may not be exactly what they envisioned as a young undergrad.
Personally, I believe it is an amazing time to be an artist. The ability to create and market our products, ideas, and talents is unlike any other time in history. We can collaborate and share across the globe. I am enthusiastic and passionate about arts entrepreneurship.
Over the coming months, I’ll be blogging here about many great success stories of people with degrees in fine and performing arts, and their interesting career paths. I hope that you will find these stories and ideas enlightening and inspiring.