Music as a Career

[chopinfan_22]

I'm almost 18, and a senior in high school. During this point in life, many wonder what they want to do with their lives--if they want to go to college, if they don't, or if they do go to college, what they want to get their degree in. This is where I'm having trouble. My initial idea was to get my degree in biology with a music minor, but the problem with that is that I wouldn't have time for music because I would be too busy with my biology degree. Upon further thinking, I want to get my degree in music, and become a professor at a college, but doing so would be a very difficult task for me. Currently, I have been playing the piano for two years, my repertoire consists of two pieces. On the other hand, I know a lot of theory. My question to all of you... how hard would it be for me to pursue a career in music? Is it even possible? With one year before I go off to college, what must I do to best prepare myself to study music in college? I need all the advice I can get.

[steve jones]

Its my experience that music IS a viable carreer option... its just a very demanding one!

I am 25, have BSc and MSc in Music Technology, 15 years + in guitar, and now piano. My musical skills are totally across the board - I pretty much have some degree of experience in most areas, from studio engineering to concert performance.

I have managed to get my foot in the door (so to speak) in the music / media industry, doing freelance sound design. But it has been a real battle. Qualifications mean very little it appears. Iv had to stay up all night grafting away for no money, for a good few years now, while my 9 to 5 friends are going out and having fun.

So realise that if you want to work in music you have to flexible. Dont have a fixed idea of what you will do, be prepared to do what ever it takes to get where you want. For example, Im going to start teaching guitar soon, and maybe add piano too in a few years. Hopefully this will pay me enough money and give me the freedom to pursue my other areas of interest (in particular, video game composition).

With that in mind, I would suggest really assessing your options before you take the plunge. Do you have enough of a broad interest in music to be prepared to work where ever the money is? Or is 'concert pianist' or nothing?

Believe me, there is nothing better than making you art pay. I cant think of a better way to make money! But my friends and family think Im insane. Most people dont have the drive to make it work at the end of the day.

Hope this helps you make the right choice,

Sj

[chopinfan_22]

I want to be a college professor of piano music. I know full well what this means. I would give private lessons, teach a theory class or two, and perform. That's what I want to do. But is it possible?


I would also appreciate it if someone could give me a link to some grade 5/6 repertoire. Doesn't matter what it is, as long as it's in those levels.

[sissco]

I want to be a college professor of piano music. I know full well what this means. I would give private lessons, teach a theory class or two, and perform. That's what I want to do. But is it possible?


I would also appreciate it if someone could give me a link to some grade 5/6 repertoire. Doesn't matter what it is, as long as it's in those levels.

Hey chopinfan! I have read many posts of you the last 2 months and I really like them because we are the same age, we have the same desires, almost the same skills and we both like Chopin  Well.... I just wanted to say that 

Have a look here: https://www.musicroom.com/se/ID_No/058818/details.html
And here: https://www.musicroom.com/se/ID_No/058819/details.html

Edit: forget the links, you know them allready of course 

[pianistimo]

chopinfan_22,

from my perspective (at least looking at it for my son) i think you should check out ur music friends or friends of ur parents jobs as to benefits and pay.  in fact, monday just hop on over to your local community college or uni - and go and talk to one of the professors.  some complain about tenure, etc.

i was too shy to do this in the first place - but it can give you insight as to what they may like and not like about the job you are seeking and how it works at their particular college.  this can give you an idea as to whether you want to stay in your state or establish residency somewhere else (so you pay less for tuition).  do this asap.

what i've heard from some wcu profs is that it is very difficult to get  pay increase when the budget for the arts goes down (and there aren't as many music students).  unfortunately, in this day and age - students are becoming more cautious about spending big bucks on music classes.  BUT, in indiana (indiana state), peabody (state?), julliard (nyc) and places like that -  people travel there to study music and there always seems to be some kind of budget in place.  even there - though , i would talk to someone and find out if they've made the kind of bucks they thought they would.

here's the conundrum.  your student loan is going to be huge unless ur parents saved a lot - or, you work as you go, or you got scholarships.  i know some people who've worked in the library (and get their homework done when they can) or bookstore - and seem to do ok.  what kills people, is when they get out of school the loan gets bigger instead of smaller because of the interest.  this is a * to most degreed students.  they make money only to pay back the student loan.  not much to live on.

ok.  here's ur smartest plan.  keep taking piano lessons (whatever state has the best living conditions) - apply for as many scholarships as you can to that particular college.  get a job (work there for a year - so you can establish residency) and possibly live nearby a campus (a+++ - so you don't have to pay for a dorm).  find some roomies to help pay bills - or find a 'backhouse' to someone's home and do a few chores.  there are plenty of old ladies in many states that seem to need a guy around to help.  they might even spoil u and loan u their car.

*really, i'm not a con-artist, as i'm female myself and wouldn't think of ripping off an old lady.  it's just that i realize it's very hard to get started and if someone trusts you - they are likely to give u perks if you are able to barter doing things that they can't do.

anyway - these are a few ideas.  ps.  alaska and fairbanks have the best engineering, sciences, and a pretty good music dept. too - but, it's very cold.  you also get the perk of $500 or $1000. check every year for oil revenue bonus that goes to residents.  this might help, except gas is so expensive - you'd have to check out living right near the college.  also, their biology department is probably pretty good, too.  alaska is a very good place for biology students because it is sort of an international spot.  people from all over the world - ideas for jobs, job placement - and always seems to be oil related - which of course is big bucks.  esp. cleaning up oil spills.  i know they found something biological recently (algae) that ate up some of the mess.  you'd probalby know more about that.

anyway - if people do well in alaska (and it's a bit of a risk  - but anchorage's weather is way milder than fairbanks) they tend to go off and build these huge homes and live like kings.  if they don't do well - they end up on fourth avenue drinking.  it's either boom or bust.  if this is any help.  good.  if not - forget the idea.

[cjp_piano]

To pursue a career as a college piano professor, you should probably already be playing at a fairly advanced level.  To get accepted into a music conservatory or music department of a college, you will probably need to have at least 3 or 4 pieces from different periods prepared to play, along with all major/minor scales/arp. etc, and be able to sight-read decently.

You will need at least a BM degree (4 years) and probably a MM degree (another 2 years), and ideally a DMA or PhD (another 4 or 5).  It is a very competetive field, even for less well-known schools, small private schools, and community colleges.  You should LOVE playing and LOVE teaching, because you will be doing a lot of it.

I'm not trying to scare you or burst your bubble.  But if you really do want to do it, then go for it.  Ask your piano teacher about it, visit colleges, and practice, practice, practice!   

[chopinfan_22]

So there's no guarantee that I would get a job with my degree, is there?

[pianistimo]

you'll get a job - but if it is at a college in podunk at first (which is often the case) - how many music students will there be?  u may have to get people hyped about the music program which can take a few years.  after some years - i think people get established.  but, what if u had a couple of degrees?  you could do several things.  maybe not to the same degree as doing one thing and people may disagree with me - but i think it is entirely possible to take piano lessons and major in biology.  get a job in that that has BENEFITS (being with a company and not a uni at first) - and then take a part-time teaching position at a college AFTEr that.  maybe some schools will even allow u to finish the degree whilst teaching. 

as cjp says, you really have a lot of comptetition with people who are light years ahead (have taken piano much longer) and may be dismayed that the job locations u are seeking are filled.  but, if you are willing to start small - then by word of mouth (your reputation) you can expand and move where u want. 

what i like about pennsylvania is that west chester is just a hop and skip from philadelphia and then nyc.  now, where i live - there are three or four community colleges that probably offer piano lessons and accompanying jobs.  i would, if i were teaching right now, start at the community college level (but u need a MASTERS degree even for community college).  i am two years away from this and can see why it takes so long.  u want to be able to express urself both verbally and in writing extremely concisely.  in fact, if you want to get a head start on things - start taking extra english classes and make sure what u write is readable.  and, take some pedagogy classes in the summer.  just keep taking music making people think ur doing it as a hobby - and finish the biology - then surprise everyone and go for the music, too.  you'll already have the piano lessons and pedagogy under ur belt.  this way, if one doesn't pan out - you ahve the other.  and, the time to get simultaneous degrees is now!

[pianistimo]

maybe u could teach two subjects at college - biology AND piano? seems that community colleges are always underbudget and this would be advantageous to them as well.  to get a professor who can teach two subjects and streamline.  there's probably not that many of them - usually people are really good at one thing - but you never know.  u might work ur way into a situation that would give u full-time employment this way (and not part-time at first).

[chopinfan_22]

I can't really go into biology because if I were to major in that field, I would get my degree to become an optometrist. I can't get two doctorates at once. There isn't enough time for that.

On the other hand, if I were to major in music, I would also work my way into becoming a certified piano technician, which would then allow me to repair/tune pianos that needed it. So not only could I teach as a professor, but I could maintenance all the instruments in the college, and I could also maintenence pianos in the city that I live in for extra side money.

[jam8086]

Well, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe there are many opportunities for someone with a doctorate in piano performance.  Let's say you get the part time job teaching piano at some college.  You might be worried that just a part time job will not be supportive enough, so you start looking for things to fill up the gaps in your schedule.  There are probably tons of accompaniment jobs at your college alone, but you could also go to other area colleges, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and arts schools.  Also, many music organizations, especially as choral organizations need an accompanist.  You could also find a local church that needs a pianist/organist.  A few public performances and/or competitions here and there are also a nice way to earn some side cash and build up your resume.  With the time left over, you could open your own private studio out of your home.  I'm sure by then you would have quite a full schedule, your resume would be overflowing with new things for future jobs, and you would be quite comfortable financially.

[chopinfan_22]

Is getting the college degree very difficult?

[pianistimo]

the returns in the music field are more risky than the biology/optometry.  basically, as i see it (ahhaha) one is a necessity.  to see properly.  people ALWAYS need their glasses fixed.  it's a sure thing to get 8-5 job. 

but, if you like to work ur way up - i think a music career IS very possible.  there are sometimes budget restraints - so even if u know how to tune a piano - the school pays for the number of tunings that they want to pay for.  u have to find situations that work in your favor.

my advice is not to worry about a doctorate or even masters degree right away in piano.  just take lessons and get the optometry.  the reason for this - is once u get that and have a steady job - then u just go from a firmer foundation, imo.  this world is getting to be a very expensive place to live.  u have to act and think as though everything is a critical decision - which sometimes it is. 

if you never plan on getting married - music professorship in 10 years might be doable.  if you want a life in 4 years or 6 or 8.  that's another thing.  not sure where u are at right now - but isn't it four years for bachelors, another 2-3 for masters, and another 2 for doctorate?  now, if you get the bachelors in science, then get a masters in music (can u get master of music w/out bachelor of music?) and optometry, then doctorate in either one.  that seems like u'd be set. 

[chopinfan_22]

This is what I'd really like to do, after having thought about it. I want to teach the piano at a collegiate level. I don't care how far I have to go, or how long it takes me. I want to get there. At the same time, I'd like to become a certified piano technician. You can visit this website: https://www.ptg.org/ for information on piano technicians. I think it'd be very useful to be a piano technician as well as a professor. Though becoming a piano tech is technically classified as a trade, they allow you to go at your own pace, so during the school year, I could work on my music major, and during the summers I could work on my liscense for becoming a PT, which takes roughly 2 years of course study, and about another 2 years for training to become competent. By that time, I'd have my masters in music, then all I'd have left to do is finish my doctorate.

[cora]

  u want to be able to express urself both verbally and in writing extremely concisely.  in fact, if you want to get a head start on things - start taking extra english classes and make sure what u write is readable.  and, take some pedagogy classes in the summer.  just keep taking music making people think ur doing it as a hobby - and finish the biology - then surprise everyone and go for the music, too.  you'll already have the piano lessons and pedagogy under ur belt.  this way, if one doesn't pan out - you ahve the other.  and, the time to get simultaneous degrees is now!

Speaking of expressing yourself, I really wish pianistimo would "youze" yourself and not urself;you and not u. A common language is very important, especially for a professional.

As for chopin22, I wish you luck. It is possible to complete your goal but difficult. I would suggest doing a History, Harmony, or Composition Degree instead, and teaching these subjects. There's too much time to make up for to be a great piano teacher in a reasonable amount of time, especially if you want to be a technician.

[chopinfan_22]

I think what I would mainly do is teach music theory classes and give private lessons. I know it is a very late start for me, but I'm willing to work for it.

[pianistimo]

cora, you are not the first to be dismayed.  because of you, i will revert back to the correct spelling of 'you.'  we now have three computers in the house and i am not forced to write a message at top speed, either.

how many music theory classes are taught per week at most uni's?  maybe if you find a music school or conservatory that offers a wide variety of courses, you will be happy.  but, as someone else said - there are many people in line ahead of you on all fronts.  whereas, you may have more equal chances to be just as good as the next optometrist who started at the same time as you.

just playing devil's advocate.  my parents did that with me, and it bugged me.  i also, only wanted music.  in fact, i took mostly music classes first.  it was great fun.  but, between myself and my husband - he is the most 'rounded' individual.  i've learned a lot from him because he DIDN'T major in music.  he took some singing lessons, though.

tuning pianos is work that requires you to spend a lot of your own personal money.  tools, GAS - you most likely will be driving places to tune pianos (that is eating up your profits) - and you are going to have to work up a list of people (who may only need tunings 2-3x per year.  of course, working for schools is great - but you have to plan on working very very hard for the same money that would come easily in optometry.  the people would come to you - business pays for machinery - you don't have self-employment tax (which can kill a person) - and you'd have time to plan your next level of development which might be to gradually have some extra hours to take some music classes.

tuning pianos takes a lot of muscle energy, too.  you are pulling down or pushing up constantly on the pins - and if you play piano as well - wouldn't this be a little detrimental after awhile.  maybe i'm wrong.  also, wouldn't you have to take the pianos apart and fix many things other than tuning.  it's almost like shop.  suppose that it would be great fun to know how to tune and fix one's own piano - but everyone else's.  whew.  you'd have to love it!  the excellent sounds and the pleasure of just doing it - and not so much for the money at first.

sorry if i'm playing devil's advocate too much.  it's really hard when students first get out of school to see if all their work will pay off.  you have a pretty solid thing with either biology or optometry for immediate FULL time work.  most music schools are not looking for full-time music teachers in anything.  you have to start convincing them to work you in here or there on extra things.  say, you have a couple of theory classes, and also want to teach band class or orchestra, and piano lessons.  you might have a full day's work after all that.  piano is a failing art. what i mean by that - is that there seem to be less and less people interested in playing the piano.  not sure why.  of course, we have a lot of foreign students that come over here to take piano lessons - but you are competing with other teachers for them.  maybe the digital age is coming to the fore. 

i'd say that if you are simply going for music - maybe music industry stuff - digital recording stuff (like what steve jones was talking about), excelling in composition, teaching theory, and being really up-to-date on technology that helps with composition and theory - would put you in a good position?!  you have to know who is paying the bills for the music dept.  is it the estates of old ladies or is it the number of students.  what are the students most interested in and taking these days. 

maybe a good idea would be to tally up the most recent course interest (taken a week or so into classes by going into the bookstores and seeing which textbooks are sold out).  you'd get a good idea of what fields are hottest.

[alwaystheangel]

I do no have time to read all that has been said, but I'm going into a B. Mus/B. Ed program (5 years) and I can tell you a little bit about the audition process. I understand you are at a grade 5/6 level?  I'll be blunt: You'll need to kick it up a bit depending on the Univesity, the grade levels will be grade 8 and up MINIMUM.  I applied on both piano and saxophone (hedging my bets )  I was stupid and decided that I was going to enter the music faculty in March, this wasa stupid because the auditions were early may and I hadn't practiced much on the piano and ceratinly did not have the repratoire for the audition.  You should definately contact the faculty of music in the college that you wish to enter and FIND OUT WHAT REQUIREMENTS THEY NEED.  You can find out what level of playing and exactly what pieces you should use as repretoire.

At my University they required and Bach piece (I'm sure this meant a prelude an fugue, I played One movn't of cappriccio on the departure of a most beloved brother)  The key though, was that I played it quite well, I think
they also wanted the firt moven't of a sonata by Beethoven, Mozart or Haydn(I think) I picked up  K332 by Mozart
And finally a piece of your choice (namely 20th centruy, is what they meant by that) I did Rêverie by Debussy, fortuantely the one piece I did not have to learn in 2 months time
They also gave me a piece of sightreading, probably a grade 7 RCM level.

Well, I did not get into piano, got in on saxophone (complete shock) but I think it was b/c a made friends with the saxophone prof and told him how I wanted to teach high school band and he said that there wasn't much point in entering piano then.  I'm not very proficient on saxophone, I've only played for 4 years and it was half assed at best, I neve practiced so I firmly believe that my piano abilities allowed me to get in on saxophone.

Why I'm saying all of this is I want you to know that you have to BE PREPARED, don't run around like a chicken with it head cut off two months before hand.  I ended up playing easier songs than I should have been playing and I had to have the music and I hadn't had time to memorize them. (BIG no-no)

Also, make friends with the profs, make yourself known.  I am currently keeping up a semi-regular correspondance with my saxophone prof, CONNECTIONS are EVERYTHING in the world of music.  basically, stat networking now.  The more conncetions you have, the higher chance you have for acceptance and additance and eventually acheiving your goals of being a prof.  Don't be afrais of (shamlessly) rubbing elbows with all the big cahoots.  Hell, I hung around an instrument repair shop on day and met some Noweigian saxophone players.    Without connections, you are lost.  My piano teacher has a little party once or twice a year where she invites all her piano friends and they play and have tea.  My piano teacher asked my mom and I tagged along, (with my teachers permission, naturally)  So I met some high up-there peaople that can now help me with my career. 

Besides, having the prof know who you are can't be a bad thing, he can then remember your face and at the audition (if you met beforehand) you won't be just one of the masses, your are actually human to them and psychologically, if a person knows another they have an "attachement" and will grade you better than you did compared to the "unknowns"  Even if they do not want to do that, they will, Of course, they have to like you!

If you have a meeting with them, be eager to learn, admit what you do not know but let them know that you want to find out.  basically BE TEACHABLE, POLITE and EAGER TO LEARN.

That's all I can think of right now.  anyways, instead of reading the forum, you should out practising and learning your new reperatory NOW!!!

Good luck, and let us know how things are going!

EDIT: wow apparently I do not like commas!
and I've never written so much before in my life! cool!

[chopinfan_22]

That's exactly it. I took lessons from one of the professors at the college I want to go to before he went to europe, but I stopped because of gas prices, and because I had to drive 50 miles to take lessons. I couldn't afford it. I also know the other piano professor, who is also the dean of the music department. She judged me when I went to progressions (you go and play for one of the two professors, who acts as a judge, and they tell you what you can do to improve), so she knows me. The final professor is a theory/piano/organ professor who I also introduced myself to. I am pretty well known by the three piano professors at the university, so I've already made myself known to them. It's just a matter of gaining the repertoire for the auditions. I have a friend that is going into music who went to the auditions for piano. She said they want four pieces, one from the Baroque era, preferably something by Bach. She played an invention. I, too, plan on playing an invention. They want something from the Classical period, the first movement of a Beethoven sonata would be good, which I already know one. From the Romantic Era, she played a Chopin prelude, one of the more advanced ones. I am currently learning a nocturne, and she said that that would be a good piece. Lastly, they want something modern. I'm going to go with either something by Debussy or a more modern composer like Muczynski. I haven't made up my mind on the modern era piece I will do. She said that if I can play those, and play well, then I should have no problem. K-State's music department is open to accepting anyone, really, as long as they have the basics down and know some things. Basically, at auditions, they assess where you are at, musically and in your knowledge of theory.

[alwaystheangel]

well, then that's not really a problem, is it?

I guess all you can do is work hard, be dedicated and see where it takes you, strive to be a prof if that's what you want but don't be surprised that when you get there, you don't want to do that, be flexible to change and see where you go!