Yes, Degree.... what next?

[after8ight]

I plan to do my music degree (say, performance) soon, and I was just wondering What Next?

I'm not worrying about my future or anything; I just haven't found a music-related (that can exploit my expertise) carreer that attracts me...

I'm really NOT into performing on stage..is this a common thing? or does EVERY musician yearn to be a performer?

I would love feedback from you guys. even better, your own story.

[mound]

Why are you going to get a degree in music performance if you're really NOT into performing on stage?  You are looking to get into the music industry in a non-performance type role? It's a tough business! Studio work? Advertising/jingles type work? What are your goals?

-paul

[Sketchee]

There's always music education, retail of music related products, music therapist,  radio, etc.

See here: https://musicians.about.com/library/musicjobs/descriptions/bldescriptionsmain.htm?terms=music+career

Also: https://musicians.about.com/library/musicjobs/bljobsmain.htm

[mound]

oh yeah, duh, how could I have not included that in my reply! TEACHING!

[after8ight]

I guess at 12, or even 16, every music-learner wants to be performer. Even for over-ambitious first-graders who has just started a week of piano.

'I want to be a performer'
...

I love performing, and I daresay that I can carry stage well. But I guess that's not enough for me, personally.

Take for example a totally unprepared performance: yes, good technic, no wrong notes, but NO musicality at all, NO original interpretation. what does this pianist get at the end of a performance? Applause.

Now consider the greatest performer: great technic, no wrong notes, absolutely original and unique interpretation. exhilirating performance. wowed audiences. what does this pianist get at the end of a performance? Applause. (maybe a standing ovation...)

I've experienced the two, both as performer and audience (no, im not saying i'm murray perahia). and I hate it. the feeling of people not able to (or not good enough to) understand and appreciate you is terrible.


I'm not looking down on people who can't like something for whatever sh*t... but maybe this is why I love taking exams: so that someone far more qualified and experience than me can assess me.

opinions?