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Originally Posted by timothypierson  I think for most of us, we need to be a jack of all trades in the music business. ........ I really think the trick is to be open to doing many different things and be creative. |
If we are, early in our careers looking for a job in the music field that pays reliably, we do not have the time to become the jack of all trades. What we can soak up during our studies is based on our ability to soak up what academia throws at us. I don't think I could have squeezed too much more playing time into my life when I was studying. I had to really work hard to keep up with the "classically" oriented lessons that I had. After graduating, I found time to pursue other interests.
Getting a playing job is a business decision. Many of the pro players that I know would NEVER have taken NO for an answer.
Ed makes a good point about being around peers with similar goals. THAT is what makes Harvard so special in the business world - all the right friends and training very close to what the industry wants afterwards. It can start even earlier. Many influential american ex-patriates send their kids to international schools. The opportunity is not only academic, but the kids meet other kids from families with influence. The ones that run with the opportunity have a very good chance of getting an easier start in their professional life!
I am not sure that there is a music school (influential friends, job oriented training,.....) with the influence of a Harvard, but if I had to pick one it would the Royal Academy in London............... Plenty of schools train academia and soloists.............. Whether THAT is where the market is going or not, I am not sure.