In the previous two posts (Part 2, Part 3), we talked about how to decide whether a career in performance or teaching might or might not be right for you, with the understanding that before taking a degree in music you should have some idea of the musical fields in which you could see yourself working with success and satisfaction. In this final installment, we'll walk through a few other possibilities for careers in music. Conducting Yes, most orchestral and choral conductors begin with undergraduate performance … [Read more...] about Should I Get a Degree in Music? (Part 4): Other Careers in Music
Finding Work
Should I Get a Degree in Music? (Part 3): Teaching
In the last post, we observed that many musicians, including many of the highest caliber, teach to supplement their performance activities. So if you decide you want to teach (whether as the whole or part of your musical activities), what does that say in terms of our initial question of whether to pursue a degree in music? For any music teaching job, even if you're self-employed, it is at least advisable to have a degree in music —but the specific necessities (how many degrees and what kind) depend upon what kind of … [Read more...] about Should I Get a Degree in Music? (Part 3): Teaching
Should I Get a Degree in Music? (Part 2): Performance
In the last post, we observed that before you enroll in a music degree/major, you should have a fairly good idea of specifically which field(s) within music you might realistically see yourself thriving in. So let's dive in—we'll start with considering a career in performance. Practical considerations Let's be realistic here. Classical music has faced a sad decline in popularity, especially in the States. Don't get me wrong, I'm not pessimistic about its survival. I think there will always be those who love … [Read more...] about Should I Get a Degree in Music? (Part 2): Performance
Should I Get a Degree in Music? (Part 1): Introduction
In response to the question of vocational formation/next steps offered by Kate Peterson in PhD or No PhD. That is the Question. (ESN Blog. 5/1/2013), Benjamin Shute offers a four part series with insights on Should I Get a Degree in Music? I pray that those considering/pressing on with studies in music will give this attention. Furthermore if you have friends in music who will find the series of benefit, please "share the wealth." To God be the glory! ~ Thomas B. Grosh IV, Editor. ————— When it comes … [Read more...] about Should I Get a Degree in Music? (Part 1): Introduction
Following Jesus in the “Real World”
The contributors to Faithful is Successful, Notes to a Driven Pilgrim are very much interested in feedback from and interaction with Emerging Scholars. That's why they're sharing their material with a volunteer ESN writer team to review and respond to via an ESN blog series. As you may remember, Andy Walsh kicked off the series with In Response to “The Difficulty Discerning Calling”. Please join the on-going conversation. . . . ~ Thomas B. Grosh IV, Editor. ------------ I'm having an unexpected emotional … [Read more...] about Following Jesus in the “Real World”