FMP Session 5: Careers and Education in Music

Education in Music:
This Session our guest presenter was Ian Cooper. Ian is quite an accomplished Saxophonist, he is an instructor at the Friese Studio of Music, is currently considering scholarships and colleges to pursue his career goal of becoming a college professor of music.

Ian spoke with us about the importance of an education as you pursue a career in music, and some of the tips he gave us apply to all of us even if music is just a hobby for us:
1. you've gotta love it - because the money ain't that good
2. you must be dedicated enough to work hard
3. sacrifice - must be willing to give up time & priorities in order to improve on your instrument
4. consistent practice - make practice a part of your everyday routine
5. use a metronome - it's the best way to improve your timing
6. music theory - basic understanding of music theory is just a ticket to get started, the hard work is up to you.

As I mentioned I am a big fan of Ian and his parents, Doug and Joy Cooper. Yes, the Cooper's are "nice" people but the reason I am such a big fan of theirs is not because they are "nice", I am a big fan because of their dedication to work hard at what they believe in and what they enjoy.

I recommend you take a look at the posting on this blog site called 'Practice Tips and Thoughts', dated Dec. 8 2010 for more of my thoughts on the subject of practice.

Careers in Music:
We also discussed Careers in music, some of the careers mentioned were:
Singer
Music Teacher
College Professor
Band Director
Lead Guitarist
Street Performer
Band Manager
Studio Owner
Music Therapist
Producer
Sound Engineer
Sound Technician
Light Technician
Guitar Technician
Sound & Light Manager
Producer
Stage manager
Backstage Manager
Instrument Technician (repair)
Instrument Builder
Famous musician
Orchestral musician
Band Director

There are many, many possibilities. What I am impressed with is that the class came up with so many careers that are not directly involved with onstage performance. You came up with several examples of jobs that are technical or involved in management or supporting musicians. This is good, because this opens up more job opportunities in the music industry for you to investigate.
Your assignment is to pick one of the career choices mentioned in the class and to e-mail me 3 things that are awesome and cool about that career and then list 3 things that would be challenging or "troublesome" (to quote Jack Dewey). :)
Once I have received this assignment I will issue each of you the certificate of completion for the Fundamentals of music course.