3 Myths about Careers in Music

Are music majors determined to have successful careers in music deluding themselves? Here are 3 myths about careers in music with some facts to help dispel them.

by Dr. Michelle Stanley

Myth #1: Music majors are destined for a life of struggle and financial instability.

A musician’s career is one of diverse and multiple income streams. Rarely do musicians earn their income from a single source. From performance to teaching, composing to recording, a successful musician’s financial stability is the result of seeking and creating options for generating income.

Looking beyond traditional jobs gives a bigger picture of viable career options for musicians. Many businesses, for instance, are discovering that musicians make incredible employees due to their communication skills, organizational ideas, discipline, and focus. Music can also be a contributor to the success of a business. Witness, for instance, Chipotle and the DJ who puts playlists together for all 1400 of their restaurants.

The music industry simply isn’t the same as it used to be. It is now driven by technology, innovation, value, and entrepreneurship. Musicians who adapt and change easily, and who are creative and entrepreneurial, are more likely to be successful.

For myths 2 and 3, read the full article on MajoringinMusic.com