Things they don’t tell you about music school
here are some things I only learned after going into music school that I wish someone had told me earlier.
💼 don’t expect that you’ll be prepared to find yourself work related to music after graduating. during your studies, if you’re in the situation where you don’t have gigs or performance opportunities, be prepared to take on a part-time job on top of your full time studies to support yourself
🍎 Music school isn’t easy, expect to have a schedule from early mornings till late, which includes ensembles, mandatory concerts, maybe master classes, while earning 1 or 2 credit for the hardest classes. You’ll feel burn out all the time, there’s not much way to relieve stress because you need to be practicing all the time.
🎵 if your school is lucky, there might be a music career course (and I highly recommend taking it!!) Music schools don’t talk about the money aspect enough and that’s just the reality, so you’ll have to make sure you know what you want to do, but if you don’t, you can always consult your professors, and have them guide you!
👩🏻🏫 coming back to the money aspect, you just have to think of yourself as a business all the time. I know there are musicians who think it’s not about the money, IT IS ABOUT THE MONEY. You have to find out ways to market yourself, whether you’re trying to sell yourself as a performer, accompanist, composer, arranger, or a teacher. Consider creating a simple website, or build a social media platform where you can get your name out there.
🧠 Related to above, whatever you’re learning or experiencing counts as an experience, write them down as you build your resume! These are your skills as a musician!
#lemon8partner #lemon8creator #study #stationery #stationeryaddict
Music school is often portrayed as a dream environment for aspiring musicians, but the reality can be far more demanding than many expect. One important aspect many students encounter is an intense daily schedule that spans early mornings to late evenings. This includes participation in ensembles, mandatory concerts, master classes, and practicing, often yielding surprisingly low academic credits for hard work. Burnout is common due to constant practice requirements, and coping mechanisms for stress are limited. Financial preparation is another crucial factor rarely emphasized enough. Graduating from music school does not guarantee a full-time position in the music industry right away. Many students find themselves taking on part-time jobs alongside studies or performances to support themselves. A pragmatic approach involves treating one’s musical career as a business: actively marketing yourself and your skills whether as a performer, accompanist, composer, arranger, or teacher. Building a professional online presence through a simple website or social media channels can significantly enhance opportunities. Taking a music career course, if available, can provide invaluable insights into the diverse range of music-related jobs beyond traditional teaching and performing. Understanding the financial realities and gaining practical career knowledge empowers students to make informed decisions and pursue viable career paths. Additionally, every experience in music school counts as valuable professional development. Keeping a detailed record of gigs, classes, projects, and other music-related activities helps build a solid resume that showcases your skills and commitment. The concept of voice change and technical aspects of singing also play a role, such as the transition through different voice registers during puberty, impacting a singer’s range and technique — an essential knowledge area for vocalists. In summary, success in music school and beyond depends not only on talent but also on resilience, financial savvy, effective self-promotion, and continuous professional development. Being prepared for the realities and acting proactively can significantly improve one’s chances in the competitive music industry.
Music school sounds intense. Glad I chose a different path, but respect to those who do it. 👍