Re-Imagining the Music Degree Recital

Music school curricula are filled with requirements. And all requirements show bias.  As a result of these rules, students’ priorities are heavily influenced (whether they know it or not).  So what lessons are being taught?  Are expectations likely to cultivate savvy entrepreneurial artists with the maximum potential for professional...

The Savvy Musician Challenge

We’re trying something new here at The Savvy Musician, hoping to engage music students from all over the country and globe, while learning from their collective wisdom.  If you or your school/group is interested in participating (or if you have questions), please e-mail info@savvymusician.com.  Details are below. Stay tuned for the...

Music Business vs. Arts Admin vs. Career Development vs. Music Entrepreneurship

There is a bit of confusion about four fields of study that incorporate music and business aspects: 1) Music Business (aka Music Industry), 2) Arts Administration, 3) Music Career Development, 4) Music Entrepreneurship.  Though all attempt to advance the cause of music-related ventures in economically viable ways, they appeal to different...

Choosing the Perfect Grad School: Part 2

In Part 1 of this series, we looked at faulty assumptions that many musicians make when seeking a graduate school. So, if you decide to pursue an advanced degree in music, what question should you ask above all others?  In my opinion, this is the most important one: How will this next degree advance my life goals?    Many musicians never...

Choosing the Perfect Grad School: Part 1

The process of choosing the perfect graduate school can be both exhilarating and scary, as you consider the next phase of your life.  But many musicians approach this challenge with a faulty set of assumptions, while failing to explore the most important question.  Assumption #1: Grad school is non-negotiable In the music world, and especially...

Do Schools Kill Creativity?

In this video, Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining and moving case for creating an education system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity.  Some powerful points he argues include: Creativity is as important as literacy. People don’t grow into creativity, they grow out of it (or are educated out of it).  If you are not...

Career Mentorship: The Lost Education

Most of the musicians I know are highly educated.  Many have multiple degrees in their field of expertise.  Along the way, they typically work closely with several mentors who move them forward in their journey towards artistic excellence: private teachers, chamber ensemble coaches, conductors, classroom instructors. Obviously this form of...

How Music Schools Prioritize Career Development

In my last post, I argued that prospective music students should favor schools that actively prioritize career development and entrepreneurship.  After all, this shows a commitment to producing working musicians, as opposed to simply outstanding ones (who are likely unprepared to deal with professional realities of the 21st Century).  Even if...

An Essential Question When Applying to Music School

Not all music schools are the same.  Where you study will have a huge impact on the kind of artist you become, skill sets you develop, and network you cultivate.  In order to make a wise decision, many important questions should be posed during the application process.  Who will be my primary teacher? How rigorous is the curriculum?  Which...

Average Student, Savvy Student

School’s back in session! For students, this is a great time to consider your own approach to education. Which type are you—an average student or an entrepreneurial one?             An average student believes: An entrepreneurial student understands: School is preparation for their career.  School is an early phase of their...