• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

What to do with a music degree!?

jacobrownoly

jacobrownoly

Jun 16, 2007
257
32
#1
Hey guys, so I have just finished college with a Music degree (BA Hons) and the big question now is what the hell am I going to do with it? (making a living in the real world) :(

I would say that I am a semi pro bass player (dont wanna blow my trumpet) and I have done my fair share or gigs and shows over the years. I have tried and failed to make a living playing my own band material and I have also done a fair bit of pit work over the last 3 years (again with very little money).

So apart from going to be a full time teacher (which I really don't want to) what other ways is there...It doesn't have to be related to JUST bass but in the general music industry.

I really don't want to see my talent go down the drain and I feel that the pressure of getting a music related job is going to ruin my love for music...:( So I really need help and guidance.

Also, I am 22 years old and I live in Scotland UK, so yes there is not that much here.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated, It would be great to hear from a successful musician who has done it kinda thing.

Many thanks

Jack
 
#5
jacobrownoly said:
So apart from going to be a full time teacher (which I really don't want to) what other ways is there...It doesn't have to be related to JUST bass but in the general music industry.

I really don't want to see my talent go down the drain and I feel that the pressure of getting a music related job is going to ruin my love for music...:( So I really need help and guidance.
Click to expand...

Take a deep breath. Don't panic. There are many options available to you that you just can't see from where you are right now, i.e. 22 years old...and living in Scotland.

First of all, there are paths available to you on the creative side - besides being a self-employed player: i.e. composer, arranger, producer, etc. Doesn't mean you're necessarily qualified for any of those slots just yet - or that you're not. It takes qualification + opportunity + experience - just as with most occupations.

Secondly, there are even more opportunities available on the business side. For example, a degree in musicology could qualify you to work your way into a career as a program director for a music performance venue, festival, or broadcast program. It might also qualify you to become curator for a music museum, or similar academically-oriented public music institution. See where I'm going with this? :eyebrow:

Then of course, there's always the record business. Although opportunities with major labels have all but evaporated in recent years (and good riddance!), opportunities with small to midsized labels are burgeoning. Specific jobs include A&R/artist relations, production, finance, accounting, legal affairs, etc. - although the smaller the label, the more opportunity to get your hands into multiple responsibilities - and thereby make yourself more indispensable. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. :hmm:

Methinks your problem is just that you're young & inexperienced, and you know only what you've personally experienced. No wonder the way forward seems so dark!

In my opinion, you need to shake things up - in a major way. One option would be to go for a Master's degree in music...in London, which has a number of good programs (programmes? :smug:). I know because I've personally checked out several of them myself.

So get resourceful, for cryin' out loud! Fully explore your opportunities right where you are now. And if they don't measure up, then get out and start seeing the world. Get yourself to where the opportunities exist - and take advantage of them.

MM
 
#8
MysticMichael said:
Take a deep breath. Don't panic. There are many options available to you that you just can't see from where you are right now, i.e. 22 years old...and living in Scotland.

First of all, there are paths available to you on the creative side - besides being a self-employed player: i.e. composer, arranger, producer, etc. Doesn't mean you're necessarily qualified for any of those slots just yet - or that you're not. It takes qualification + opportunity + experience - just as with most occupations.

Secondly, there are even more opportunities available on the business side. For example, a degree in musicology could qualify you to work your way into a career as a program director for a music performance venue, festival, or broadcast program. It might also qualify you to become curator for a music museum, or similar academically-oriented public music institution. See where I'm going with this? :eyebrow:

Then of course, there's always the record business. Although opportunities with major labels have all but evaporated in recent years (and good riddance!), opportunities with small to midsized labels are burgeoning. Specific jobs include A&R/artist relations, production, finance, accounting, legal affairs, etc. - although the smaller the label, the more opportunity to get your hands into multiple responsibilities - and thereby make yourself more indispensable. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. :hmm:

Methinks your problem is just that you're young & inexperienced, and you know only what you've personally experienced. No wonder the way forward seems so dark!

In my opinion, you need to shake things up - in a major way. One option would be to go for a Master's degree in music...in London, which has a number of good programs (programmes? :smug:). I know because I've personally checked out several of them myself.

So get resourceful, for cryin' out loud! Fully explore your opportunities right where you are now. And if they don't measure up, then get out and start seeing the world. Get yourself to where the opportunities exist - and take advantage of them.

MM
Click to expand...


Many thanks for your time on writing this :)

I do agree with many of the things you said in this, but its just knowing where to start/look if u get me :(

I had thought about going away and doing a masters but I really dont think I want to do any more eduction...I do need to get where the opportunities lie...I would need to move away...Scotland really is too small and offered much to nothing in terms of music. It's just very difficult at this stage what I really want to do (in regards to music)

Many thanks
 
#11
jacobrownoly said:
Many thanks for your time on writing this :)
Click to expand...

You're welcome. As you can see already, you're far more likely to receive only smartass replies to a question like this... :rolleyes:

jacobrownoly said:
I do agree with many of the things you said in this, but its just knowing where to start/look if u get me :(
Click to expand...

I do indeed. That's why a rapid expansion of your perspective is most essential. Most of my advice could be summarized as follows: "Shake things up. Start thinking outside the box."

jacobrownoly said:
I had thought about going away and doing a masters but I really dont think I want to do any more eduction...I do need to get where the opportunities lie...I would need to move away...Scotland really is too small and offered much to nothing in terms of music. It's just very difficult at this stage what I really want to do (in regards to music)
Click to expand...

Dude, a MMus degree programme in the UK is only one year. Just twelve measly months. Perhaps just as importantly, if you study in London, it gets you to London. You dig? :eyebrow:

I understand your feelings in this matter, but with all due respect, once again, you're thinking way too small, IMHO. Please re-read my first post. Carefully.

Good luck,

MM
 
#12
basskidd said:
Care to elaborate?

am already having 'the talks' with my parents... :hmm: haha


Good luck to you!
Click to expand...


Yeah my mum and dad are the same...I finished in May, right now I have a bar job, which is pretty good, but not what a wanna do for the next 20 years...My biggest fear is losing my passion for music (waste) along with what the hell am I gonna do kinda thing :hiding:
 
#13
what to do with it? If you present your diploma and $4 to your local Starbucks, you're sure to get a great cup of java! :) (but seriously, congrats on your accomplishment and, you know, good luck with whatever direction you choose; you're young, so might as well go for your dream work now)
 
#17
I just graduated with a BA in Music and am 22 years old myself. The biggest thing that I've been told, and have been working on is just keep putting yourself out there, and never give up on it. I've been playing gig after gig after gig lately making some spare cash on top of the part time job I had during the week. After almost, I think, four months of applying to jobs and advertising myself (and thinking that I would NEVER find anything), I finally found a second job at a music licensing company.

Now it's only part time but it's something I'm interested in and more importantly a "foot in the door." Like you said, you were thinking about furthering your education in LONDON. Just like MysticMichael said, its LONDON. Take it step by step and get more and more experience and you'll get there eventually.

Coming from someone who is in the same position, I can tell you it's not easy. But every step closer I get I feel more and more like I'm actually doing something with my life that I know I'll enjoy doing. And that feeling is worth all the down feelings I had, and will have through out the journey.
 
#19
MysticMichael said:
For example, a degree in musicology could qualify you to work your way into a career as a program director for a music performance venue, festival, or broadcast program. It might also qualify you to become curator for a music museum, or similar academically-oriented public music institution. See where I'm going with this? :eyebrow:


One option would be to go for a Master's degree in music...in London, which has a number of good programs (programmes? :smug:).
MM
Click to expand...

Be careful! My understanding, from one ivy-league musician with three advanced degrees: 1) academia may cause heartburn; and 2) it is probably not what you are looking for.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back