Explore the music field: School & Studies - Part I (Pupils)

During my study internships I have noticed that a lot of pupils and students need guidance in their choice(s) of careers. I have seen the most talented kids wasting time from their potential due to unlucky circumstances. At some schools there is not much information provided about music careers. Also, the resources and mentorship from teachers and parents have been set below the bare minimum, due to lack of time and/or lack of money. Even at a job/career schoolevent, the representatives from the music industry are nowhere to be seen. The most heard option for a music career is a music teacher, where many students fall out of the 'acceptance' from the traditional music conservatory program. I would like to provide some other music career options here, to make a path how to get (back) into a music career....


There are many ways to get into a music career. The stigma of success or 'one way', is a small approach and I would like to bring more alternatives to the surface.
Without any tools nor support it is too easy to get "lost". Although that might be still beneficial: To explore the importance of music and the growth of the pupils and students own personality. Hereby pupils and students can take interest in multiple topics to discover their own path in this 'music forest'. They are free to go and explore their search at their own pase.

• Self-study
  Nowadays there are many podcasts about music available. Podcasts mostly have a line-up, which is easy to follow and guide you through a topic. Get inspired by some stories from musicians, take a music quiz or learn more about the music theory! There are also online videos about music, although it might be harder to follow due to that it's not related to your own progress. Keep track on where you are at the moment and start from there. Other options are for example reading books, magazines and news articles about music. Watch Ted-Talks or films related to music... No time to study? Listen to a podcast on the way to work/school, during household tasks like cleaning the room, washing the dishes or folding the laundry. Find a way that works for you!

• Practise
  This is not always the easiest one, due to lack of time or money. Even so, 10 minutes of practise every day will keep the consistency in your work. A habit-tracker works to mark your progress and keep an eye on where you focus on. Reflect once a month how you're doing and change your ideas/goals/patterns to get the results you are aiming for.

• Music camp / Church
  Back in the days, some of the most famous classic composers had started by playing music for the Church. It could be a reason to play music and to get better in the musicpieces you play. Also, some classic composers had started by singing in a choir - At least an opportunity to improve social skills and train the vocal chords!
  There is another option called Music Camp. A music camp brings people together who play their own instruments. At music camp everyone learns to create music and play music together. This way it can help to create a social network. It might lead to an invitation to play somewhere.

• Work / Internship in a music-related place
  Even though this is a crowded market to be in, it is important to keep going to places to explore the music field. How do these companies operate within the music field? Ask around if there is someone who is working with/in music; Ask questions and make yourself visable in the field. Update your cv and keep track on your musical activities.
  Create a mindmap of all local places in the surrounding that deals with music. Who is organising the music on the street fair? Is there a roadie for the local band already? Is there someone needed in the concert hall? Is there someone who provides coffee for the local radio-hosts?
  
  

How can we make music get back on the list of priorities in high schools?
When pupils become unmotivated it can be difficult to stimulate them with the limited recourses and tools from school. There are many guest-speakers out there who can inspire pupils to continue their career path. Invite them into the classroom and interact with the pupils. A perfect opportunity to let pupils ask honest questions and open up. If there is a budget: A schooltrip to a music place would do wonders!
Other options to motivate pupils and prepare pupils for the future:

🎵   Economy:
How to calculate the percentage of the audience of a show? How much does the recordlabel earn and how much does the composer earns with a hitsong? What is music inflation?
🎵  Foreign languages:
How to write/translate songs in a different language? How to speak in a foreign language in a music interview?
🎵   Native language:
How to read a music contract? How to write a review of a music album? How to debate on a music deal? How to decline and react to negative comments?
🎵   The arts:
How to create a music cover for an album? How to make a musicgroup photo? Which colours would you use for a brand design? How to create a logo? How to create a CD jewelcase/digipak?
🎵    Nature sciences:
What is the effect of the different soundholes in instruments? How tight do we have to turn the musicstrings up to the point they break? Why does singing in the shower sounds much better than in the open air? 
🎵    Physics:
How do music waves exist? How does radio/bluetooth works? What is stereo? How long does it take to receive the sound from the soundbox to our ears?
🎵   Biology:
Do plants really hear music? How many bacteria are on a single musicstring? What happens with ear damage? On which parts of the brain does music has a big effect?
🎵   Mathematics:
How to make a financial plan? How does musictheory works? What is a music-accountant?
🎵    Sports:
How to improve different rhythms and intervals? How to improve posture and discipline?
🎵   Geography:

Why is the concerthall placed in that erea? How does the sound of thunder works?
🎵    Technology:
What are the names of all these music cables and how do they work? How does an hearing device implant works? How to build a grammophone/speakerbox/keyboard?
🎵    History:
How has music developt over the centuries? How has the war had an effect on the music industry? In which year and who invented the grammaphone?


Follow up in School & Studies Part II to read about the different studies that will guide (upcoming) students into a music career!