“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.”
-Victor Hugo
The Musician’s Way, p. 5
All of us musicians feel something within us that cannot remain silent.
But to forge lasting, full-time music careers, we have to make wise choices about the kinds of work we do and the ways we live our lives.
This post highlight three essential components of enduring music careers.
Three Components of Enduring Music Careers
1. Meaningful Work
To sustain a career in the music industry, we artists need to engage in meaningful work. By comparison, if we take on unsatisfying jobs, even music-related ones, we may eventually burn out and leave our music making behind.
2. Ample Income
Along with meaning, our musical activities should generate sufficient income to not only cover our living and professional development costs but also pay for insurance, fund retirement, and allow for recreation.
3. Work-Life Balance
Our musical work can be consuming, but if we don’t make room for relationships and self-care, then our physical and psychological health will suffer. And if we become chronically unwell, our music making is likely to stop.
The above three components form a triangle of sustainability. When we mind each component, we become artistically, financially, and personally strong.
See The Musician’s Way for strategies to gain the inclusive skills that make sustainable music careers possible.
Related posts
8 Ways to Build Sustainable Music Careers
The Art-Career Tango
Differentiate or Disappear
Preparing for Portfolio Careers
All content © 2013 Gerald Klickstein