Where To Find Committed Professionals: Try The Concert Hall
How many of you have heard the question: 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' Probably all. And, how many have answered: 'I want to be a musician/singer/actress'. 'That's so cute' answered most parents. Some years later when you need to decide what to do as your future career the answer is not exactly the same any more, it is more like 'That's not a proper job'. This is the big gap between the education system and the job market.
However, do you want to know the truth about musicians? They are truly committed professionals and here are the reasons why:
1- Most musicians actually have a really extensive curriculum. No it is not only about having to play the piano 1 p/week that's a misconception. They have to study all the compulsory subjects as in the normal schools plus all the music subjects (about 6/7 subjects more than normal students).
2 - They have chosen this career path because they are talented or passionate about it. Most times musicians are aware that they will never be rich and that their status in society will never be the highest, still they choose to go for it.
3 - They will hear over and over again the sentence 'Wow, you play/compose? Why don't you come and play for us? We cannot pay, but you'll get to practice for an audience!!' How many professionals do you know that work for free? Would you work for free?
4 - They will most likely never achieve economic stability. Unless they decide to be teachers as their main professions, while also performing/composing. Of course, there are some exceptions, particularly as freelancer, however, you need to be extremely proactive, lucky and very good at networking.
5 - After a long day of work/studying they get home and they will be practising for another 6 hours. Can you imagine getting home after work and still have to work on your administrative role for another 6 hours just to be able to perform well at work?
6 - They are constantly evaluated on their performance. Which other professions do you know where you are constantly evaluated on your skills?
7 - After so much giving, if there are government cuts, culture and arts will be the first one affected. Not relevant? Are you sure? Culture is what define us. (You do not believe me? Check these news: http://observador.pt/2015/02/24/conservatorio-nacional-evacuado-contra-falta-de-condicoes/ and http://www.conservamus.be/index.php/fr/)
If the other fields of work would have such committed employees, many aspects of the world would work much better. So, if your kids tell you they want to be a musician one day, be proud. Do not punish good behaviour, the change that needs to be made is within the system and the job market itself.