The Truth on Music Jobs:
[Your momma was wrong -
You CAN prosper as a musician!]
There Are More Music Jobs - A Quick Overview:
Look at this graph regarding music jobs - [this is also actually a measurement of music education]
Stats don’t lie.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, music jobs - even the live performance area - have been expanding and will continue to do so. So, we can all exhale, finally.
I think it's quite likely that all the music ed advocacy which has gone on over the past few years has had an effect!
But in any case - Let's look at some stat breakdowns: [again, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics website]
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"The median hourly wage of musicians and singers was $22.39 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $8.50, and the top 10 percent earned more than $60.02.
"In May 2010, median hourly wages in the industries with the most music jobs were as follows:
Performing arts companies ---- $24.91
Music Educational services; state, local, and private ---- $19.78
Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional,
and similar organizations ---- $14.95"
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Note that “performing arts companies” has the highest reported median wage. Which offers intriguing possibilities. Does your locality have a little theatre co.? a dinner theatre? etc.. This could be your ticket. And may offer many more opportunities to make inspiring music and have a rewarding career than chasing the fantasy of being a rock star who dies of an overdose at age 27.
So, the music jobs are there, and musicians can and do earn a good living.
But, how tough is the competition? Well, there's encouraging news on that front also:
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"Employment of musicians and singers is expected to grow by 10 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Expected growth will be due to increases in demand for musical performances.
"The number of people attending musical performances, such as orchestra, opera, and rock concerts, is expected to increase from 2010 to 2020. As a result, more musicians and singers will be needed to play at these performances.
"There will be additional demand for musicians to serve as session musicians and backup artists for recordings and to go on tour. Singers will be needed to sing backup and to make recordings for commercials, films, and television. [...]"
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HOWEVER, there is one factor which has not changed, probably since the first musician, Ug, picked up his bow and arrow and realized that he could produce different notes with it. And that is this - below:
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"Music Job Prospects"
"Despite expected growth, there should be strong competition for jobs because of the large number of workers who are interested in becoming musicians and singers. In particular, there will likely be considerable competition for full-time positions.
"Musicians and singers with exceptional musical talent should have the best opportunities."
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So, "How do you get to Carnegie Hall?" That is what this site is all about.
Seriously and practically, in my own research and experience in the development of musical "talent", "skill", "genius", what-have-you, the one thing I have determined is that there IS no "one thing" that will turn a tone-deaf klutz into a budding Mozart.
However, there are quite a few systems, regimens, and methodologies around which can shave months or even years off one's quest for the goal of musical excellence. And that's also what this site is all about.
Here is a selection from our resources:
The Music Education Blog News and vital info on music education and resources for all teachers, students and players of music.
A CREATIVITY QUOTE [OR TWO, or three] TO INSPIRE YOU to GET THOSE MUSIC JOBS! The right creativity quote CAN open up doors for you. Here are some really good ones!
MUSIC AND INTELLIGENCE - The Power of Music How related are MUSIC and INTELLIGENCE? Derek Paravicini, Rex Lewis-Clack, and Matt Giordano show us the answer.
ABSOLUTE PITCH [Perfect Pitch] - We all have it. How do we develop it? ABSOLUTE PITCH [aka Perfect Pitch] You DO have it, per latest science.. So you do you develop it? Find out:
HAND STRENGTHENING EXERCISES FOR MUSICIANS - "The Original" Cowling System© Hand strengthening exercises FOR MUSICIANS ONLY - "THE ORIGINAL" COWLING SYSTEM. Play CLEANER, FASTER & BETTER, right now!
DELIBERATE PRACTICE: What it is and how to do it What is 'DELIBERATE PRACTICE' and how can it make you a better musician in less time? Find out:
MAKING PRACTICE FUN Making practice fun & deliberate practice - Are they opposites? Not at all! See why:
MUSIC TEACHING SOFTWARE This is the BEST MUSIC TEACHING SOFTWARE I've seen! And check here for some great tips on how to practice music.
SLOW DOWN MUSIC SLOW DOWN MUSIC - WITHOUT changing its pitch! Here are the current front-runners in "slow-down" audio and video software.
MUSIC READING TIPS Reading music doesn't have to be mysterious or tedious. Get help with these free music reading tips and links to great resources!
Have fun exploring the site!
THIS "SECRET METHOD" TO INSTRUMENTAL MASTERY HAS BEEN "HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT" FOR OVER A CENTURY!
But now, it has been REDISCOVERED! And YOU can enjoy the amazing benefits of it:
This Method Book Can ABSOLUTELY "Supercharge" YOUR Practice Routine - on ANY Instrument!
Find out more, or:
Buy It NOW On Amazon [Physical Paperback]:
or:
Get the PDF by clicking here:
"I’ve been playing a long time and really want to take my speed and accuracy to the next level! The first lesson...WOW! I’m a believer!!" ~ Will Suddeth, March 2020
And the accolades continue: David Grisman [above] uses "The Original" Cowling System:
DOWNLOAD "THE ORIGINAL COWLING SYSTEM©" -- PDF "E-BOOK" - 70 pages [$22.50 via PAYPAL secure]
THE SOFTCOVER PHYSICAL BOOK IS BACK IN PRINT! - Available at Amazon.
And still more [actual and unsolicited] rave reviews for "The Original" Cowling System:
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FROM A VIOLINIST:
"The Cowling System © is a set of 12 exercises designed to increase the flexibility and strength of the hand, wrist, and fingers.
"I bought the course in 1978 and have found them to be invaluable.
"I've kept them all these years and still use them to warm up with before playing."
~ Richard Barton posted on VIOLINIST.COM
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FROM A BASS PLAYER:
?"My fingers actually DO what my brain tells them to do, WITHOUT getting confused."
~ Anthony Jerome Smith, 35-year veteran bass player.
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FROM A PIANIST:
"In 1976, my teacher gave me his copy of all the exercises, whereupon I made xeroxed pages to put in a binder.
"My teacher was amazed at my progress that in a year I could play, for example, the prelude #17 of Chopin!
~ "RPN58" (from a pianists' discussion board in England, 2006)
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FROM A GUITARIST:
"I was introduced to the Cowling System © in the 1980's by a violinist in his seventies, who had amazing dexterity on his instrument for HIS age.
"Through the use of the COWLING SYSTEM ©, I went from "amateur" to an "A" level in music in a very short number of years.
"I have been using the exercises continuously since my friend gave them to me and believe me - THEY WORK."
~ Don Wills Guitarist, Great Britain
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FROM A VIOLINIST:
"I must say I am highly delighted with the way my fingering has improved since I commenced your hand strengthening exercises.
"Recently, I became very depressed about my playing and almost decided to give it up, but now I feel it's a pleasure, thanks to the Cowling System. ©"
~ "THE VIOLINIST" Magazine, December, 1924
I'd love to see YOUR testimonial on this list! If you really do "THE ORIGINAL" COWLING SYSTEM © of Hand Strengthening Exercises", you CAN master and truly enjoy your music!