In the latest episode of Music Biz 101, host James Shotwell speaks directly to those pursuing a career in music through higher education.
Most people are raised to believe that the only way to succeed in the workforce is by going to college. If you want to get ahead, people say, then you need a degree that proves you understand the work. We disagree.
As far as the music industry is concerned, degrees mean virtually nothing without experience. Aspiring professionals need to show proof of their knowledge through application rather than grades. No one will ever ask what your GPA is, but they expect to see how you apply the education you take on immense debt to earn.
To be clear: We think you should go to college. Higher education is the one path to success in entertainment that guarantees the time and freedom needed to chase your passion with the ferocity necessary to land the job of your dreams. Those who choose to focus on their interests while also balancing a traditional job often find the demands of a 40-60 hour workweek leave very little time and attention to spend on their craft. They may still find a place in the industry, of course, but the path to get there will be far more arduous than those who use their time in college wisely.
In today’s episode of Music Biz 101, host James Shotwell offers suggestions for maximizing the value of a college education. He speaks from his own experiences, as well as the lessons learned over a decade of full-time employment in the entertainment business. Check it out:
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