When you see the word “musician” on a resume, you may not immediately think “great employee” or “extraordinary leader.”
Perhaps this word conjures up images of rock stars getting in trouble by throwing their TVs out of their hotel room windows. Or someone who is struggling in life should have chosen a “real job.”
But is there more to this profession than fulfilling stereotypes?
It is well known that many musicians often juggle artistic and non-artistic roles in order to maintain a stable income. Less understood is how well the broad skill sets developed in music translate to professional workplaces outside the arts.
Read more: The long road to the top: Australian musicians balance multiple roles to build successful careers
I tried to find out in my national survey. I began by conducting her 15 in-depth interviews with musicians who simultaneously pursue dual careers in music and other fields.
Although preliminary findings have not yet been peer-reviewed, they indicate that dual-career musicians have many unique workplace skills made possible by their music education and experience. This was proven by a colleague who is not a musician.
This finding sparked a second phase of ongoing research examining the experiences of larger groups. These include:
- dual carrier
- musician who quit his job
- A person who has a musical education but has never pursued a career in music.
165 people have responded so far, and the new results are significant. Music education and experience lay the foundation for a high level of future suitability in a variety of workplaces.
practice makes perfect
One of the most powerful traits that music education instills is a deep sense of professionalism. 85% of survey participants identified this trait as the skill that most influences their expectations of themselves and others, and the quality of their work.
Common industry maxims about rehearsals reflect this attitude of consistency and punctuality. “Early means on time, on time means late, and late means left behind.”
Other notable skills include independence and independence, resilience and perseverance, and creativity.
Artbits/Shutterstock
Participants attributed the development of these strengths to the disciplined and focused attention required to learn music and the intrinsic motivation required to practice and perfect an instrument over an extended period of time. I did.
This is increasingly important in an age where screens and social media take away our focus and sacrifice productivity for our employers.
Another important trait identified was creativity, reflecting the finding that people with musical training have more neurons and therefore increased brain activity. There is a possibility that there are.
Interviews with non-musician colleagues revealed that thinking outside the box is especially prevalent among jazz musicians, singer-songwriters, and composers.
It takes a whole orchestra to play a symphony
Participants unanimously said that ensemble activities such as playing in bands, chamber music, and orchestras positively contributed to team dynamics in the workplace.
One respondent said:
It taught me how to be part of something bigger than myself.
My experience in music has led to a deeper understanding of diversity and inclusion, exceptional leadership and deep listening skills, and the ability to respectfully manage “difficult” conversations within teams.
Samuel Sianiper/Unsplash
Respondents said their continued passion for music improved their mental health and resilience at work. Unsurprisingly, non-musician colleagues reported improved workplace morale and positive energy coming from their musical peers.
growth mindset
All respondents reported having a healthy relationship with failure. My experience in music taught me to remain curious, to be open to learning, and to “fail” while making mistakes.
This attitude directly enhances their ability to develop their skills in a career outside of music, which many respondents had to do. 82% of part-time musicians who left the group had recertified, and 71% admitted to “learning on the job.”
Their live performance experience strengthened their ability to work under pressure in a variety of situations, including public presentations, deadlines, and project management. For them, it was natural. “The show must go on.”
Peer recognition further supports musicians' transferable skills, suggesting that they have high professional values, a strong work ethic, high intelligence, a desire to learn, and the ability to take initiative. Masu.
Survey respondents work in a much more diverse field than expected, including:
- health
- science and academics
- architecture and engineering
- business and finance
- law
- technology
- government
- Transportation facilities
- management
- And religion.
There are many people in leadership positions. Economically, these findings suggest that appointing musicians can lead to increased productivity, innovation, and profitability.
Lessons for educators and policy makers
The skills of people who receive music education in our country are not limited to art. Employers and recruiters should respect and value the professional contributions of musically trained personnel.
But the continued decline in school music programs and nominal music teacher training, and the shift in higher education emphasis toward STEM at the expense of the arts, suggests that we are headed in the wrong direction. It suggests that there is.
Jan Krukau/Pexels
Including an informed understanding of musical skills in the proposed national skills passport would be a major step forward. So is ensuring that all schoolchildren have access to appropriate musical education and that those who leave school are not prevented from pursuing further musical education.
When the next pandemic comes, it may be musicians who design the next life-saving vaccine.
Read more: Is it time for Australia to introduce a national skills passport?
