LIFE AFTER MUSIC COLLEGE

 So you’ve graduated and don’t know what to do next

I remember it well, the last week of my course was finally here. All of those practicals, exams and last minute touch ups on overdue assignments were coming to an end. My ambition was high as were those of my students and we all made plans to continue the life of a musician. Set lists were drawn up, marketing plans shaped and future plans of travel abroad to become the new big thing………

…….well, I can say that probably 5% of those who graduated that year would be anywhere near that realisation. I’m getting closer but only because of the steps taken in the earlier years and it didn’t look the way I had hoped. Getting into a Music Academy is an awesome experience but not the real world. Our audiences are set before we even enrol, our classes prepared and we are even put into ensembles. Every decision is made for us, or forced upon us due to deadlines. I found that when I got out of WAAPA, everything that I had prepared slowly fizzled away and I slowly became more anxious as I realised my goals were not getting closer. If this sounds familiar I can only recommend one thing to counter this ailment…….ACTION. I didn’t start with an outstanding set list or even a regular performance gig, however I started to teach music which is one of the best things you can do to keep the momentum going. It forces you to practise and prepare. The amount of times my students asked if I performed anywhere wore me soon to the point of actually going out and performing. I wrote music for my friend’s weddings , took my public singing engagements when the arose and even got my students to perform at Christmas. And I can promise you this, it may take months or even years, but eventually you will find out what it is you needs to do in order to become that performer. 

I suggest the following :-

- keep going to gigs

-stay in touch with your college friends ( i haven’t to my detriment)

- say ‘YES’ to your opportunities

Yours Sincerely,

Simon