I believe piano lessons are important because learning a musical instrument has all sorts of fantastic cognitive and emotional benefits. I also believe piano lessons are important simply for the sake of learning to play a musical instrument — for adding richness, beauty and balance into a child’s life.
My own children are in piano lessons for these reasons. While only 9 and 6-years-old at the time of this writing, my oldest has a desire to be an engineer and my youngest, a professional musician. I have no idea what the next decades of their lives will bring. I don’t know that I will in fact, be attending my younger child’s concerts one day. But it is special for me to encourage his love and excitement around music. (If his interests and talents continue to point in that direction, we will, of course, be doing everything we can to help prepare him for a career in music.)
The idea of a musical career might seem like a pipe dream. Your initial inclination might be to steer your child away from careers in music, thinking that studying music in college might not lead to an actual vocation or steady-income flow.
Before you jump ship, check out how many viable, fulfilling and exciting possibilities there are when it comes to careers in music:
PERFORMER
While it’s true that becoming a rich-and-famous professional musician might be unlikely, there are still many careers in music that allow for one to perform music. Church musicians, music ministers and choral directors are often positions with salaries.
Musicians in symphonies are often given stipends, as are accompanists in pit orchestras or bands. There are many opportunities and possibilities for performers. Encourage your child to continue to practice and study his instrument. (Regardless of whether or not he desires to become a professional performer, am I right?)!
MUSIC PRODUCTION & COMPOSITION
Producing/arranging/composing music for artists to use in their own projects or for film, television or commercials, can be a very lucrative career. Music producers who are producing an actual album help to guide the production of a record. They assist by coaching and advising the musicians sessions and directing the in-studio recording and production process.
Music composers and arrangers may also be employed by universities, orchestras or music conservatories
ENGINEERING
Recording engineers help to position recording equipment and assisting the musicians during a recording session.
MUSIC BUSINESS
The music industry needs all sorts of business leaders and managers to help with booking, touring, marketing and promoting. Musical venues also need managers to help oversee their own booking, marketing and social media.
Education
Since I myself make a living from teaching piano lessons, I can attest to the validity and fulfillment of a career as a music teacher! This job can take many different shapes and forms. There are private lesson teachers, school band directors and teachers at universities or conservatories.
THERAPIST
Music and vocal therapists use their skills and abilities to support clients in a variety of settings. Therapists are often employed through hospitals, senior living facilities, preschools, group homes or in private practice.
