IS IT SAFE TO NEGLECT SCHOOL TO PURSUE A MUSICAL CAREER?
Well before I say anything
let me tell you what inspired me to ask this question.
I spend most of my time
surrounded by young people and as I observe them, there are some concerns I noted
which need attention. This generation is quite talented and exposed to a lot of
things. Some get the impression that there is so much money in the music
industry. As a result they say; "if you can sing, why delay yourself at
school, missing out many opportunities when you can do what you love, make money now and school yourself
later."
So I spoke to a couple
of music veterans and supporters.
This is what they had to say when I asked
them this question:
Andile Maqoma: Studied music at the University of KwaZulu Natal in Durban, works at Nozulu Civil, Owner of Rhythms Musician Development & Events, Music Specialist and a member of a gospel group called STAND.
“I have found that if you're already in the middle of a qualification, finish it. That knowledge will help in growing your music business.
“Studying music at a University may be ideal if that is all you are passionate about but it depends on your level of expertise.
“Sometimes you can learn music outside of a formal environment, if you are disciplined. University helps to clarify the musical ideas in your head, but in the industry people just want you to explain music in simple language not in complicated jargon.”
Simthembile Nkunzi: Owner of Nozulu Civil, active in the construction industry with the assistance of ECDC and a member of a Gospel
group called STAND says;
“Youngsters have a tendency
to think they have all the time in the world,
Only to realize later that
they have wasted a lot of time never to regain.
“It’s not safe, music can
wait but school time waits for no one.”
Thandile Damba: Works at Rawson Properties. Music Supporter.
“If you have a clear
vision, passion and purpose of what and how you plan to achieve your goal in
the music industry, then you may zealously pursue.”
Lihle Dlova: (Radio presenter, Musician and a Journalism student)
”Two answers and two
conditions to that; Yes it can be safe provided you have a stable audience,
many open doors and you have enough experience to carry you through.
"On the other hand No!
Because the music industry is not stable people can chose to support you or
not.
“So you won't have anything
to fall on, therefore school is very important to put u up there in terms of
knowledge and status."
Sivuyile Vovee Batala: Crown Gospel Award Nominee 2014
"I'm an Artist, music compiler, events
coordinator, producer, a pianist, a sound engineer, a husband and a father. I
am doing all this to leave my own mark of God's Purpose in this life.”
“You can pull off various
careers, especially when you are young but prioritize school.
"Berita &
Lira did both music and schools successfully, just manage your time well.
“Work hard, obtain a
qualification and then pursue every gift the Lord blessed you with."
PLEASE SHARE YOUR VIEWS WITH US,
THE YOUTH AWAITS!
A career in music will require music education, business education, amongst other things. I don't see how the two can be separated.
ReplyDeleteThat's the problem with music school. All they teach you is music and they don't equip you for the current industry.
ReplyDeletewht I can say is NO it is not safe coz music is a presentation On its own, one need to be taught first how to do a presentation, what is required, wat is not, in all that there are people to consider your going to music school won't give you wisdom to deal with ppl u r not taught to market urclf u r not taught about administration u r not of managing things all u get is theory and practical nd u arrange ur playing nd singing yes ul be having a full information how to create a song nd be able to do but the logistics to take your product to ppl will be a huge challenge nd ppl myt not like ur product infact not everyone will love listening to your presentation then wht will be your plan B I personally say get a qualification first and that qualification will help you in advancing ur music coz u need excellence in wht u do... Nd most ppl would this is my Ministry yes nothing wrong with it being ur ministry but a ministry inquires excellence... How are u gonna brand ur ministry without having a knowledge of marketing njee ke under 'G' get a qualification that Will advance ur music then later u go for music school
ReplyDeleteIt is not safe to neglect school, what if the music career does not work out? One should have something to fall on if that career fails. You can do music part-time while focusing on school.
ReplyDeleteEducation is a long term investment if you ask me. as we all know and see that the music industry in our country is not as stable as it used to be. so ,to be on a safe side you need to position yourself.
ReplyDelete"the youth of today is exposed to a lot of things".....that statement on its own answers our riddle....we have witnessed enough artists globally, and locally to see the importance of education in the industry. A lot of artists start off brilliantly, only to falter later due to one reason or another. But a sound educational background would have aided in avoiding some of the pitfalls in the 'dog eat dog' industry that is music/entertainment. I believe focusing on education can only benefit the artist in many decision making situations. If there is the opportunity to do both, then great, but in the absence of such, then emphasis should be on education first. PS. your blog is thought provoking, challenging and most relevant and educational for the youth, I wish you can reach a wider audience because this needs to engage more and more people. peace
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