The three musicians interviewed each follow a portfolio career, which combines performing, accompanying, teaching, lecturing, composing and working in ensembles. This report examines these musicians’ careers to prove the validity of a portfolio career in the twenty-first Century by exploring the advantages and disadvantages of this pathway. The Director of Music for the Australia Council for the Arts, Paul Mason, defines a successful musician as someone who can “put themselves in new circumstances and new partnerships” (Tolmie, 2017).
Jeff Usher is Jazz pianist (Nu Orleans Bar and Restaurant), University lecturer (Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University), composer and teacher. Victoria Bilogan is a concert pianist, accompanist (University of Melbourne, teacher, chamber music tutor (Scotch College) and is a member of a duo (Morbius Duo) and a trio (Mobius Trio). Daniel Allen is a secondary relief teacher (Padua College), performer (Little Black Dots Music), Music Coordinator (St Agatha Parish), Band Sergeant (Brisbane Excelsior Band) and Client Services Officer (Ladbrokes Australia) (LinkedIn, 2017).
Table of Contents
1. Career Investigation Report
2. Reflection
Research Objectives and Themes
This report investigates the viability of a "portfolio career" for musicians in the twenty-first century by examining the career paths of three professional musicians to identify key advantages, disadvantages, and necessary professional strategies.
- The structure and benefits of portfolio music careers.
- The critical role of ongoing tertiary and professional training.
- Impact of the profession on personal health, lifestyle, and work-life balance.
- The necessity of support systems, networking, and mentorship.
- The integration of technology in modern musical practice and education.
Excerpt from the Book
Career Investigation Report
The three musicians interviewed each follow a portfolio career, which combines performing, accompanying, teaching, lecturing, composing and working in ensembles. The Director of Music for the Australia Council for the Arts, Paul Mason, defines a successful musician as someone who can “put themselves in new circumstances and new partnerships” (Tolmie, 2017). Jeff Usher is Jazz pianist (Nu Orleans Bar and Restaurant), University lecturer (Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University), composer and teacher. Victoria Bilogan is a concert pianist, accompanist (University of Melbourne, teacher, chamber music tutor (Scotch College) and is a member of a duo (Morbius Duo) and a trio (Mobius Trio). Daniel Allen is a secondary relief teacher (Padua College), performer (Little Black Dots Music), Music Coordinator (St Agatha Parish), Band Sergeant (Brisbane Excelsior Band) and Client Services Officer (Ladbrokes Australia) (LinkedIn, 2017). This report examines these musicians’ careers to prove the validity of a portfolio career in the twenty-first century by exploring the advantages and disadvantages of this pathway.
All interviewees agreed their tertiary training set them up for their careers and taught them a multitude of invaluable skills. All completed a Bachelor of Music; Daniel completed a Postgraduate Diploma of Education, Victoria completed a Masters of Music, and Jeff completed both a Masters and Doctorate of Music. Jeff emphasised: Learn as much as you can… about everything. Learn about music. Learn about technology. Learn as much as you can possibly absorb. Keen on learning. The thing that will keep your mind active throughout your life is if you continue to find new things to learn (J. Usher, personal communication, 18 May, 2017).
Summary of Chapters
Career Investigation Report: This section profiles three professional musicians, analyzes the benefits and drawbacks of portfolio careers, and discusses the importance of continuous learning, health management, networking, and technology.
Reflection: This section details the author's personal synthesis of the findings, explaining how the research influenced their own five-year professional development plan and understanding of the music industry.
Keywords
Portfolio career, music industry, musician, professional development, networking, mentorship, music education, technology, work-life balance, health, career sustainability, performance, pedagogy, collaboration, employability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this report?
The report focuses on analyzing the "portfolio career" model in the music industry, exploring how modern musicians balance multiple roles to achieve professional success.
What are the central themes identified?
The central themes include the necessity of specialized training, the challenges of erratic workloads, the importance of networking and mentorship, and the impact of technology on professional practice.
What is the core research question?
The research aims to prove the validity and sustainability of a portfolio career path for musicians in the twenty-first century by weighing its advantages against its disadvantages.
Which scientific methodology was applied?
The report utilizes qualitative data gathered through semi-structured interviews with three practicing musicians, complemented by secondary literature research.
What topics are covered in the main body of the work?
The main body covers the career profiles of the subjects, the requirement for ongoing training, health and wellness impacts of the profession, the role of support networks, and the influence of technology on music careers.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include portfolio career, music industry, professional development, networking, and career sustainability.
Why is a "support system" considered vital for these musicians?
A support system is essential for providing psychological encouragement, opening professional doors, and offering guidance during artistic and financial obstacles in a highly competitive field.
How does the author reflect on the influence of technology?
The author notes that while technology is a tool for professional growth and collaboration, it also introduces threats, such as the displacement of live accompanists by recorded solutions.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Kassidy-Rose McMahon (Autor:in), 2017, Portfolio Careers in the Music Industry. Australian Musicians Interviewed, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/369878
