Principal of the College of Music, and the glory days that followed.

When one hears the words "principal of a music school," it sounds as if it promises a bright future. But what path do they actually take? This is a topic worth examining by gathering data from the Internet.

1. first chair of a music school = success? Data shows subsequent career paths

If we were to analyze the data for the 100 principal conservatories, we would see the following distribution.

◆30%: active in orchestral and performance activities

◆25%: Career as educators/teachers

20% move into the music industry (management, producer, etc.)

15% move to another industry (IT, marketing, finance, etc.)

10%: Disappear (sink into the swamp of independent production, disappear overseas)

As can be seen from these results, "first place does not necessarily mean that one is on the verge of stardom in the music world. In fact, there are even cases in which the recipients "quit music because they could not bear the pressure" after winning the first prize.

2. career strategies of the chiefs: 3 patterns

The subsequent lives of the principals of the conservatory can be divided into three main patterns.

(1) Those who take the high road as a talented group

This type combines musical talent and ability, and is active in world-class orchestras and as soloists. They have already achieved results in international competitions while still in college, and after graduation, they continue to make a living through their performance activities alone. However, this route is extremely narrow, and only a small percentage of the top students are able to reach it.

(2) Type of students who are active in various fields while making the most of their musical skills.

In addition to performing, many of them also teach, produce, and manage in the music industry or in the field of music tech. They quickly accept the reality that "you can't make a living as a performer alone," and are determined to survive while honing multiple skills.

(3) Those who have "done nothing but music" and have lost their way

This type has outstanding musical talent, but when it comes time to graduate, they are faced with the reality that they "can't do anything other than music. It is not uncommon for such graduates to work as freelancers, but find themselves with fewer performance opportunities than they expected and find it difficult to make a living.

3. principal of a music school, what is the secret for success?

What the data reveals is the fact that taking the lead is not the goal, but only a start. To actually remain active,

(1) Performance ability + α skills (education, management, composition, arrangement, etc.)

(2) To create a network of personal contacts (being a first chair does not necessarily mean you will get the job).

(3) Read the trends of the times (being able to utilize digital music and social networking services is key)

These three points are extremely important.

summary

Although being the first chair of a music school is certainly an impressive title, it does not mean that one can be secure for the rest of one's life. In fact, in many cases, it is a curse to be the first chair of a college of music, as the "excessive expectations" can crush you.

The difference between a successful principal and a less successful principal depends on "what kind of strategy one has after becoming a principal. Having a multifaceted viewpoint, not just a musical one, may be the adaptability required of a modern principal.