There’s a lot in this thread that resonates with me. A few observations.
- Like @bridgenail’s D, my son didn’t choose music, it chose him. Music defines who he is. But if I’m being honest with myself, I was slow to recognize it. My wife and I were ready to support him going to music school, but I think he knew we weren’t entirely comfortable with it. He ended up going to an academic college despite getting into some top music schools, and I think the decision was in part that he knew it would make his parents happier. In hindsight, I wish I had been more encouraging of his going the music school route. But he always tells us he has no regrets and I think he means it. He found a way to make it work and I think he did enjoy being surrounded by a wide range of students in college. (It also helped that his college had some amazing other jazz musicians, and he ended up getting a conservatory experience as well.)
- With respect to the article, I agree with others that the vision of “success” being an orchestra position is way too narrow. And, of course, in the jazz world, basically irrelevant. A musician today is an entrepreneur, finding a wide array of sources of income.
- Based on my son’s experience (as well as his friends who are pursuing music and the experiences shared here by parents of music graduates), you can make a living at music. But you need to be flexible. And having a base of teaching income really helps. On the other hand, you don’t want to take on so many students that it overwhelms your ability to do everything else you want/need to do, including practice.
- It’s not an easy life, and there are certainly more lucrative paths, but it can be a very rewarding life. My son has met so many amazing people and had so many amazing experiences in just two years out of school. There is a world of people out there that supports music and musicians. And my son says that connecting with those people through his music makes it all worthwhile.