I saw the articles last night and had similar thoughts to @glassharmonica…but didn’t want to a party pooper. I think the articles are useful and good to post. But as a parent of a working performer, these articles seem to regurgitate the same narrow view of success…an orchestra job or an opera singer…that still seems to permeate the academic and “scholarly” world. While the reality is that most performers “gig” constantly…as opposed to working a steady “corporate-like” job at an opera company or with an orchestra. Even the older performers I know seem to live in a dynamic world of connections and opportunities that are ever-changing. I think it’s important for students to know bc 1) it takes pressure off the all or nothing attitude you can find in academia and 2) if you don’t like to audition and gig constantly, you may not be in the right field. The most pleasant surprise for my D was finding out you can be hired for various opportunities a year out. This summer, her schedule was full for the next year…but they are all different companies throughout the year. She also enjoys the variety. She works about 20 hrs a week (up or down depending on performing) and has started teaching. This is much more common than getting one opportunity for a year or two…or maybe longer. And she’s very happy…at least for now.