<p>You know the funny thing about this discussion is that my grandfather was actually angry and upset when my father took a faculty position at a very reputable University in the division of applied science. He was a physicist. My grandfather did not think that was a career with the same amount of potential as being a lawyer or a doctor. It is all relative.</p>
<p>Remember this is not your parents life, this is your life. </p>
<p>Do you have any role models? Have you met many musicians? What about your teachers?</p>
<p>There are many ways to make a career in the arts. Most artists I know teach as a way of supplementing what they earn from performing and creating. Even big name artists like Edgar Mayer and Esperanza Spalding teach. My son has been fortunate to have many mentors who are amazing teachers and who also have performing careers. Do they make as much money as those who go into investment banking? NO. But then again scientists (who work in academia) don’t make as much money as you imagine they would either. Our society does not distribute wealth evenly or even in accordance with any given person’s contribution. But one thing all my son’s mentors tell him is that they love what they do and they are very happy with their life. </p>
<p>My son knows several recent conservatory graduates. One just got hired by Cirque du Soliel. Another is teaching locally in our school system and working to sell his compositions. One of his compositions was almost bought by a big corporation for their commercials. It was one of two they were considering. Compared to others who graduated from that class who attended liberal arts schools, they are both doing well and are at least employed and not sitting in their parents basement. </p>
<p>I have another son who after attending Berklee’s 5 week decided that he did not want to become a musician. He is now becoming a scientist. But what is interesting is that his passion for music has not vanished. And he is constantly learning and fiddling with the intersection of music and computer science. He has this amazing book in our living room on generative music and has talked about programs at places like Stanford for graduate school where he might pursue such studies. Plenty of people combine their interest in science and their interest in the arts. </p>
<p>All that being said, I would repeat what others have said. Being an artist is not just about performing. There is a ton of work involved. And if you are not committed to practicing and doing the work then the performing arts are probably not the right career.</p>