New courses on piano technique and historical improvisation now enrolling at Improv Planet: The Four Pillars of Piano Technique : improvplanet.thinkific.com/courses/the-four-pillars-of-piano-technique Tone Production at the Piano : improvplanet.thinkific.com/courses/tone-production-at-the-piano How to Practice : improvplanet.thinkific.com/courses/how-to-practice The Piano Foundations Series : improvplanet.thinkific.com/bundles/piano-foundations And more: improvplanet.thinkific.com/
I love the bit about having narcissism in one's playing as they have never been told that something is wrong. Learning to pick yourself up and deal with criticism is the biggest part about being any musician.
Btw…. I will do it as well. So many things are simply unknown in the classical music field and sadly not many even know what questions to ask to understand it better. I wish I saw this video when I was in high school. Now, with bachelor and master in violin performance, I can only make sure that all my students/parents know these things very early on.
Wow... what a difficult job for parents. My parents did the opposite; I wanted to study music, but they only delivered the realism and were quite extreme about it. They reached the conclusion and made me think that I would not make it because of all the competition, that I would "starve," and that I would be better off studying something else (they were not musicians themselves and couldn't play an instrument). Of course, I never even considered going to music school after that. Twenty years later, I still have the issue that my daily work does not involve what I love the most, which is music.
I had the same set of parents. However, you can start at anytime. I finally began piano at 39. And If your talented your gifting will still be there and come out in your practice. Turned out I had less then average ability but through time, and consistent practice I was able to always improve. 20 years later, I play well enough to enjoy myself without a struggle. Blessings.
I'm currently studying for a B.M.A. (not a "classical degree" - a jazz/funk/contemporary track). I've actually never played classical music, so I'm coming from a slightly different background-but I do play professionally with some really good musicians (which I'm lucky for). I have to agree about practicing on a piano rather than a keyboard. I got a keyboard when I was 7 years old, and I'd play around with the other patches on it and whatever, but I ALWAYS practiced (and continue to practice) on a real piano. Lucky to have Steinways here at the conservatory, which are great. Trying to play fast repeated notes on most consumer keyboards isn't possible because of the action. Heck, I even have a Yamaha CP88 stage piano at home (which ironically has a triple-sensor action allowing for fast repeated notes...), but I almost never practice on it-it's always on the piano.
I know of a guy who studied vocal performance, took some collaborative piano modules, got a job as a répétiteur for a local opera company and is now moving to the UK to take up another répétiteur position. He absolutely loves it. Listening to him being interviewed on a podcast about my university's alumni network of classical vocalists really instilled appreciation in me for the value of collaborative piano work. As someone who has extensively studied orchestral scores over the years as a composer, learning to reduce orchestral parts at sight is an awesome skill and shows that being a 'good pianist' doesn't necessarily entail being a' star virtuoso' in day-to-day professional circumstances.
This is the best content on the internet for this area of expertise. Reminds me of the 'Ten things serious pianists do' videos from a few years ago. Dr. Mortensen's sincerity and dedication to both the individual pursuit of the craft, as well as tutelage, was wholly impactful to me then, as it is now.
For anyone having issues finding concerts/recitals, find the AGO (American Guild of Organists) chapter for your area. Chances are, they will sponsor a few professional recitalists every year (with free or low admission price). I definitely broke the "no keyboards" rule while learning piano. That said, my goal was preparation for learning the organ. I'm currently between a full-time liturgical position and switching to an entuprenuerial position of teaching lessons, writing, etc.
Thank you for this straight video. I have a son who is really good in trombone, but it's not so easy to get him to practice. But I go to concerts, he takes classes, he plays in a fantastic ensemble and I bring him to college to see students perform. Let's see what happens next.
Stop looking down on church musicians. We constantly play masses weekly with singers and other instrumentalists. Also, we have strong sightreading skills because we need to read new pieces weekly. We definitely have the capability to teach young musicians. When they get to higher levels we usually recommend them to conservatories to study with a higher level teacher.
I’m an amateur pianist but your advice helps making me aware of the long journey of someone performing music for a living. Even it’s not applicable for me as I’m an engineer by decree, these are the reasons why a good teacher is needed, especially for the piano
Solid advice Dr. Mortenson! I agree wholeheartedly. Just one unconventional addition: Students can benefit from playing on a mediocre acoustic piano. It prepares them for unexpected situations where they may have to perform on a subpar instrument. Being able to make the most out of any performing opportunity is key as pianists. Moreover, playing on a mediocre instrument helps develop control and touch skills that surpass those relying solely on a highly responsive “Lamborghini” pianos. Ideally, students should have access to both a decent practice piano and occasional opportunities to play on a superb instrument.
Also, being able to deal with playing oddball instruments is a skill every pro-keyboardist should have under their belt, be it dulcitones, celestas, reed organs, workstation keyboards, harpsichords or whichever.
05:20 College professors in my area actually told me, "try watching youtube, find some youtube video lessons" . 🤦🏼♀ No advice is better than bad advice. A bad teacher who provides bad information is worse than no teacher. Taking piano instruction from a Julliard graduate (who turned out to be bipolar, or something) was also one of the worst decisions I could have made. 12:30 I would have learned much more by busking on a street corner on a weighted electric piano and practicing improvisation straight out of your book, compared to the academic route; and it would have been correct methodology, rather than incorrect "music theory" information.
Question for you. Are there adults that join music schools? I already have two masters degrees (In Ed.) with Bach. in Computer Science. Have thought about going into piano instruction part time later in life but want to make sure I'm not faking it and harming some ones future. Do music schools take on these types of students, where we don't need much or any of the non music requirements because we have existing degree's?
That would vary greatly from one school to another. Start by contacting the registrar at a given school and inquire about whether your credits will transfer. Age and stage of life are not relevant to the admissions process. But a substantial musical background would be important - you can't really start from 0 in mid-life and get to a professional level.
For someone in your situation, if you don't actually need the degree, you could consider finding music professors/teachers who you could take private lessons with. This would be in whatever subjects you want to cover-instruction in an instrument, theory, composition, etc. Maybe that's all you need, and it can save a lot of time and money compared to going through a full degree program.
As someone with a Master's degree in Education but with no music degree who has been teaching piano for several years now (to kids and adults, beginner to intermediate), here's my advice: 1) Absolutely take lessons from a highly regarded and experienced teacher yourself. I've been taking weekly lessons with an advanced degreed, performing professional for 12 years. I study theory, ear training, repertoire, technique with him, as well as consult him on pedagogical stuff. This is invaluable. 2) There are great affordable online classes you can take to further your education. Dr. M's excellent classes on Technique and Tone Production, for example. And the Frances Clark Center has very good online classes in all matters pedagogical. 3) Know what you don't know. Do not be a Mrs. McGillicuddy. You won't be "faking it" if you take it seriously, you remain in continual pursuit of professional development, and if you always keep your student's best interest in mind. If Mrs. McGillicuddy had a student who wanted to pursue music in college, she should have referred him/her to a more qualified teacher right away. To not do so is, I think, clueless at best and unprofessional at worst. Know other teachers in your community so you can refer students to them when needed. I could go on, but that's my basic advice in a nutshell.
@@AlessandroSistiMusic. That’s what I did in my late 50’s so I would be more competent & comfortable teaching. I did have a lot of teaching experience in other subjects, but needed to focus more on piano
There ARE digital keyboards that are good enough to play seriously on, but they're more expensive than used uprights anyways so the point is moot. They are worth considering for jazz pianists though.
I'm not hating on digital keyboards. I play them sometimes, and at one point owned a few. And yes, they can be instruments of serious musical artistry. But I have noted, over decades of college-level teaching, that students who only play digital don't develop certain sensitivities and capabilities that are very important for playing classical music on acoustic piano.
@@cedarvillemusic I started out on a keyboard then went to a real piano to learn correctly. Today, I live in an apartment with young children up stares from me so I had to cut my playing off at 9:00pm. Still the music went right through the ceiling and my playing is more frequently like practice. . .They don't complain because either God has given me favor with them or there just good people. But I tell you, I would not put up with someone like me playing an instrument below every single day. In recent times, I was missing my practice and not getting in the apartment until after 9:00. Though there was nothing prohibiting me from playing until late in the evening. That's when I had enough with my inconsideration and within one week sold my Charles Walter, which was an act of God and story within itself and bought my first new digital piano. The Roland LX700 have no regrets. 50% of my practice time is after the family up stares has gone to bed. Now, I never miss a day from coming in too late in the evening.
The touch on the majority of digital keyboards are too light. That causes the player’s technique to not develop as it should. Then when they get on an acoustic instrument, they flounder because of the difference in touch.
Finding a teacher is a great problem. Googling does not help and finding a net work is difficult. I live in a town with a major university and am having trouble finding a teacher. Do teachers have a professional organization that can help? Thanks.
I would guess that it’s the 13 inch iPad Pro. That’s what most pros who play from a tablet use. The app ForScore combined with a page turning pedal are really great for sheet music in my experience.
I had to 'trade-in' my acoustic piano for a digital keyboard, to avoid annoying my neighbours, being surrounded in a building of small Units. You say there are bad habits that develop when using a weighted 88keys digital piano - what are these? The answer doesn't seem obvious; but, I would like to be convinced, if it's true!
I would consider a hybrid such as Kawai K300 Aures: you have an acoustic upright with digital overlay which allows you to practice with headphones and using software piano sounds too
Here's something for parents and their music school-bound kids to consider: According to Robert Freeman, former Director of Eastman School of Music, approximately 30,000 music students are graduated every year. There simply aren't enough jobs to accomodate these grads. I think they'd be better off studying something like computer science or business while continuing to take private music lessons with a good teacher. Unless one is going to teach in a school, a music degree is totally useless.
For sure, the market is bad. However, when students receive realistic guidance from informed faculty, they do just fine. The job placement numbers in our music program are quite good, mostly because we don't encourage fairy tales about stardom. As long as music majors understand that they are headed primarily for schools, houses of worship, or private teaching, they will be OK.
@@cedarvillemusic OK, as long as you keep it realistic. So many music schools "sell the dream" to those who have stars in their eyes and think they're going to be the next Yuja Wang or Stephen Hough or the latest, greatest pop star. Many of them wind up being disgruntled Guitar Center employees or Starbucks baristas. 😀
Does anyone really make it big after going to college for music? Most of the super elite are already discovered and signed by the time they are college age. Is it realistic to believe you can make a whole career only performing if you go to music school? There are 8 billion people in the world and there are probably less than 20 people in the world who can make a career only concertizing. The odds are stacked against you.
@@cedarvillemusic Even for those who "make it big" early in their career, injury or health may require that they have fall-back options like teaching. Andre Watts is a great example (he's now teaching full time at the Jacobs School at IU).
I would have loved to be able to teach or work at a church as a music director. I played piano for 3 years as a teen, I left it because I had to work and start college; I majored in econ and math. By the time I came back to the piano in my late 30s, I had already developed cubital tunnel syndrome from other work activities. I've been playing consistently now (45 mins daily) for a few years with the guide of my physical therapist, piano teacher, and as my body permits. I got a new Japanese kawai grand piano a few years ago and I've been having the time of my life. I love the advice that you don't have to be the next Bach, or other big figure, to have a meaningful music career or even hobby.
@@MarianoPerez Start as an accompanist or volunteer to accompany a local church's choir rehearsals. Sometimes you can score a stipend. Often times, when a choir is larger, they will break up into sections (Sapranos, altos, tenors, baritones/basses) to work on their lines, melodies and harmony parts. Having more than one accompanist is helpful and sometimes hard to find. Typically, rehearsals are on Wednesdays or Thursdays. I am a retired part-time church musician. I was the organist and choirmaster of a small Episcopal church in my area for several years and at a couple of Lutheran churches. I was always on the look out for extra choir rehearsal accompanists. I still substitute for my AGO chapter occasionally. Depending on the style of service would determine what instruments you need proficiency in. Piano is a given. Also, if your church were to be a blended or liturgical in their worship style, while it is not a necessity as a music director, it would be a good idea to have training on the organ as well, though you can hire organists by contacting a local AGO Chapter. Definitely would need to know how to direct or accompany a choir--choir directors can also be hired. I play the piano proficiently when I have to, but I am a better organist. I tend to play the piano only if there is someone who wants to perform a special music piece. One thing you need to be able to do, though, as a Music Director or Minister of Music, is to be able to play by the seat of your pants in an emergency. i.e. an accompanist calls in sick or is a no show, or there is a power outage or a ciphering organ pipe. That said, there are a lot of churches that look for substitute pianists. You do have to be able to accompany a congregation and it would be a good thing to practice hymns. Look for smaller churches first, the large basilicas and stone vaulted churches typically don't utilize a piano for congregational hymn and liturgical singing as that takes the power of an organ to fill the space. A lot of churches have two or more services where they might have one that is liturgical that features choirs, congregational hymn singing, preludes, postludes, interludes, offertories, and liturgical responses. They may also have what is called contemporary services where they utilize bands with drums and guitars and keyboards. and sometimes pianos. If you can play the keyboard proficiently enough, and they are based upon a piano keyboard, you could find a spot as a keyboardist. You are correct in you don't have to be the next Bach or a Gerre Hancock. The fact that you desire to minister through your music is foundational. That said, your congregation will expect a lot, as they should. Music is vital and central to the worship experience If you have the funds, look into getting some training or take some courses in Sacred music at a local college, maybe a religious-based college like one of the Concordia campuses. Maybe take a course in accompaniment. Don't give up on your dream of being a music director or Minister of Music. Believe me, they are needed. Practice like there is no tomorrow, but have fun doing it as well. Having a congregation enjoy your music is a wonderful feeling and will bring you blessings just as you would bring blessings to your congregation.
There's a youtuber who's an accompanist at a large European opera house, and honestly her professional life seems very rewarding. Not everyone needs to be super famous (only a handful of people are, wordlwide) to have music play an important part in their lives, including their professional lives.
New courses on piano technique and historical improvisation now enrolling at Improv Planet:
The Four Pillars of Piano Technique
: improvplanet.thinkific.com/courses/the-four-pillars-of-piano-technique
Tone Production at the Piano
: improvplanet.thinkific.com/courses/tone-production-at-the-piano
How to Practice
: improvplanet.thinkific.com/courses/how-to-practice
The Piano Foundations Series
: improvplanet.thinkific.com/bundles/piano-foundations
And more: improvplanet.thinkific.com/
I love the bit about having narcissism in one's playing as they have never been told that something is wrong. Learning to pick yourself up and deal with criticism is the biggest part about being any musician.
Professional (full-time) musician with an MM in music here (who also offers lessons at a collegiate level).
Everything this man said is SPOT ON.
*Every teacher should include this video under RESOURCES on their website* ! What an incredible video thank you for putting it together.
Btw…. I will do it as well. So many things are simply unknown in the classical music field and sadly not many even know what questions to ask to understand it better. I wish I saw this video when I was in high school. Now, with bachelor and master in violin performance, I can only make sure that all my students/parents know these things very early on.
Wow... what a difficult job for parents. My parents did the opposite; I wanted to study music, but they only delivered the realism and were quite extreme about it. They reached the conclusion and made me think that I would not make it because of all the competition, that I would "starve," and that I would be better off studying something else (they were not musicians themselves and couldn't play an instrument). Of course, I never even considered going to music school after that. Twenty years later, I still have the issue that my daily work does not involve what I love the most, which is music.
I had the same set of parents. However, you can start at anytime. I finally began piano at 39. And If your talented your gifting will still be there and come out in your practice. Turned out I had less then average ability but through time, and consistent practice I was able to always improve. 20 years later, I play well enough to enjoy myself without a struggle. Blessings.
I'm currently studying for a B.M.A. (not a "classical degree" - a jazz/funk/contemporary track). I've actually never played classical music, so I'm coming from a slightly different background-but I do play professionally with some really good musicians (which I'm lucky for). I have to agree about practicing on a piano rather than a keyboard. I got a keyboard when I was 7 years old, and I'd play around with the other patches on it and whatever, but I ALWAYS practiced (and continue to practice) on a real piano. Lucky to have Steinways here at the conservatory, which are great. Trying to play fast repeated notes on most consumer keyboards isn't possible because of the action. Heck, I even have a Yamaha CP88 stage piano at home (which ironically has a triple-sensor action allowing for fast repeated notes...), but I almost never practice on it-it's always on the piano.
I know of a guy who studied vocal performance, took some collaborative piano modules, got a job as a répétiteur for a local opera company and is now moving to the UK to take up another répétiteur position. He absolutely loves it. Listening to him being interviewed on a podcast about my university's alumni network of classical vocalists really instilled appreciation in me for the value of collaborative piano work. As someone who has extensively studied orchestral scores over the years as a composer, learning to reduce orchestral parts at sight is an awesome skill and shows that being a 'good pianist' doesn't necessarily entail being a' star virtuoso' in day-to-day professional circumstances.
This is the best content on the internet for this area of expertise. Reminds me of the 'Ten things serious pianists do' videos from a few years ago. Dr. Mortensen's sincerity and dedication to both the individual pursuit of the craft, as well as tutelage, was wholly impactful to me then, as it is now.
For anyone having issues finding concerts/recitals, find the AGO (American Guild of Organists) chapter for your area. Chances are, they will sponsor a few professional recitalists every year (with free or low admission price).
I definitely broke the "no keyboards" rule while learning piano. That said, my goal was preparation for learning the organ. I'm currently between a full-time liturgical position and switching to an entuprenuerial position of teaching lessons, writing, etc.
I wanted to mention that I love your humor.
Thank you for this straight video. I have a son who is really good in trombone, but it's not so easy to get him to practice. But I go to concerts, he takes classes, he plays in a fantastic ensemble and I bring him to college to see students perform. Let's see what happens next.
Stop looking down on church musicians. We constantly play masses weekly with singers and other instrumentalists. Also, we have strong sightreading skills because we need to read new pieces weekly. We definitely have the capability to teach young musicians. When they get to higher levels we usually recommend them to conservatories to study with a higher level teacher.
I’m an amateur pianist but your advice helps making me aware of the long journey of someone performing music for a living. Even it’s not applicable for me as I’m an engineer by decree, these are the reasons why a good teacher is needed, especially for the piano
Wow. Terrific advice. You heard it here first, folks!
Solid advice Dr. Mortenson! I agree wholeheartedly. Just one unconventional addition: Students can benefit from playing on a mediocre acoustic piano. It prepares them for unexpected situations where they may have to perform on a subpar instrument. Being able to make the most out of any performing opportunity is key as pianists. Moreover, playing on a mediocre instrument helps develop control and touch skills that surpass those relying solely on a highly responsive “Lamborghini” pianos. Ideally, students should have access to both a decent practice piano and occasional opportunities to play on a superb instrument.
Also, being able to deal with playing oddball instruments is a skill every pro-keyboardist should have under their belt, be it dulcitones, celestas, reed organs, workstation keyboards, harpsichords or whichever.
Excellent information! Thanks for posting.
Brilliant advice
05:20 College professors in my area actually told me, "try watching youtube, find some youtube video lessons" . 🤦🏼♀ No advice is better than bad advice. A bad teacher who provides bad information is worse than no teacher. Taking piano instruction from a Julliard graduate (who turned out to be bipolar, or something) was also one of the worst decisions I could have made. 12:30 I would have learned much more by busking on a street corner on a weighted electric piano and practicing improvisation straight out of your book, compared to the academic route; and it would have been correct methodology, rather than incorrect "music theory" information.
Question for you. Are there adults that join music schools? I already have two masters degrees (In Ed.) with Bach. in Computer Science. Have thought about going into piano instruction part time later in life but want to make sure I'm not faking it and harming some ones future. Do music schools take on these types of students, where we don't need much or any of the non music requirements because we have existing degree's?
That would vary greatly from one school to another. Start by contacting the registrar at a given school and inquire about whether your credits will transfer. Age and stage of life are not relevant to the admissions process. But a substantial musical background would be important - you can't really start from 0 in mid-life and get to a professional level.
I thought that was awesome how you wrote BACH in computer science. I skipped the 'dot' hehehe
For someone in your situation, if you don't actually need the degree, you could consider finding music professors/teachers who you could take private lessons with. This would be in whatever subjects you want to cover-instruction in an instrument, theory, composition, etc. Maybe that's all you need, and it can save a lot of time and money compared to going through a full degree program.
As someone with a Master's degree in Education but with no music degree who has been teaching piano for several years now (to kids and adults, beginner to intermediate), here's my advice: 1) Absolutely take lessons from a highly regarded and experienced teacher yourself. I've been taking weekly lessons with an advanced degreed, performing professional for 12 years. I study theory, ear training, repertoire, technique with him, as well as consult him on pedagogical stuff. This is invaluable. 2) There are great affordable online classes you can take to further your education. Dr. M's excellent classes on Technique and Tone Production, for example. And the Frances Clark Center has very good online classes in all matters pedagogical. 3) Know what you don't know. Do not be a Mrs. McGillicuddy. You won't be "faking it" if you take it seriously, you remain in continual pursuit of professional development, and if you always keep your student's best interest in mind. If Mrs. McGillicuddy had a student who wanted to pursue music in college, she should have referred him/her to a more qualified teacher right away. To not do so is, I think, clueless at best and unprofessional at worst. Know other teachers in your community so you can refer students to them when needed. I could go on, but that's my basic advice in a nutshell.
@@AlessandroSistiMusic. That’s what I did in my late 50’s so I would be more competent & comfortable teaching. I did have a lot of teaching experience in other subjects, but needed to focus more on piano
There ARE digital keyboards that are good enough to play seriously on, but they're more expensive than used uprights anyways so the point is moot. They are worth considering for jazz pianists though.
I'm not hating on digital keyboards. I play them sometimes, and at one point owned a few. And yes, they can be instruments of serious musical artistry. But I have noted, over decades of college-level teaching, that students who only play digital don't develop certain sensitivities and capabilities that are very important for playing classical music on acoustic piano.
@@cedarvillemusic I started out on a keyboard then went to a real piano to learn correctly. Today, I live in an apartment with young children up stares from me so I had to cut my playing off at 9:00pm. Still the music went right through the ceiling and my playing is more frequently like practice. . .They don't complain because either God has given me favor with them or there just good people. But I tell you, I would not put up with someone like me playing an instrument below every single day. In recent times, I was missing my practice and not getting in the apartment until after 9:00. Though there was nothing prohibiting me from playing until late in the evening. That's when I had enough with my inconsideration and within one week sold my Charles Walter, which was an act of God and story within itself and bought my first new digital piano. The Roland LX700 have no regrets. 50% of my practice time is after the family up stares has gone to bed. Now, I never miss a day from coming in too late in the evening.
The touch on the majority of digital keyboards are too light. That causes the player’s technique to not develop as it should. Then when they get on an acoustic instrument, they flounder because of the difference in touch.
@@goneretired7030 Yes, I know.
Finding a teacher is a great problem. Googling does not help and finding a net work is difficult. I live in a town with a major university and am having trouble finding a teacher. Do teachers have a professional organization that can help? Thanks.
What is the huge ipad device Dr. M is holding? Looks great for playing from pdfs.
I would guess that it’s the 13 inch iPad Pro. That’s what most pros who play from a tablet use. The app ForScore combined with a page turning pedal are really great for sheet music in my experience.
@@johnposey3870. This package was my Christmas present last year. It’s awesome!
I had to 'trade-in' my acoustic piano for a digital keyboard, to avoid annoying my neighbours, being surrounded in a building of small Units. You say there are bad habits that develop when using a weighted 88keys digital piano - what are these? The answer doesn't seem obvious; but, I would like to be convinced, if it's true!
Technique! Hell no to digital piano.
I don't know about the bad habits, but the touch is completely different - also the sound. This is immediately obvious once you hit the first key.
I would consider a hybrid such as Kawai K300 Aures: you have an acoustic upright with digital overlay which allows you to practice with headphones and using software piano sounds too
Here's something for parents and their music school-bound kids to consider: According to Robert Freeman, former Director of Eastman School of Music, approximately 30,000 music students are graduated every year. There simply aren't enough jobs to accomodate these grads. I think they'd be better off studying something like computer science or business while continuing to take private music lessons with a good teacher. Unless one is going to teach in a school, a music degree is totally useless.
For sure, the market is bad. However, when students receive realistic guidance from informed faculty, they do just fine. The job placement numbers in our music program are quite good, mostly because we don't encourage fairy tales about stardom. As long as music majors understand that they are headed primarily for schools, houses of worship, or private teaching, they will be OK.
@@cedarvillemusic OK, as long as you keep it realistic. So many music schools "sell the dream" to those who have stars in their eyes and think they're going to be the next Yuja Wang or Stephen Hough or the latest, greatest pop star. Many of them wind up being disgruntled Guitar Center employees or Starbucks baristas. 😀
100% true.
Does anyone really make it big after going to college for music? Most of the super elite are already discovered and signed by the time they are college age. Is it realistic to believe you can make a whole career only performing if you go to music school? There are 8 billion people in the world and there are probably less than 20 people in the world who can make a career only concertizing. The odds are stacked against you.
My whole point is that "making it big" is unrealistic, but there are still rewarding career paths within music in teaching, accompanying, etc.
@@cedarvillemusic Even for those who "make it big" early in their career, injury or health may require that they have fall-back options like teaching. Andre Watts is a great example (he's now teaching full time at the Jacobs School at IU).
I would have loved to be able to teach or work at a church as a music director. I played piano for 3 years as a teen, I left it because I had to work and start college; I majored in econ and math. By the time I came back to the piano in my late 30s, I had already developed cubital tunnel syndrome from other work activities. I've been playing consistently now (45 mins daily) for a few years with the guide of my physical therapist, piano teacher, and as my body permits. I got a new Japanese kawai grand piano a few years ago and I've been having the time of my life. I love the advice that you don't have to be the next Bach, or other big figure, to have a meaningful music career or even hobby.
@@MarianoPerez Start as an accompanist or volunteer to accompany a local church's choir rehearsals. Sometimes you can score a stipend. Often times, when a choir is larger, they will break up into sections (Sapranos, altos, tenors, baritones/basses) to work on their lines, melodies and harmony parts. Having more than one accompanist is helpful and sometimes hard to find. Typically, rehearsals are on Wednesdays or Thursdays. I am a retired part-time church musician. I was the organist and choirmaster of a small Episcopal church in my area for several years and at a couple of Lutheran churches. I was always on the look out for extra choir rehearsal accompanists. I still substitute for my AGO chapter occasionally. Depending on the style of service would determine what instruments you need proficiency in. Piano is a given. Also, if your church were to be a blended or liturgical in their worship style, while it is not a necessity as a music director, it would be a good idea to have training on the organ as well, though you can hire organists by contacting a local AGO Chapter. Definitely would need to know how to direct or accompany a choir--choir directors can also be hired. I play the piano proficiently when I have to, but I am a better organist. I tend to play the piano only if there is someone who wants to perform a special music piece. One thing you need to be able to do, though, as a Music Director or Minister of Music, is to be able to play by the seat of your pants in an emergency. i.e. an accompanist calls in sick or is a no show, or there is a power outage or a ciphering organ pipe.
That said, there are a lot of churches that look for substitute pianists. You do have to be able to accompany a congregation and it would be a good thing to practice hymns. Look for smaller churches first, the large basilicas and stone vaulted churches typically don't utilize a piano for congregational hymn and liturgical singing as that takes the power of an organ to fill the space. A lot of churches have two or more services where they might have one that is liturgical that features choirs, congregational hymn singing, preludes, postludes, interludes, offertories, and liturgical responses. They may also have what is called contemporary services where they utilize bands with drums and guitars and keyboards. and sometimes pianos. If you can play the keyboard proficiently enough, and they are based upon a piano keyboard, you could find a spot as a keyboardist.
You are correct in you don't have to be the next Bach or a Gerre Hancock. The fact that you desire to minister through your music is foundational. That said, your congregation will expect a lot, as they should. Music is vital and central to the worship experience If you have the funds, look into getting some training or take some courses in Sacred music at a local college, maybe a religious-based college like one of the Concordia campuses. Maybe take a course in accompaniment. Don't give up on your dream of being a music director or Minister of Music. Believe me, they are needed. Practice like there is no tomorrow, but have fun doing it as well. Having a congregation enjoy your music is a wonderful feeling and will bring you blessings just as you would bring blessings to your congregation.
There's a youtuber who's an accompanist at a large European opera house, and honestly her professional life seems very rewarding. Not everyone needs to be super famous (only a handful of people are, wordlwide) to have music play an important part in their lives, including their professional lives.