<p>I’ve been reading this discussion on and off (and sometimes when I’m half asleep on my way to bed 
) so my apologies if this has already been mentioned either in this thread or somewhere else on this forum. My D’s teacher recommended this book, which is an excellent and very inspiring resource regarding building a successful career as a musician in today’s world. The author provides a ton of real-life examples of entrepreneurial careers that demonstrate that success comes in so many different forms – not only from playing in a major orchestra or singing at the Met. The book, written by someone who used to head up NEC’s career counseling department, is called Beyond Talent: Here’s the link at amazon:
<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Talent-Creating-Successful-Career/dp/0195382595”>http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Talent-Creating-Successful-Career/dp/0195382595</a></p>
<p>Sorry to keep adding to this thread. But Musicprnts’s idea of talking with a working musician or two was interesting, but it could be with someone whose career is not orchestral work.</p>
<p>We live in a town that hosts a chamber music festival that is fairly well known, and they have a panel of people working in music for high school students to attend so they can see the possibilities.</p>
<p>Thanks RK for the link to the book! I just ordered it. There are some others:
“Beyond Talent: Creating a Successful Career in Music” by Angela Myles Beeching
“The Musician’s Journey: Crafting Your Career Vision and Plan” by Jill Timmons
“Making Music in Looking Glass Land” by Ellen Highstein.</p>
<p>Quotes from the review of "Beyond Talent:
First she expounds on the “truth about career paths” : there really is no such thing as a laid out path for any musician (classical or pop) that will lead them to enduring success.</p>
<p>This is essentially a book about being a self-starter and taking things into your own hands rather than waiting for “them” to discover you. The book gives numerous tools for doing so. It covers qualities you must develop to “make it” as a musician, networking skills, developing your image (letterhead, bios, photos, promo kits, etc.), expanding your impact with demos and CDs, using the internet to promote your career, booking performance like a pro, building your audience (the media, publicity and you), connecting with audiences through residencies and community programming, performing at your best, freelancing - managing yourself, raising money for music projects (yes, you too can fund-raise), and getting it all together.</p>