You know I have been playing the piano for a while now and when I was younger I asked my grandparents, "I thought about being a musician..." to which they replied, "Do not do that! Do something practical like medicine or even be a mechanic but never become a musician or artist since they never make money!" Now I did follow their advice as I am just finishing up my university career before heading on to medical school but in the back of my mind there was always this regret of not following this youthful dream.

Why is it that we care so damn much about a career being practical or making money these days? Obviously we could look at the obvious answer of living in a capitalist, materialist society but why is the arts considered non-practical? Many people who involved themselves in the arts created great works of art, architecture, music, etc. without thinking of the money they made. Some like Mozart even died without any honour given to him, being thrown in a grave and forgotten but his works of great music still live on and it would have been a tragedy if a person like Mozart, Beethoven, Michelangelo, Botticelli, etc. ever chose NOT to do the great works of art they invented. Of course if we were just like a Jєω (and indeed many people THINK Jєωιѕн especially in America and Britain) we could say that since the arts has no economic advantage no one should pursue them but if we were to use the idealistic attitude we would see that art serves a purpose and that is to draw people to beauty and majesty and to praise the names of those who created such works.

Here is a 4 minute video of a maestro(good) classical guitarist.  He gives great advice at the 50 second mark about aspiring to be a professional musician/artist.  I have valued it, and I think you will too.

Quote from: Traditional Guy 20

You know I have been playing the piano for a while now and when I was younger I asked my grandparents, "I thought about being a musician..." to which they replied, "Do not do that! Do something practical like medicine or even be a mechanic but never become a musician or artist since they never make money!" Now I did follow their advice as I am just finishing up my university career before heading on to medical school but in the back of my mind there was always this regret of not following this youthful dream.

Why is it that we care so damn much about a career being practical or making money these days? Obviously we could look at the obvious answer of living in a capitalist, materialist society but why is the arts considered non-practical? Many people who involved themselves in the arts created great works of art, architecture, music, etc. without thinking of the money they made. Some like Mozart even died without any honour given to him, being thrown in a grave and forgotten but his works of great music still live on and it would have been a tragedy if a person like Mozart, Beethoven, Michelangelo, Botticelli, etc. ever chose NOT to do the great works of art they invented. Of course if we were just like a Jєω (and indeed many people THINK Jєωιѕн especially in America and Britain) we could say that since the arts has no economic advantage no one should pursue them but if we were to use the idealistic attitude we would see that art serves a purpose and that is to draw people to beauty and majesty and to praise the names of those who created such works.

I would listen to your grandparent's advice. A dream is not practical.

Whatever you do, you don't have to give it up, it just won't be the main thing you do.

Perhaps this might be some indication that you cannot put your heart into what you are going to school for.

Dreams are impractical if not driven with determination, hard work and sacrifice. An artist must be dedicated as well as skilled in order to succeed. Success is not measured in monetary value alone, but by the proper application of God given ability.

You know I have been playing the piano for a while now and when I was younger I asked my grandparents, "I thought about being a musician..." to which they replied, "Do not do that! Do something practical like medicine or even be a mechanic but never become a musician or artist since they never make money!" Now I did follow their advice as I am just finishing up my university career before heading on to medical school but in the back of my mind there was always this regret of not following this youthful dream.

Why is it that we care so damn much about a career being practical or making money these days? Obviously we could look at the obvious answer of living in a capitalist, materialist society but why is the arts considered non-practical? Many people who involved themselves in the arts created great works of art, architecture, music, etc. without thinking of the money they made. Some like Mozart even died without any honour given to him, being thrown in a grave and forgotten but his works of great music still live on and it would have been a tragedy if a person like Mozart, Beethoven, Michelangelo, Botticelli, etc. ever chose NOT to do the great works of art they invented. Of course if we were just like a Jєω (and indeed many people THINK Jєωιѕн especially in America and Britain) we could say that since the arts has no economic advantage no one should pursue them but if we were to use the idealistic attitude we would see that art serves a purpose and that is to draw people to beauty and majesty and to praise the names of those who created such works.

Well unfortunately our modern day societies around the world have lost interest in the classic musical arts. So you would have a difficult time finding a job. But if you do set your heart on becoming a musician, you could always become a teacher. And there are small time concerts and orchestras you could perform in, given you have the skill.


So I'd recommend looking into becoming a piano teacher at a school is your best bet in regards to becoming a musician. But from what I've learned from discussions with my cello instructor it's not easy. You really have to stand out to be able to secure a position because a lot of people wish to pursue careers in music. A good private instructor makes a decent wage given he has customers. My cello instructor makes 60$ an hour and he says he has quite a few clients. Not sure if it's true but it's still worth checking out.


I guess what I'm saying is be sure to place your primary efforts into something practical just to be safe but do indeed pursue the necessary skills to become a musician. Even if you can't find any career in music it is still a good skill to have.