Music

Tag: Music

Professional Music Organizations

Americana Music Association (AMA)

American Bandmasters Association

American Choral Directors Association (ACDA)

American Composers Alliance (ACA)

American Composers Forum

American Guild of Musical Arts (AGMA)

American Guild of Organists

American Harp Society

American Musicological Society

American Pianists Association

American Recorder Society (ARS)

American Viola Society (AVS)

Associated Chamber Music Players (ACMP)

Association of Concert Bands

BLUME Haiti

College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA)

College Orchestra Directors Association (CODA)

Conductors Guild

Drum Corps International

Early Music America

El Sistema

International Alliance for Women in Music

International Clarinet Association (ICA)

International Double Reed Society (IDRS)

International Horn Society

International Society of Bassists (ISB)

International Society for Contemporary Music (ISCM)

International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA)

International Trombone Association (ITA)

International Trumpet Guild (ITG)

International Tuba and Euphonium Association (ITEA)

Internet Cello Society

League of American Orchestras

Music Teachers national Association (MTNA)

National Association of Church Musicians

National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors                                             

National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS)

National Band Association 

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)

National Federation of Music Clubs

National Flute Association (NFA)

National Opera Association

National Piano Foundation                                

North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA)

Percussive Arts Society

Society of Composers

Suzuki Violin

United Sound

Violin Society of America (VSA)

World Flute Society

Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA)

World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE)

Grad school degree options for artists of all types

For those interested in the Visual & Performing Arts, graduate school may be something to consider. Whether you are pursuing studio art, film, theater or music there are two main degree programs you can think about considering; The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and the Master of Arts (MA). Whereas with music, one often pursues a Master of Music (MM). Each degree can be further categorized depending on your area of interest. For example, if you’re pursuing Film you can pursue an MFA or MA in Filmmaking, Visual Arts can receive a MFA or MA in Visual Arts, Music Education can receive an MM in Music Education, etc. However, what are the big differences between these degree programs? 

Let’s start with the Master of Fine Arts. The MFA is often more rigorous than the MA program since it offers much more hands-on course work. This is because the MFA program is often thought of as terminal, or as the last degree someone earns for their career. The MFA often takes 2-3 years to complete. 

The Master of Arts on the other hand is a little less rigorous when it comes to hands-on course work. The degree program can be completed in 2 years, and often features more seminars and is much more academic in design. Unlike the MFA, the MA is often not terminal. This means it is used as a stepping-stone to achieve high degrees, such as a Doctorate.  

The Master of Music is the main Masters degree for those studying Music Education, Performance, Composition etc. There are of course MA programs for those interested in pursuing music as well, but it is often designed to have a broad overlook of the topic of music rather than specializing in just one area like the MM programs. 

Want to know more about an MFA, MA, of MM in your career path? Check out these sources below:  

By Marissa Lake ’22. I am a sophomore Vocal Performance major. I am also the curator for the #ECE and #VPA Career Communities. I love performing as well as music education, and I hope to one day become an established vocalist.

Sounds of Lawrence University (SOLU)

For the students:

Finding gigs in Appleton has never been easier! Introducing Sounds of Lawrence University, a student-run gigging service made to connect student musicians to the city of Appleton. Founder and President Alex Lewis says,

 “Sounds of Lawrence University is a student-run musician booking service that contracts Lawrence University student musicians to play gigs in the Appleton and surrounding areas. An Executive Board takes care of management, outreach, marketing, contracting, and other needs so that the musicians can focus on their craft and creating the best experience possible for their clients!”

If you are a student looking to get on the call-list for gigs, please fill out this form and you will be put on SOLU’s roster. If you have any questions, please email solu@lawrence.edu.

For the community:

Looking for musicians for your upcoming event? Whether it’s weddings, church services, or even dinner parties, Sounds of Lawrence University is the right place for you to find passionate musicians. With multiple 5 star reviews, SOLU strives to make sure that your event or big day is as perfect and stress-free as possible.

They offer string quartets, solo instruments, small wind ensembles, small jazz ensembles, vocal ensembles, and much more!

Have an event coming up? Liven it up with some live music from Lawrence’s musicians! Check out the website or email solu@lawrence.edu if you are interested in hiring musicians!

Information for becoming an Opera Singer

Interested in become an opera singer? Read on for all you need to know about the field and how to get one step closer to your dream of becoming an opera star. 

Job duties:

There are many job duties required for being a musician in general. However, here are some specific job duties for becoming an opera singer that stems away from just musical talent. First, you will need advanced sight reading abilities. Being able to sight read music efficiently is a crucial part in the music industry, and especially in advanced opera roles and chorus’s. Next you need knowledge of Italian, German, French and English diction. Thankfully, much of this training comes from your undergraduate and graduate school experiences, however you need to be sure you know how to read and pronounce these languages efficiently. Next you’ll need good time management skills especially in terms of practicing. Knowing your limits in the practice room and how to use your time wisely will help you immensely in the opera world. Finally, you will need advanced memorization abilities. Many operas can be up to four hours long so it is crucial to know effective ways of memorization in order to learn a role in a timely fashion. 

Where they work:

Opera singers work for opera companies and opera houses. Sometimes summer opportunities may arise where you work for smaller, non-profit opera shows and festivals. However, most of your time will be spent in an opera house. 

Working Conditions:

Rehearsals for opera performances are mostly going to be during the evenings. However, the rest of your day is often filled with practicing for your roles, finding auditions, and maybe working a second job. Some opera singers end up travelling a lot during their career, however, a lot also end up staying in one geographic area as well. It all depends on what you see yourself doing. Opera singers are also usually hired on a contract for a particular season. Oftentimes they have to re-audition for certain houses in order to renew their contract. 

People:

In an opera company you often have a set number of people for a certain season you will be working with. Depending on the size of the opera company and also the demands of the repertoire for the season, you can be looking to work with anywhere from 40-150 people on the stage. Directors, coaches, and arts administration workers often stay the same for longer periods of time. However, many opera artists may come and go depending on their careers. 

Education and Training:

Opera singers are often at least required to have a Masters degree in a voice related field. You are then often expected to audition and participate in a “Young Artist Program” featured by an opera house. These programs are often pre-professional opportunities for upcoming opera singers to learn how to work in an opera house before fully committing to a contract. Young Artist Program’s often give a stipend to the artists in their program.

Pay and Benefits:

Depending on the opera house, opera singers can expected to be paid by the show and rehearsal, or by a monthly/yearly stipend. Opera singers range from making $60,000 to $200,000. Like most musicians, benefits are often times not included upon hire, especially within the U.S. However, Europe not only has an abundance of opera houses, but often times these singers are given benefits as well as paid a little more fairly (again, depending on the opera house). 

Job outlook:

Employment for singers in general are expected to grow by 7% in the next few years. This includes opera singers, so expect an increase in jobs, especially after the pandemic once musical performances are expected to be in high demand. 

Global Considerations:

Since there are many opera houses throughout the world, and oftentimes singers come from all over to audition for certain opera houses, the profession of being an opera singer is certainly open to international students studying music. Of course, since there are so many opera houses around the world and so many have different requirements, it is important to do your research in finding the house or company that will be the best fit for you. 

Important Documents for Musicians: How to Write a Musician’s Resume, Repertoire list, and Bio

As classical musicians, we most often focus on aspects of our individual playing and view auditions alone as being the sole factor in landing a job. Auditions are undeniably a very significant part to obtain professional positions, but some other factors also play an important part in getting to this point. Similar to how most jobs require candidates to submit a cover letter and resume, the same often applies for musicians in order to be invited for an audition. Cover letters are not as frequent with musicians, but could potentially be asked for. Sample cover letters can be found here in our Career Resources. For now, I would like to discuss some of the content and steps involved in writing a musician’s resume, repertoire list, and bio.

MUSICIAN’S RESUME

  • You should start with a header as you would with any other resume: include your name, email address, phone number, address, and LinkedIn url if you have an account. One additional thing to include next to your name is your instrument/voice type. For me, it looks like this: Abbey Atwater, Clarinet
  • In other resumes, next would usually be your education section. Do include this in you resume, but farther down. If you are submitting your resume in hopes of being invited to take an orchestral audition, your performance experience should take precedence and be highlighted further up and your education should be moved down.
  • Your performing experience can be expressed in a variety of ways and ordered differently depending on the significance. Here is how I personally would go about organizing it:
    • Orchestral (or Large Ensemble) Experiences
      • Example:

Section leader, Lawrence University Orchestra, Appleton, WI,                September 2016 – present

  • Chamber Music
  • Solo Performances/Awards Won/Accomplishments
    • Example:

Winner, Lawrence University Wind Ensemble Concerto Competition, Appleton WI             January 2019

  • In these, include any specific leadership positions you may have had (principal, concertmaster, winner- if for a competition) or any auxiliary instruments played (Eb clarinet, English horn). This will be formatted just as other work experience would look like on a resume: position title, company (or ensemble in this case), location, and dates from start to finish.
  • Refrain from listing specific works played (unless relevant like roles for vocalists)- save this for your repertoire list
  • In these experience sections, either chronological or combination-style orders would be appropriate. Either list everything in reverse chronological order or in terms of importance. For example, if you have competed in various competitions and have won a few, placed second in another, and been a finalist in some, prioritize them in that order with the win being the first listed
  • For ensemble experience, try to include ones that were ongoing and not a “one-and-done” sort of deal like with competitions.
  • Next, you can place your education section which includes: school and its location, graduation year, GPA, degree(s), and major(s)/minor(s).
  • Following this is a list of your primary private instructors. All that needs to be included is their name and dates studied. Master classes (that you played in) will come after this with the same information (name and date)
  • You can also include a section for relevant professional organizations (ex: National Association for Music Education, Music Teachers National Association, Sigma Alpha Iota)
  • Try to keep under one page

REPERTOIRE LIST

  • The purpose of a repertoire list is to provide others with all the repertoire you have worked on that you could potentially perform if asked on short notice.
  • Begin with the same heading/contact info as your resume/cover letter
  • As the title suggests, this essentially is a list of all repertoire performed (for vocalists and instrumentalists) and repertoire conducted (for conductors)
    • Works studied can also be included if studied sufficiently and you feel you could perform competently- not just something sight read once
  • Always include these specific kinds of works:
    • Vocalists:
      • Opera roles
      • Musical roles
      • Lieder
      • Other works
    • Instrumentalists:
      • Sonatas/ solo works with piano
      • Unaccompanied works
      • Concertos
      • Chamber works
    • Conductors:
      • Operas
      • Orchestra works
      • Wind band works
      • Chamber works
  • Depending on what is asked in the requirements for the repertoire list, the following can also be included:
    • Method books studied
    • Excerpts studied
    • Music performed in large ensembles (ex: symphonies and other significant works)
    • Repertoire played on auxiliary instruments
  • Can also indicate:
    • If music consisted of a public performance (recital, concert) or if performed by memory
      • Can use different symbols to indicate each of these: + # *
    • Date of performance
    • If you played in a master class/ who specifically you studied the repertoire with
    • What ensemble you performed with
  • Music should be listed in a way that looks professional and appropriate. These are all formats that work and keep them consistent throughout the list)
    • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Clarinet Concerto in A major K. 622
    • Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A major K. 622
    • Clarinet Concerto in A major K. 622, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

MUSICIAN’S BIO

  • In third person
  • Begin by stating your name, where you are from, and what age you started studying music
  • In the the middle of your bio, mention significant accomplishments including:
    • Solo performances
    • Ensembles performed in
    • Music festivals attended
    • Master classes you have played in
    • Music internships or teaching experiences
    • Leadership positions pertaining to music
    • Performing jobs held in the past
  • You can also mention some background in why you began playing your instrument/singing or any turning points in your musical career
  • At the end mention where you are currently studying, who you are studying with, what year you are, and your plans for next year are if you are graduating
  • If you are out of school, you can also mention where you are currently located and what you are doing (both professionally and/or a fun fact like: “In addition to playing the alto clarinet, Gustav has a passion for cooking and loves taking long walks with his dog, Buddy”)

Below, you can find some additional useful resources and example to help you craft your own!

Abbey Atwater ’19
Career Peer Educator

Cover Letter

https://music.depaul.edu/resources/career-services/Documents/Cover%20Letter%202016.pdf

https://cdn.uconnectlabs.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/132/2021/11/careerguide.coverletter.pdf

Resume

https://necmusic.edu/sites/default/files/2017-02/Tips%20for%20Writing%20Perf%20Resumes.pdf

https://www.pugetsound.edu/sites/default/files/file/4663_Music%20resume%20packet%202012_0.pdf

https://www.resumeprofessionalwriters.com/musician-resume/

Repertoire List

https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/sites/default/files/instrumental_rep_list_sample.pdf

resume-and-rep-list.docx – Eastman School of Music

https://carolynenger.com/presskit/Carolyn%20Enger%20FULL%20REPERTOIRE%20LIST.pdf

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5319d2f8e4b025dd26235446/t/5544547ae4b0ebc5baee2e03/1430541434024/Repertoire+List+%28PDF%29.pdf

Bio

https://www.musiciansway.com/blog/2012/08/bios-that-inspire/

https://www.claudiafriedlander.com/the-liberated-voice/printmaterials.html

A four-part series from Angela Myles Beeching on NewMusicBox – post 1, post 2, post 3, post 4

https://helenegrimaud.com/bio

https://www.cameroncarpenter.com/new-page

https://carolineshaw.com

13 Things to do During Your 13 Weeks of Summer as a Music Major

Summer is right around the corner! For some musicians, it could be a great time to take a bit of a break and recollect after being burnt out from a busy school year. For others, including myself, summer is a chance to take advantage of this extra time and explore various opportunities that are available. Here are some of the things I would recommend:

1. Teach lessons

Summer is a great time to gain experience teaching private lessons. Get in touch with music directors, staff at music stores, friends, and family in the area to let them know you plan to teach and ask them to share your name and contact information to prospective students. This is a great time for you to get business cards made and network with others to get your name out there.

2. Take lessons

Get in touch with your high school private instructor or local orchestral musicians and see if they are available to teach you any lessons. I got in contact with various clarinet professors at schools I decided to apply to and did some travelling to take lessons with them. I would highly recommend doing this if you anticipate furthering your education with graduate school.

3. Work at your local music store

Many jobs at music stores can be full-time positions, but it is definitely worth a shot seeking out seasonal or part-time positions! You can learn a lot about different products available, gain valuable customer service skills, and stay updated on current music trends and events. This is a good chance to network too!

4. Work at a music camp for kids

This is especially beneficial for music education majors. Gain experience teaching music and working with kids of various ages and skill levels from elementary school through high school, depending on the program. You could have a significant influence on their musical futures!

5. Secure an internship

There are various internships available for musicians. Many of these may involve working with kids, as mentioned above, but there are many other exciting internships available that may focus more on arts administration if that is something that might interest you. Various symphonies and opera companies have development, marketing, and other internships available. This is another great way to network with others and possibly spend the summer living somewhere new!

6. Attend concerts

During the summer, there are numerous orchestras, wind bands, jazz bands, and chamber ensembles that will be putting on performances. Many of these are exciting pops concerts that take place outdoors and are often free!

7. Play chamber music with local friends

Do you have other musical friends or know of other talented musicians in your area? Hit them up and see if they would be interested in playing any chamber music together! This can keep you engaged with music and keep your rehearsal skills going.

8. Take church gigs

There are many musical opportunities available at churches for their weekly services. I occasionally get asked to perform clarinet for services, but if you have piano or organ experience, these skills are especially valuable. Of course, there’s always church choirs you can get involved with.

9. Do some research and listening

For the sake of my own enjoyment this summer, I started compiling and organizing lists of clarinet repertoire of essentially all possible solo and chamber music I can discover and I have since been going through and listening to all of it and giving them ratings. This is something that really interests me and it kept me quite entertained this summer while teaching me a lot of information that is very valuable for me to know. Projects like this or just listening music is a great way to spend time.

10. Attend a summer music festival

There are so many musical festivals available for all musicians whether they are for orchestras, operas, or chamber music. These are rather competitive to get into and can be very costly. But the experience and the skills learned at festivals can be invaluable and ones you might not learn during the school year. I can say from my own experience, it really sparked a high degree of motivation for me to keep improving and I met so many other great musicians that made me determined to improve.

11. Pursue other performance opportunities

Find performing opportunities for yourself. Find a venue to put on a recital or get a hold of food pantries, warming shelters, or nursing homes to see if you can come in to perform. Chances are they would all be thrilled to have a talented young musician performing!

12. Try something new!

Ever wanted to try a new instrument? Or maybe you want to try your hand at composing? This is the time to do it! Feel free to explore possibilities, take chances, and do something out of you comfort zone. A spark of interest for something could end up developing into a wonderful new passion (and can just be downright fun- I learned bassoon my senior year of high school and loved it!).

13. Practice hard and well

Although you might be gone for a couples weeks on a family vacation or might be busy with work or whatever else you have going on during the summer, don’t neglect practicing. Make sure to find time during your days to really get some high-quality practicing accomplished. Motivation can definitely be a struggle during the summer, but view this is a great time to really be productive and get a lot accomplished!

Abbey Atwater ‘19

Career Peer Educator