10 answers
Marie
Student
Belgium
2
Questions
Asked
832 views
Could I make my passion my career?
Ok so I am currently 16 and I have always loved music and had a secret dream become a singer but only to preform, not to become famous or anything. Anyways over the years my thoughts about music have been taken over by school but when I was 14 I discovered Broadway, and my passion is stronger than ever. I have been told that I have a talent for singing and acting and that I'm good at dancing (I have a nice voice and I cant make very clear and expressive facial expressions). But I never believed them because I always tell myself "it's not enough, its not enough to peruse a career". Yet it is still my dream and I am still motivated to make it a reality. I have started vocal classes, I plan to (and hope to) go to the Boston conservatory for musical arts if I get in (even though I will have to cover myself financially), I do multiple musical theater classes and I am planning to continue this and expand my capacity. However deep down I still have that thought that I wont make it. That I'm not good enough and it is a hard and risky career. My parents believe that as well. My father always supported me but he said that I have almost no chance of making Broadway (btw he has never seen me preform). Not only that but I live internationally meaning I have to move to a different continent (which I have no problem with but still). I have days where I truly believe that it will always stay a dream and other days where I believe that I can do it. I would love to get someone else's opinion, if they believe you need pure talent to get into the musical industry of if it is a mix of hard work and talent. What do you think? Could I make it with only motivation, passion and hard work ? #music #career #art #future
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10 answers
Paul Ratner
SR Director Premium Suite Sales
7
Answers
El Cerrito, California
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hey Marie - I am not a singer by any means, nor do I have much insight into that career. My reason for responding here is I too wanted a job that everyone wants and there were very few of, so I figure my story may help you.
Since I was 3 years old I wanted to be a professional basketball player. I grew up following my brothers who played in school (10 & 12 years older than me). As I grew older other priorities came into my life and as I got into high school I didn't work as hard at getting better. People in my life told me the same thing ever since I was three years old, that I was too short, too fat, not good enough, etc.
Those words started to sink in my head and I started building a back up plan in my mind, that I'd be a sports announcer. Even that job was really competitive and here I am in sales for an NBA basketball team. Do I have any regrets? Maybe a little that I didn't work harder towards my dream when I was three years old, but I don't think I'd want to sacrifice the other parts of my life that became a priority.
You're 16 years old, and your best chance of making it in a career that is really hard to obtain is to work as hard as you possibly can and make it your priority. And the last part, which is the hardest, is don't have a backup plan. If you don't make it and you don't have a backup plan it will hurt, just be prepared for that. Most parents may have a hard time supporting this, I say this as a parent by the way, and the reason for that is they want to protect you but they also want you to have a paying job/career.
Lastly - I'd recommend getting a mentor/teacher that will help guide you through this. You will hit a lot of bumps in the road and having someone to lean on that keeps you up when you're down will be important.
I hope this helps you decide what you want to do.
1. Believe in yourself and work really hard at it
2. Identify a mentor/teacher who will help you through this journey
Since I was 3 years old I wanted to be a professional basketball player. I grew up following my brothers who played in school (10 & 12 years older than me). As I grew older other priorities came into my life and as I got into high school I didn't work as hard at getting better. People in my life told me the same thing ever since I was three years old, that I was too short, too fat, not good enough, etc.
Those words started to sink in my head and I started building a back up plan in my mind, that I'd be a sports announcer. Even that job was really competitive and here I am in sales for an NBA basketball team. Do I have any regrets? Maybe a little that I didn't work harder towards my dream when I was three years old, but I don't think I'd want to sacrifice the other parts of my life that became a priority.
You're 16 years old, and your best chance of making it in a career that is really hard to obtain is to work as hard as you possibly can and make it your priority. And the last part, which is the hardest, is don't have a backup plan. If you don't make it and you don't have a backup plan it will hurt, just be prepared for that. Most parents may have a hard time supporting this, I say this as a parent by the way, and the reason for that is they want to protect you but they also want you to have a paying job/career.
Lastly - I'd recommend getting a mentor/teacher that will help guide you through this. You will hit a lot of bumps in the road and having someone to lean on that keeps you up when you're down will be important.
I hope this helps you decide what you want to do.
Paul recommends the following next steps:
Paul Bordenkircher
Audio Engineer
76
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Marie. Sounds like you have a lot of passion for music and/or musical theater. I will tell you some hard truths I've learned while spending almost 30 years in and around music and theater.
1. Can you get started HERE? Don't pack your bags yet! Have you ever auditioned for a community theater play in your area? What about music groups of any type - bands, choirs, etc? In a creative career, any practical experience using your talents is a good thing. It also gives you a chance to spread your wings and try different types. Are you better in a musical? Or do your talents lend more towards a rock band, maybe opera? The more you do, the more you'll learn about your own abilities.
2. Don't believe your family. I mean that as a positive AND a negative statement. First, your loving grandparents and close friends will ALWAYS tell you you're great - even when you're not. To really evaluate your level of talent, you need an unbiased source to give you a true opinion of your potential.
Conversely, parents who have no background in the arts will almost always discourage you from pursuing it. You can't always listen to their advice when it comes to a creative field. Sometimes you just have to do it, no matter what anyone tells you.
3. It's a difficult career choice. I mean REALLY difficult! There is absolutely no guarantee of the level of success you might achieve. Worse yet, success is usually not even based on your talent. You can be incredibly talented, but be at the wrong place at the wrong time, and you end up getting nowhere. The opposite is also true - have the right look, the right voice, and walk into the right audition at the right time, and the possibilities are endless! BUT... the difference between the two could literally be missing the bus that morning, or getting on the wrong elevator.
A creative career has so many variables to it, and almost none of them have to do with you. Having the right look, the right sound, getting the right manager or agent, or like I said, being in the right place at the right time. Any one of these can make you a star, or doom you to never reaching your potential.
3. Define YOUR definition of success. This is probably the most important. I often coach artists and songwriters, and I remind them success doesn't have to mean selling a million albums, getting an Oscar, or starring on Broadway. In any career - but especially a creative one - success is defined by YOU, not the world. And your definition of success can change over time.
I know one very talented woman who had a lot of potential for getting to a bigger stage as a recording artist. She is now completely happy as a wife and mom who sings at church, and occasionally does shows with a band. Her definition of success changed. So don't think you MUST go to New York to be a star. To use a sports analogy, moving to New York at age 16 is like trying to play for an NBA team before you've even learned to dribble a basketball! You build up to it, nobody starts there.
4. Consider an education. SO GLAD you said you want to go to school! It's not talked about a lot in creative circles, but most highly successful artists are formally trained at some level. They learn as much as they can about their craft, to expand their ability to do different things. Do you know the different between an opera and a musical?
And it's not just creative things either - it's things surrounding your career. If you work in a theater, do you know the difference between upstage and downstage? House left or stage left? There's more than just being talented. If you spend time learning about it, you'll come to discover what you WANT to learn more about. Plus, well-known schools are often feeder programs to other opportunities.
--------
My advice: work in community theater in your area. Try out for music events of different types - that includes the choir at church. Learn what you like, and what you're good at. Ask advice from people in the areas you like (but also know they aren't necessarily experts at ALL of it). Decide where you want to go to school. THEN decide if it will require a move to accomplish your goals.
Hope that helps!
1. Can you get started HERE? Don't pack your bags yet! Have you ever auditioned for a community theater play in your area? What about music groups of any type - bands, choirs, etc? In a creative career, any practical experience using your talents is a good thing. It also gives you a chance to spread your wings and try different types. Are you better in a musical? Or do your talents lend more towards a rock band, maybe opera? The more you do, the more you'll learn about your own abilities.
2. Don't believe your family. I mean that as a positive AND a negative statement. First, your loving grandparents and close friends will ALWAYS tell you you're great - even when you're not. To really evaluate your level of talent, you need an unbiased source to give you a true opinion of your potential.
Conversely, parents who have no background in the arts will almost always discourage you from pursuing it. You can't always listen to their advice when it comes to a creative field. Sometimes you just have to do it, no matter what anyone tells you.
3. It's a difficult career choice. I mean REALLY difficult! There is absolutely no guarantee of the level of success you might achieve. Worse yet, success is usually not even based on your talent. You can be incredibly talented, but be at the wrong place at the wrong time, and you end up getting nowhere. The opposite is also true - have the right look, the right voice, and walk into the right audition at the right time, and the possibilities are endless! BUT... the difference between the two could literally be missing the bus that morning, or getting on the wrong elevator.
A creative career has so many variables to it, and almost none of them have to do with you. Having the right look, the right sound, getting the right manager or agent, or like I said, being in the right place at the right time. Any one of these can make you a star, or doom you to never reaching your potential.
3. Define YOUR definition of success. This is probably the most important. I often coach artists and songwriters, and I remind them success doesn't have to mean selling a million albums, getting an Oscar, or starring on Broadway. In any career - but especially a creative one - success is defined by YOU, not the world. And your definition of success can change over time.
I know one very talented woman who had a lot of potential for getting to a bigger stage as a recording artist. She is now completely happy as a wife and mom who sings at church, and occasionally does shows with a band. Her definition of success changed. So don't think you MUST go to New York to be a star. To use a sports analogy, moving to New York at age 16 is like trying to play for an NBA team before you've even learned to dribble a basketball! You build up to it, nobody starts there.
4. Consider an education. SO GLAD you said you want to go to school! It's not talked about a lot in creative circles, but most highly successful artists are formally trained at some level. They learn as much as they can about their craft, to expand their ability to do different things. Do you know the different between an opera and a musical?
And it's not just creative things either - it's things surrounding your career. If you work in a theater, do you know the difference between upstage and downstage? House left or stage left? There's more than just being talented. If you spend time learning about it, you'll come to discover what you WANT to learn more about. Plus, well-known schools are often feeder programs to other opportunities.
--------
My advice: work in community theater in your area. Try out for music events of different types - that includes the choir at church. Learn what you like, and what you're good at. Ask advice from people in the areas you like (but also know they aren't necessarily experts at ALL of it). Decide where you want to go to school. THEN decide if it will require a move to accomplish your goals.
Hope that helps!
SamSam Ieong
retail
1
Answer
Macau
Updated
SamSam’s Answer
Hi Marie,
after knowing what your passion is , I have serval suggestions for you.
1. Set short goals for development
As you said, you have facial expression problem when you perform, so you need to practice more whenever you have the chance to preform, for example in school doing presentation or community events, you can set small goals for your own improvement. During your time to achieve those goals, you will discover how passionate you are in this line of work and when you fulfill all those goals, it will take you to the next stage towards your purpose. So set some short term goals to help you get started. Finally, set a timeline for yourself, tell yourself that if I can't do this within a certain time, should I give up or how should I do. I believe that when this is your truly passion, it won't be a pressure, is a stepping stone for you to get to the final goal.
2. Find more resources to help you know more about music industry.
try your best to find opportunities in supporting local community or whatever you can find to know more, by doing that you may have the chance to get to know more about music industry. Music have many many kind of role in performance and you may find interest in other role. Image when you find out that singer is not suitable for you, you can still doing things that you like in this industry and still keep doing what you like. Besides, human social network is very important thing in every career, keep looking for chances and build more connection are the stones for you to become better.
3.Family Support
I recommend you can invite your parents to watch your performance once, in order to let them know how serious you take the music as. It’s because it’s very important to let your family understand what you’re going to do and make them stand with you. Once you get their support, you can chase your dream with no worries.
Last, YOU ARE JUST 16!! Your timeline is only for you, trust yourself and be who you are, do what you love. That is the most important part!!
after knowing what your passion is , I have serval suggestions for you.
1. Set short goals for development
As you said, you have facial expression problem when you perform, so you need to practice more whenever you have the chance to preform, for example in school doing presentation or community events, you can set small goals for your own improvement. During your time to achieve those goals, you will discover how passionate you are in this line of work and when you fulfill all those goals, it will take you to the next stage towards your purpose. So set some short term goals to help you get started. Finally, set a timeline for yourself, tell yourself that if I can't do this within a certain time, should I give up or how should I do. I believe that when this is your truly passion, it won't be a pressure, is a stepping stone for you to get to the final goal.
2. Find more resources to help you know more about music industry.
try your best to find opportunities in supporting local community or whatever you can find to know more, by doing that you may have the chance to get to know more about music industry. Music have many many kind of role in performance and you may find interest in other role. Image when you find out that singer is not suitable for you, you can still doing things that you like in this industry and still keep doing what you like. Besides, human social network is very important thing in every career, keep looking for chances and build more connection are the stones for you to become better.
3.Family Support
I recommend you can invite your parents to watch your performance once, in order to let them know how serious you take the music as. It’s because it’s very important to let your family understand what you’re going to do and make them stand with you. Once you get their support, you can chase your dream with no worries.
Last, YOU ARE JUST 16!! Your timeline is only for you, trust yourself and be who you are, do what you love. That is the most important part!!
Ashley Sheldon
Commercial Credit Associate
6
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
Follow your dreams! With ambition, a strong support system and some confidence, you can go so much farther than you give yourself credit for. And always remember if something doesn't work out, there are so many other opportunities out there.
Nadia G
Psychologist, Coach & Career Advisor
56
Answers
Norway
Updated
Nadia’s Answer
I really admire your passion and the fact that at the age of 16, you discovered the thing that makes you happy :)
Finding a local mentor or teacher is great advice. This person will be objective enough to teach and coach, but, what's more important, to be critical and give very practical recommendations.
I'm from Europe too and I guess that's why I can easily understand why it's so tempting to go to NY/US, so to the place that is perceived as the cradle of musical etc. :) I really support this advice of starting local, building your music portfolio and learn how to perform in front of a wider audience. Also, you need to work with your parents on the financial piece. Moving to the US and living there is a really expensive enterprise. When you add the cost of studying, it gives a really big amount of money. I am not saying that it's impossible, but still you need to figure out how to do it.
I also recommend to work on plan B, as the competition can be quite huge and sometimes only one attempt is not enough :) Something that will allow you to work on your talent and result in getting extra money.
Don't forget to believe in yourself. I guess the one thing that all successful people have in common is that they keep working and even if their career paths were not that easy, they didn't give up.
Good luck!
Finding a local mentor or teacher is great advice. This person will be objective enough to teach and coach, but, what's more important, to be critical and give very practical recommendations.
I'm from Europe too and I guess that's why I can easily understand why it's so tempting to go to NY/US, so to the place that is perceived as the cradle of musical etc. :) I really support this advice of starting local, building your music portfolio and learn how to perform in front of a wider audience. Also, you need to work with your parents on the financial piece. Moving to the US and living there is a really expensive enterprise. When you add the cost of studying, it gives a really big amount of money. I am not saying that it's impossible, but still you need to figure out how to do it.
I also recommend to work on plan B, as the competition can be quite huge and sometimes only one attempt is not enough :) Something that will allow you to work on your talent and result in getting extra money.
Don't forget to believe in yourself. I guess the one thing that all successful people have in common is that they keep working and even if their career paths were not that easy, they didn't give up.
Good luck!
Sharis Yip
Sales
2
Answers
Macau
Updated
Sharis’s Answer
I am in awe that you are only 16 years old and you have the thought in your mind. I was the same like you about my career goal. However there must be a balance between my dream and the reality. You are fortunate enough the have your parents' support and this wonderful through you have in mind so just believe in yourself and go ahead pursue your dream.
Ariana Tomasi
6
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Ariana’s Answer
Go for your dreams Marie! It is great how at your age you are already working so hard towards your goals. I truly believe even in the arts industry hard work will get you far, so keep going! Best wishes on this journey!
Parvath Singh
Professional
3
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Parvath’s Answer
I'd suggest you to never give up and keep following your dreams because they do come true. There might be a time where you feel like giving up but just remember that what's the reason you took this up. Please have a coach/mentor who will always be there to guide and support you.
Most important thing is hard work..
Most important thing is hard work..
Brett Dalzell
Electronic Banking CSR
21
Answers
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Updated
Brett’s Answer
Hello,
I am no music producer, far from it. I would advise you to follow your dreams but to do so with a healthy dose of realism. You can be a musician all your life and I hope you continue to sing and do what you enjoy. I think to "break in" to the music career is very difficult. I have several friends who are lifetime musicians and a lot of things come in to play in order to "be discovered" or to make it a "full time job". While it is not my job to persuade you (as I am sure you have a wonderful voice) I just want to state that you can always pursue a job in the music industry. It may be a good idea to look into a business degree and a secondary degree in music or music theory. That way you can work in the music industry without necessarily having to be the star. I hope that you continue to follow your dreams and that if you think you have what it takes you should go for it. But I am also the type to caution and have a backup. Music will always be a part of your life and you can sing as long as you want, but making it "big" is not an easy road.
I am no music producer, far from it. I would advise you to follow your dreams but to do so with a healthy dose of realism. You can be a musician all your life and I hope you continue to sing and do what you enjoy. I think to "break in" to the music career is very difficult. I have several friends who are lifetime musicians and a lot of things come in to play in order to "be discovered" or to make it a "full time job". While it is not my job to persuade you (as I am sure you have a wonderful voice) I just want to state that you can always pursue a job in the music industry. It may be a good idea to look into a business degree and a secondary degree in music or music theory. That way you can work in the music industry without necessarily having to be the star. I hope that you continue to follow your dreams and that if you think you have what it takes you should go for it. But I am also the type to caution and have a backup. Music will always be a part of your life and you can sing as long as you want, but making it "big" is not an easy road.
Sunitha V
Technician,Technical Support
23
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sunitha’s Answer
Passion can be followed anywhere and anytime if you really want to pursue it. Some people are really lucky. They find their passion and realize that this is everything they ever wanted to do and turn it into a profession. There is nothing like working for your passion.
6 Steps to Turn Your Passion Into a Career
Are you tired of showing up for work day after day just because you’re supposed to? You go not because you want to, but because you have to in order to put food on your table and keep a roof over your head. You’ve clearly lost that loving feeling for your job and now you don’t know what to do about it.
If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. A study from the Deloitte University Press reported that up to 87.7 percent of America’s workforce is not able to contribute to their full potential because they don’t have passion for their work. Furthermore, less than 12.3 percent of America’s workforce possesses the attributes of worker passion.
If you fall into these demographics, maybe it’s time to find out what you’re really passionate about and turn that into your life’s career. Here are six steps to help.
1. Discover your passion.
Your passion should be the thing you enjoy and for which you are naturally wired to excel. There is a huge difference between a hobby and a passion, and it is crucial that you differentiate between the two before quitting your day job. For instance, just because you enjoy painting does not necessarily mean you should make it your profession. You might be better at graphic design, which uses some of the same artistic talents as painting. Keep an open mind and explore all of your options.
2. Determine the demand.
After you have discovered your passion, determine the level of demand for your skills and choose a field. It’s risky to plunge into a career with a very low demand, or one with a large number of competitors even though you love it. However, the number of competitors should not be the deal breaker. If you are confident in your skills, it is very possible to establish yourself and compete quite comfortably, as long as you have a strong marketing strategy.
3. Do your research.
Conduct a detailed search on what it would take to launch your career in this field. You may need to acquire specific machinery or equipment, or earn a certification, degree, or special training. You may even need to hire employees or solicit funding. To save headaches later, find out all you can now.
Interview people who have or are in a similar business to the one you’re considering. Learn what they did to succeed and follow their path, especially if you choose to work in a niche market.
4. Make a plan.
Make a detailed plan of the steps you need to take to make your passion a realistic career opportunity. Include what you need to do and how much you need to spend before you launch into your new venture. If possible, always have a back-up plan in case Plan A doesn’t work out.
5. Become qualified.
To be taken seriously, you must first become a professional. Having a special skill may not be enough to deem you an expert, so acquire the training necessary to become marketable. Take a night, weekend or online class while you’re in your current job, or a sabbatical to attend an intensive training or internship. As the saying goes, “The more you learn, the more you will earn.”
6. Be flexible.
Your road is not always going to be smooth, so plan for hiccups and make adjustments along the way. Be open to advice and criticism; other people’s insights may open your eyes to something new. No one can succeed alone. That’s why it’s important to surround yourself with talented individuals or to form an advisory board to help you make the right decisions.
Turning your passion into a career requires motivation. Be proactive and take a step every day that gets you nearer your goal. The fruits of your labor will eventually pay off and you’ll be well on your way to doing what you love.
6 Steps to Turn Your Passion Into a Career
Are you tired of showing up for work day after day just because you’re supposed to? You go not because you want to, but because you have to in order to put food on your table and keep a roof over your head. You’ve clearly lost that loving feeling for your job and now you don’t know what to do about it.
If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. A study from the Deloitte University Press reported that up to 87.7 percent of America’s workforce is not able to contribute to their full potential because they don’t have passion for their work. Furthermore, less than 12.3 percent of America’s workforce possesses the attributes of worker passion.
If you fall into these demographics, maybe it’s time to find out what you’re really passionate about and turn that into your life’s career. Here are six steps to help.
1. Discover your passion.
Your passion should be the thing you enjoy and for which you are naturally wired to excel. There is a huge difference between a hobby and a passion, and it is crucial that you differentiate between the two before quitting your day job. For instance, just because you enjoy painting does not necessarily mean you should make it your profession. You might be better at graphic design, which uses some of the same artistic talents as painting. Keep an open mind and explore all of your options.
2. Determine the demand.
After you have discovered your passion, determine the level of demand for your skills and choose a field. It’s risky to plunge into a career with a very low demand, or one with a large number of competitors even though you love it. However, the number of competitors should not be the deal breaker. If you are confident in your skills, it is very possible to establish yourself and compete quite comfortably, as long as you have a strong marketing strategy.
3. Do your research.
Conduct a detailed search on what it would take to launch your career in this field. You may need to acquire specific machinery or equipment, or earn a certification, degree, or special training. You may even need to hire employees or solicit funding. To save headaches later, find out all you can now.
Interview people who have or are in a similar business to the one you’re considering. Learn what they did to succeed and follow their path, especially if you choose to work in a niche market.
4. Make a plan.
Make a detailed plan of the steps you need to take to make your passion a realistic career opportunity. Include what you need to do and how much you need to spend before you launch into your new venture. If possible, always have a back-up plan in case Plan A doesn’t work out.
5. Become qualified.
To be taken seriously, you must first become a professional. Having a special skill may not be enough to deem you an expert, so acquire the training necessary to become marketable. Take a night, weekend or online class while you’re in your current job, or a sabbatical to attend an intensive training or internship. As the saying goes, “The more you learn, the more you will earn.”
6. Be flexible.
Your road is not always going to be smooth, so plan for hiccups and make adjustments along the way. Be open to advice and criticism; other people’s insights may open your eyes to something new. No one can succeed alone. That’s why it’s important to surround yourself with talented individuals or to form an advisory board to help you make the right decisions.
Turning your passion into a career requires motivation. Be proactive and take a step every day that gets you nearer your goal. The fruits of your labor will eventually pay off and you’ll be well on your way to doing what you love.