How to succeed in the Vanderbilt music scene

We’re all familiar with the stereotype. The path of the modern artist is one knee-deep in negative stigma. Admittedly, there can only be so many Beyoncés and Justin Biebers in the making at any given time, but why should that stop you from giving it all you’ve got?

As a viola performance turned musical arts major in Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music, I know what it’s like to be on the receiving end of doubt. I’ve experienced my fair share of skeptical comments such as “Don’t you think it’ll be hard breaking into the industry?” and “What are you gonna do about money?” At the end of the day, I recognize that income is and always will be a concern, but I also try and remind myself that I don’t need a heavy paycheck to validate my dedication to music (though I doubt Adele complains much about her annual four million dollar salary).

Recent personal experience and secondhand advice has shown me the flip-side to pursuing music as a career. There’s nothing like grabbing hold of an opportunity and letting it work wonders in your life. My string quartet was only recently given the chance to perform on Nashville Public Radio, and more than feeling proud of our brief claim to “fame,” I felt elated that I was able to do such a thing so early on in my college career.

That feeling was a reminder of why I chose to pursue music in the first place. All musicians need to start somewhere, whether that be in music school at an incredibly prestigious university or on a cab ride to New York with no more than 35 bucks in your pocket.

Photo courtesy of Nashville Public Radio Classical 91.1 FM

Due to the school’s prestige and location, Vanderbilt students have access to countless opportunities. Even as a freshman, I’ve already been bombarded with emails about internships at record labels located in Nashville. One particular Vanderbilt organization – CMA (Country Music Association) EDU – supports all undergraduate students in their pursuit of careers in the music industry and provides them with an assortment of networking opportunities and experiences.

The Vanderbilt name all but drops internship opportunities into our laps, and going to school in the heart of Music City certainly doesn’t hurt.

I don’t take it upon myself to sugarcoat reality. There’s no denying that finding fruitful jobs in the music industry is incredibly difficult, especially with so much competition and so few positions to go around, but if I have any advice to give, it’s this:

Connections are key

In the real world, it’s all about who you know. People you go to school with now might end up vying for the same position for which you’re applying in ten years time. Your current music theory professor might end up forwarding you an email from a record label looking for someone to take a paid internship over the summer.

As a general rule, be nice to everyone, because you never know just how beneficial some connections may end up being (or just how sorry you’ll be when trivial college mistakes return to bite you in the ass).

A couple of Blair cellists, Emily Azzarito and John Yang, bond before orchestra rehearsal

Timing is everything

While connections are important, they can only get you so far. Connections and opportunities aren’t worth squat unless you use them to your advantage as soon as and whenever possible. Sitting on an email regarding a potential gig or internship only gives your employer more time to scout out substitutes just as qualified.

If and when someone wants you enough to pay you for your talents, don’t make them wait. Jump on every single opportunity that comes your way before anyone has the chance to question whether or not you’re the best option.

Me and a non-blue blue man from the Blue Man Group

Doing what you love is worth it

I know I’m not alone in quoting my mom when I say doing what I love to live comfortably is better than doing what I must to live lavishly. I’m not so naïve as to think money plays no role in happiness, but sometimes our passions are too worth the trouble not to pursue.

While I know there are bumpy roads ahead, I can’t shake the tremble of excitement I feel in my gut when I reflect on the possibilities. As cliché as it might sound, it’s important not to let the prospect of failure keep you from pursuing what you love.

My string quartet at Nashville Public Radio’s Live in Studio C

Still unconvinced? Just look at these guys:

Photo courtesy of Vanderbilt Melodores