A Career In The Arts: Tips for Breakthrough
by Laura Price
Like many young people, when I graduated from college with a Bachelor of Arts in Developmental Psychology, I had no idea what I wanted my career path to look like. I knew I wanted to make a difference. I knew that I was passionate about music and the arts. But my parents were concerned that I would not be able to make a living if I went in the direction of working directly in the arts. I kept my passion for music a hobby for as long as I could, making money working a multitude of administrative positions, but I was not satisfied. Then I answered an ad in the Capital Gazette seeking a Piano Teacher at Ramsey Piano Company, where they hired me immediately. I became a full time Piano Teacher, while gigging at night as a keyboardist and vocalist for a few local bands. This was it! By the way, I was not trained to teach piano, however I had been a piano player for many years and I had a lot of experience working with children so I “improvised” (pun intended). I was not a trained performer, but I was able to wing it, and I felt fulfilled! Over the course of my career, I’ve tended to seek out experiences with companies and organizations that would fulfill me and that I felt like I could give back to, regardless of the pay. It was not easy but I found ways to live on my own and make ends meet. I found a company that would pay me to go into schools and teach little kids music. I found a local record label, Severn Records, starting in their mailroom at $8/hour and working my way up, eventually managing the label. I was completely drawn in to what the Rams Head Group in Annapolis was doing with live music so I got a job in their box office. These jobs would not make me rich, but I felt connected to a path that felt meaningful for me. Over the course of my career, I’ve had a variety of different jobs and have developed experience that has fed my creativity and confidence, and I’ve learned that it is possible to make a living working in the arts. Here is what I would say to any young person wanting to work in the arts: Connect. Seek out companies and organizations that you might want to be a part of. Research them. Learn about their history, their mission, and try to find a way to get any type of facetime with employees or staff members from the organization. Don’t be shy! Many of these organizations get an overwhelming number of applications and resumes on the regular, but that will not make you stand out. It is crucial that you connect with people. And not just via Zoom!
Organize. The above being said, do create a resume. Or, if you’re an artist, work on building a portfolio of your work and make it available digitally. This is a pain. But it’s essential. Then when you meet folks in person, you’ll be able to market yourself appropriately. Intern. Apply for internships at music venues, art galleries, design firms, theaters, or media companies. Internships provide hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and insight into the day-to-day operations of an industry. They may not always pay well, or pay at all, but the experiences you will gain will be invaluable. Volunteer. There are many volunteer opportunities out there, and it will never be a waste of your time; film festivals, radio stations (yes they still exist), music festivals, performing arts centers, art galleries. You will always learn, and you will always meet new people they may be able to help you. Network! You hear the phrase, “it’s who you know,” time and time again. While I don’t think that’s a stand-alone phrase, putting yourself out there, meeting different people with different skill-sets and careers is essential in figuring out what you want to do in life. Attend arts and industry events. Participate in art exhibitions, gallery openings, or creative conferences. These events are great places to meet professionals and learn about industry trends. Build relationships with your teachers and professors and seek their guidance. They can provide valuable advice, write recommendations, and introduce you to industry contacts. I began working for Rams Head Group in the Box Office, then worked for a time as a Host, then a Server and finally was promoted to Manager in the music venue, Rams Head On Stage. In 2012 I was hired to be the Director of Marketing for Rams Head Presents and I love my job! My days are filled with looking for creative ways to spread the word about the value and importance of arts in people’s lives via the live concert experience. I still wake up every day excited to go to work! It’s a journey. Things happen and life takes turns that you don’t anticipate. Roll with it. Keep your chin up. Nowadays, there probably isn’t going to be a beginning, middle, and end to a career trajectory. Sometimes it’s two steps forward and three steps back. But have patience and have faith in yourself!
FALL 2024 | 61
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