Where Can I Go With a Music Degree...?
January 25, February 1 & 8, 2025 – Free Virtual Event
Join us for an online webinar series that will highlight a wide range of career options in the ever-changing music landscape. Our all-star lineup of panelists have represented a diverse cross-section of industry leaders, including ensemble founders, artistic directors, freelance performers, small business owners, recording artists, music therapists, arts administrators, sound engineers, community music facilitators, instrument repair technicians, and more.
Whether you’re a prospective music student, currently enrolled in a post-secondary program, or a recent graduate, this event is for you!
This event was developed out of our desire to help normalize a greater range of career options beyond the traditional musical career paths and to emphasize the range of skills involved in developing a sustainable career in music. After reflecting on our own professional journeys, we asked the question: “What do we wish we could go back in time and tell our eighteen year-old selves about becoming a musician?” We’ve put together a group of colleagues whose expertise we know will inspire the next generations to be creative and flexible in their career paths. Above all, we hope to empower young musicians to envision a future based on their own artistic identities and definitions of success.
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We are thrilled to be collaborating with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO) for this second edition.
Check back regularly for more information about our 2025 event.
Learn more about our 2024 speakers and sessions here.
2025 Edition
This year's edition comprises three roundtable discussions featuring panelists with a range of dynamic careers—they’ll share their insights about cultivating a sustainable career in music, as well as discuss the value of a musical education both within and outside the music industry.
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An overview of topics can be found below; further details available here
The Speakers
FEATURED INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
Pianist (soloist/chamber), Educator, Winner of 2023 JUNO for Best Classical Solo Album, Inaugural recipient of Mécénat Musica Prix Goyer
Our Sponsors
LEADING IN THE INDUSTRY
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Marshall Gayman
Neurologist, Former Tuba Performance Major
Session One
January 25, 2025
All roundtables will be 90 minutes. Times in EST.
11:00
Roundtable #1
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"Where Can I Go With a Music Education?"
What is the long-term value of a music degree? This panel features professionals who completed undergraduate degrees in music and then continued on to pursue careers outside of the music industry. In this opening discussion, they will be reflecting what they learned as part of their music degrees and discuss how they have applied the skills learned in music school to their respective career paths.
Panelists: Marshall Gayman (neurologist), Katie Newman (lawyer). Third guest to be announced shortly.
Session Two
February 1, 2025
All roundtables will be 90 minutes. Times in EST.
11:00
Roundtable #2
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"Musical Entrepreneurship: Building Your Own Projects
and Organizations"
This roundtable will feature panelists who have developed their own dynamic projects and organizations from the ground up, driven by their individual goals of addressing existing gaps in the classical music scene for both artists and listeners. We’ll discuss what inspired them to embark on these projects, how they’ve been able to grow them, and their advice for creating your own sustainable career in music.
Panelists: Dr. Michael Bridge, Miki Sawada, Aria Umezawa
Session Three
February 8, 2025
All roundtables will be 90 minutes. Times in EST.
11:00
Roundtable #3
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"A Day in the Life: Navigating the Demands of a Music Career"
In this roundtable, our panel of musicians will discuss the realities of their work behind the music, including the balance of creative time with administration, financial planning, and travel management. This discussion provides an open look at the routines, responsibilities, and dedication required to build and sustain a career in music. From time spent practicing, to securing engagements and managing finances, join us in an exploration of the artistry and business that goes into managing a career.
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Whether you’re interested in freelance work, solo performance or other creative avenues, this discussion will provide a candid look at the behind-the-scenes realities that go beyond the practice room.
Panelists: Philip Chiu, Dr. Adam Cicchillitti. Third guest to be announced shortly.
Special Guest: Tom Allen
In conversation with event hosts, Lara Deutsch, Dr. Amy Hillis and Dr. Cindy Thong
17:00
Virtual Meet & Greet
Meet the Event Organizers
Acadia University
Carleton University
The National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO Canada) is one of the country’s leading training institutes for young orchestral musicians. For over 60 years, NYO Canada has prepared young musicians aged 16 to 28 for professional careers through intensive training, mentorship, and performance opportunities.
Internationally recognized for fostering excellence and leadership, NYO Canada empowers young artists to make a lasting impact in the global music community. As a collaborative partner of this event , NYO Canada continues to celebrate learning, collaboration, and the transformative power of music.
In Collaboration With
Our Sponsors
Generously supported by:
