A group of Arizona high school students recently had the opportunity to get some firsthand insight into how to succeed with a career in music. An article in the Arizona Republic describes how about 200 students from Central and Maryvale high schools attended a "Grammy in the Schools" career day event. Most of the students already play in the school band, take other music lessons or sing in the choir. At the event, students reportedly learned about the importance of networking and perseverance as music professionals, as well as some of the options that could be available to them working behind the scenes in the music industry. "I think this was one of the most amazing things that the school could have done for these students. Most want to perform on stage, but we've got a couple who are interested in behind the stage careers," band teacher Jamie Johnston told the newspaper. Careers in music can be highly competitive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that about 35 percent of professional musicians work part time, while 48 percent are self-employed. Among those earning a wage or salary as musicians, about a third are said to work for religious organizations, while 11 percent work for performing arts companies like orchestras, chamber music groups or musical theater companies.  |