Members of the music community differ in thought about the way the economic downfall has affected the current state and opportunities in the arts.
While some current music majors fear for their future after graduation, graduated musicians comment that the recession has provided more opportunities for creativity in the community.
A comprehensive education is the focus of the music program, which targets the development of communication skills and fosters creativity, said Jeffrey E. Bush, associate director of academic affairs at the school.
“Our [faculty and staff] role is not simply job-training, but creativity training — and helping them nurture their creativity by offering them a variety of opportunities and suggesting directions for investigation,” Bush said.
Investigation is merely the first step at discovering the direction students wish to pursue in a career of music. However, the economy has challenged current students to engage in other topics of study.
Erica Low, a clarinet performance freshman, recognizes the upcoming difficulties of attaining a job after graduation.
“I know getting a good job is really competitive in orchestral performance, and the current state of the economy doesn’t help,” Low said. “One hundred twenty-five clarinet performers tried out for a position, and none of them got the job.”
Many music students choose to attend grad school after college to develop skills to distinguish themselves from others seeking careers in music, Low said.
Jane Vanderbilt, an ASU communications graduate of 1999, said being involved in campus programs has benefitted her career.
“I learned so much about expression in communications in regards to arts, business, and society,” Vanderbilt said. “As soon as I graduated, I was picked up by Red Bull and studied abroad in Europe with the most talented producers and artists in the electronic music community. Then, I toured with them as a disc jockey in America for the X Games and played alongside of the best talent in the music world today.”
The recession has allotted many musicians the opportunity to reach out to those in need of inspiration and a positive outlet from societal stress, Vanderbilt said.
“As an artist, the recession has helped [me] because now people need and want an escape and a reason to have a good time,” she said. “And it doesn’t have to involve spending a lot of money ... music can provide a clean and fun alternative for people to enjoy. The recession has only made things better for the entire entertainment community.”
Although some students worry about the future of their musical careers, ASU provides the necessary tools to help students discover the right path for them, said Bush.
“A music — arts of any kind — degree is only a starting point. They need to find success in a way that not only enriches them but also society,” Bush said.
ASU provides opportunities and inspires students to grow and prosper in many fields of study, while providing a profound academic experience, Vanderbilt said.
“ASU taught me to be extraordinary. The education system helped me to discover who I am and taught me to reach out of myself and reach into what’s important. And that is making a true connection with others,” she said.
Reach the reporter at asjohn10@asu.edu
