[img]541|left|Carter Dewberry||no_popup[/img]I had a day job for 10 years after graduating with my Bachelor of Music degree.
I can say this now openly, but during that decade, I mostly walked around embarrassed to tell anyone in the music world. It didn’t matter that I was making more in the corporate world than musicians in all but the major symphony orchestras. I felt like others would look down on my musical abilities if they knew of my other life.
Today, I am thankful for my “do what it takes” practical approach to life. That series of jobs put me through graduate school, allowed me to travel to exotic places, paid for a good portion of the down payment on my first home, and allowed me to pay down debt I racked up in response to my separation from my first husband. (Why I thought spending a bunch of money would help the pain still escapes me; retail therapy definitely didn’t work for me.)
In addition to providing the funds for me to look beyond survival (and paying rent), I learned skills that have and continue to serve me in my current musical projects. And, being a W-2 employee for years showed me the perks — and drawbacks — of such a life.
Another Perspective
I was saddened to have lunch with a musician friend last week who is in her thirties and still facing financial crises. She is not alone. The job market is indeed dire for those with doctorate degrees looking to teach. Teachers stay in a position for 30 years or more, and if they graduate even just a few doctorate students every year… well, you do the math. I heard there were 250 applications for one teaching position. This rivals orchestral auditions, where I have heard of hundreds of applications for a position paying less than $30K/year.
I am thankful to have created my life in such a way that I can stay in the conversation of music on a near continuous basis AND pay my bills (and some). I hope that those who find themselves working in a field outside of their passion will use that time wisely to build the skills and portfolio necessary to launch back into their desired occupation with renewed energy when the time is right.
Ms. Dewberry, an accomplished cellist, completed her DMA in Chamber Music Performance from UCLA in December 2005. She received her MM in Cello Performance from UCLA in June 2002 and her B.M. in Cello Performance from Western Michigan University in April 1998. She also holds a B.A. in French with a minor in Women's Studies and Philosophy.
Her website is www.carterdewberry.com
She may be contacted at carter@carterdewberry.com
