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Office of Career Development
Ar Adler, Associate Director
Room 015
careers@msmnyc.edu
www.msmnyc.edu/careers
(917) 493-4486
The Office of Career Development is dedicated to helping you establish a pathway toward your career goals, both while you are in school and after you graduate.
The music business (make no mistake; it is a business) requires you to think, plan and act entrepreneurially – in other words, to take responsibility for your career success.
You need the tools to help you get where you want to go. Those tools are similar to the training you receive on your instrument. They consist of practical and technical knowledge you may not have right now. You have had years of training in playing your instrument or in your area of discipline. How much training have you had in client negotiations, marketing, public relations, finance and contracts? Probably, for all but a few of you, little or none.
Office of Career Development is here to help you fill your career 'tool-box', not just with theoretical concepts – but with practical knowledge you can begin to incorporate today.
PRINTED RESOURCES
The office has available self-help brochures based on the special needs of young musicians including résumé, bio, and cover letter examples by discipline (classical instrumentalist, jazz musician, vocalist, teacher, etc). These examples illustrate various formats for presenting credentials effectively to potential employers. We also keep music industry directories, self-help books, and other resource materials on file for reference; some of these items are available in the Library.
CAREER GUIDANCE
In addition to the self-help materials and resources, individual consultations with the department’s associate director, Ar Adler, are available by appointment on such specific and practical needs as the production of résumés, publicity materials, and cover letters, recordings, photos, etc. as well as on a wide range of issues including career choices, strategies, or the start of an entirely new career path. In addition, pamphlets and brochures are available on topics such as concert venues and series, area teaching contact lists, lists of local orchestras etc. In addition to the services provided by the Career Development Office, the members of the Manhattan School of Music faculty are great sources of career wisdom, bringing first-hand knowledge of building successful and fulfilling careers. As these questions arise, students are encouraged to engage their individual teachers in conversations about the music industry.
GUEST SPEAKERS / WORKSHOPS
Manhattan School of Music hosts several talks and discussions on the various aspects of pursuing a career in music. For example, the Master of Music in Orchestral Performance Program has speaker-forums throughout the year for the orchestral musician, many of which are open to all students; the Opera Studies Department has professionals speak to singers; the Dean of Faculty and Performance presents many types of lectures. In addition, the Career Development Office presents lectures / workshops on résumés, headshots and other job-search materials in several classes each semester and organizes career awareness events which bring alumni, faculty, and invited guest professionals to share their expertise in the music industry.
COMPETITIONS & FESTIVALS
Comprehensive files are maintained on local, regional, national and international competitions and festivals. Students and alumni can access copies of brochures and application forms in the office, while sample brochures are kept on file for reference. In addition, the Office coordinates on-campus recruiting visits from many summer festivals, competitions and apprenticeship programs each year.
JOB BOOKS
Our Performance, Teaching, and Non-Performance Job Books are a well-stocked resource of job opportunities for students and alumni. In the Performance category, the majority of openings are for chamber ensembles and small jazz combos and accompanists. Soloists, however, are occasionally requested. A wide selection of church positions are announced regularly and music directors, organists, section leaders, and soloists for religious ceremonies are often in demand. Teaching opportunities range from private, independent, and community music schools in the tri-state area to full-time college/university teaching positions. Non-Performance jobs range from office work (including music-related fields) to child care. Information on internships and graduate assistantships is also available.
TEACHER REFERRAL SERVICE
Every year, the office receives hundreds of requests for private teachers from the public. Those who wish to teach can fill out a form, submit a résumé, and have their names added to the lists which are mailed to callers upon request. Students and alumni can find Teacher registration forms in the Office and on-line. There will be a link here.
TEACHER REFERRAL SERVICE
Our JOBank Newsletter lists over 100 positions in performance, education, and arts administration each month. Graduating students and alumni will find it a convenient starting point for job hunting. For current students, the publication, which can be found in the Office, is a resource for the kinds of opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities to be faced when entering the job market.
CREDENTIAL FILE SERVICE
Letters of recommendation, concert programs, and reviews can be kept on file to be copied and mailed out by the office on request to support applications for employment. There is a one-time start-up fee of $10 payable by check to Manhattan School of Music and a $4 fee per address for each packet sent. Start-up materials and further information may be found in the Office or downloaded on the internet at: www.msmnyc.edu/careers
MUSICIAN REFERRALS
In addition to providing opportunities for students to negotiate and procure their own performance work, the Office is also called upon to recommend musicians for services throughout the year. These are usually last minute situations or those that call for special repertoire and range from small ensembles for high-profile corporate functions to chamber music series for private clubs. Musicians are chosen by their reputations for performance excellence, reliability, cooperation, and eagerness to work. The Musician and Ensemble Referral forms may be found in the Office or downloaded in PDF format from our webpage. (Please be advised that résumé must accompany these forms.) There will be a link here.
COURSEWORK
In addition to the services listed on this page, the School offers enrolled full-time students a variety of courses in the non-musical aspects of a career: The Business of Jazz (JC2000); The Business of Orchestral Music (OP2991-2); and The Business of Music (PT1250). In addition to these three, Introduction to Performance (VX0900), The Audition Package (SP1070B3), and Jazz Musician as Educator (JC2360) cover many non-musical aspects of a career as well.
NOTE TO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
U.S. Government Regulations limit and/or prohibit employment to students on certain types of visas. Consult the International Student Advisor for these guidelines.
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