Battling misconceptions about teens and young adults in the performing arts is often a constant challenge for the artists and their parents. This can be especially true when it comes to young people who are deeply passionate about pursuing a career in these fields. From the outside looking in, the journey of an artist may seem easy, a fun hobby or even an impractical use of time. Yet, those who are part of it know the discipline, dedication, and focus it takes to follow this path.
Here are some of the common misconceptions these young people and their parents face and the reality of their relationship with their art.
Letting Teens Major in Performing Arts
“Why do people think I am ‘letting’ my son be a music performance major? This is who he is, he is a musician – so why would I try to force him to be something he doesn’t want to be?”
A common phrase parents hear in discussions about career choices is a parent “letting” their teen major in a performing art. This type of comment is frustrating and demeaning of the hard work ethic and high-level skills a teen must possess to pursue this major. The decision to major in the performing arts requires planning, thought, acknowledging a teens calling and passion, and developing a specific skill-set.
The implication is that majoring in a performing art is somehow a deviation from a norm, the norm being acceptable paths worthy of a college degree. This includes the idea that the inherent value of this degree is not as valuable as other paths. Yet, the choice to pursue this path to following their dreams can lead to a rewarding career path that is just as valid as any other.
Music or Music Education is an Easy Major
The misconception that music or music education is an easy major couldn’t be further from the truth. Gaining acceptance into a reputable music program requires a high level of proficiency in one’s primarily instrument or voice. Add to this a deep understanding of music theory, a portfolio of performances or compositions, confident performing skills and in the case of music education reasonable proficiency on additional instruments. Students spend countless hours practicing, performing, and studying the complex world of music. It’s a discipline that demands as much dedication, if not more, as any other academic pursuit. All of this occurs in conjunction with the same academic load as any other major.
If You Don’t Participate in Sports You Lose Out on Valuable Life Skills
Firstly, this assumption also presumes that if a teen is heavily involved in the performing arts, they are not active in sports. This is not necessarily true and some students successfully and happily balance participation in both. Yet, parents of teens who do not pursue sports are often told some variation of if you don’t participate in sports you lose out on valuable life skills.
Anyone who has spent participating in theater, band, or other performing arts understands how far from the truth this idea is. The reality is performing arts teaches many of the exact same life skills as sports. Among these are teamwork, collaboration, patience, resilience, focus, tenacity, and managing disappointment and failure. It also comes with a fair dose of rejection and criticism.
Dedication and time management are necessary skills for success as well. Just as athletes must balance practices and games with school, performing artists balance rehearsals, performances, and academic responsibilities as well . These experiences foster a set of skills that are invaluable in all teens. The assumption that time spent in the performing arts is less productive or valuable than other extracurriculars is simply false.
They Think They Are Going to be Famous
Contrary to popular belief, most teen performers do not pursue the arts with the goal of becoming famous. Teens today are smart. They understand the odds of “fame” are low. Fame is seen as a byproduct of their passion rather than the end goal. They have an innate understanding of the need to create a career with a sustainable income without becoming a “name” artist.
The drive behind their dedication is the love for their craft, the joy of creation, and the fulfillment derived from getting to express themselves through their art. It’s this passion that fuels their commitment, pushing them to refine their skills and share their talents, regardless of the level of fame it may bring.
Teens are also aware of many successful artists who are well known in their genre of choice – but whom anyone outside of that world would not know. For most artists, the goal is to have a career where they are doing what they love and supporting themselves in doing so. A goal that does not require fame.
Life of a Starving Artist
One of the biggest misconceptions about pursuing a career in the performing arts is the notion of the “starving artist.” As stated above, the majority of artists will not become household names. Yet, there are countless avenues for making a sustainable living without being known by the general public. From teaching and session work to composing for films and performing in local theaters or orchestras, the opportunities are diverse.
With the advent of social media, many artists also explore entrepreneurial avenues that leverage digital platforms to reach global audiences. The landscape of the performing arts industry is rich with possibilities for those willing to explore and adapt.
The auxiliary skillset one learns as an artist is extensive. Many young artists find their way into an array of job options based on the diversity of talents they possess. Many careers in the arts are not evident to teens during their high school years, but as they mature and are exposed to various pathways they may find themselves building a career as a producer, a sound engineer, a Foley sound-effects artist, or a script writer just to name a few. Pursuing a career in the arts is in no way limiting.
Conclusion
There are many misconceptions about teens and young adults in the performing arts. It requires immense dedication, resilience, and hard work. Rather than questioning the validity of the arts as a career path, it’s time to recognize and celebrate the courage it takes to follow one’s passion and the invaluable contributions artists make to society. By working to support and understand the journey of these young talents, you are contributing to living in a well rounded society that acknowledges and supports all types of achievements.
