Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash
How have music careers and options changed as a result of COVID-19, and how should we change how we educate musicians moving forward? How can musicians think outside the “music box” to expand options for rewarding and creative work? Why is our career choice as musicians especially linked to our personal identity? Why do we choose a career in music, given the inherent challenges in the industry? Musician and psychologist Julie Jaffee Nagel addresses these topics and more in her new book, and in this preview conversation.
Guest
My guest today is joining me from my home state of Michigan. Dr. Julie Jaffee Nagel is a musician, psychologist, psychoanalyst, and author. Dr. Jaffee Nagel is a graduate of The Juilliard School, the University of Michigan, and The Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute, and has helped numerous people understand and overcome performance anxiety and blocks to creativity, career choice, and self-esteem. She is equally at home performing on stage, speaking, consulting, and writing. Her latest book, Career Choices in Music beyond the Pandemic: Musical and Psychological Perspectives, was published March 1st.
Notes
We discuss:
- How our personal identity is linked to our choice of a career in music?
- Why is it so hard for musicians to ask for an appropriate fee for their services?
- What is “psychic income,” and how does it affect musicians’ compensation?
- Why do people pursue a career in work as demanding as music, which offers low economic compensation, intense competition, frequent rejection, and an oversupply of talent for available jobs? What are some psychological factors that draw some individuals to pursue a career in music?
- What are some ways that music education/how we educate musicians should change in light of the pandemic?
Connect/Other Resources
- Julie’s books:
- Career Choices in Music beyond the Pandemic (Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers; March 2023) *Order directly from the publisher Rowman and Littlefield at a 30% discount for a limited time.
- Melodies of the Mind explores how music touches our feelings and how music and psychological ideas are useful in everyday life.
- Managing Stage Fright: A Guide for Musicians and Music Teachers
- Julie’s website includes a blog and illustrative readings, and a two-piano performance with her husband, Steinway Artist Louis Nagel. Julie and Louis offer a joint master class that involves discussion combining music and psychology. You can contact Julie about this and other services she provides, including clinical support, speaking, and mentoring, through the contact info on her website.
Other episodes we mentioned or that you may enjoy:
- Julie references my interview with Bob Morrison: Ep. 147: What is the current “State of the Arts?” with the Godfather of Music Advocacy, Bob Morrison
- Ep. 105: What are the top three skills desired by corporate recruiters, and why are they found in musicians? When should musicians consider a day job in the business world? With Christopher Caliendo
- Ep. 44: What will the music education of the future look like? With Dr. Clint Randles
- Ep. 36: Mental Skills for Stress Reduction and Peak Performance, with author Dr. Vanessa Cornett
- View all episodes related to Education & Community
In-Episode Promo
The Business Side of Music podcast
Coda
Julie shares some of the best advice she has been given down through the years by teachers and mentors at various stages in her life, which she has found very helpful and supportive in her work.
Closing Words
Thank you so much to Julie for joining us today and for putting this thought-provoking new book out into the world.
As always, there are lots of links in the show notes, as well as a transcript of this episode and a list of related episodes you may enjoy.
All Enhance Life with Music episodes are evergreen; so check out the back catalogue for more ways that music can make your life better.
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Thank you so much for joining me today. Until next time, may your life be enhanced with music.
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