A holistic approach to 'Music Portfolio Career'

In this article you will learn:

• What are the realities and challenges of working in the western classical music industry?

• What does ‘music portfolio career‘ mean?

• What are the different definitions of a 'musician’ and how they can potentially affect artists working in the music industry?

• Why a holistic approach to musicians development can be beneficial?

• What is yoga and how it can influence musicians' work, health and well-being?

THE CLASSICAL MUSIC PROFESSION

A classical musician's career in a Western cultural context comprises various activities. These include music performance, teaching, composition, music direction and recently increased engagement in online environments (Bennett et al. l., 2019).

Such multi-dimensionality of roles and skills is characteristic of a portfolio career. This term popularised by philosopher Charles Handy describes the career of a person who has multiple income sources rather than one full-time job (Scanlan - Stefanakos, 2013).

Western classical musicians often pursue portfolio career paths to sustain their living. The dynamic nature of the music industry and the changing ways in which music income is generated rarely leave an opportunity to focus on only one aspect such as music teaching or performing. These work activities vary significantly between individuals and depend on the musical genre, individual circumstances and personal goals. Despite limited evidence of the portfolio career courses of musicians available research confirms its multi-dimensional and challenging character. Music portfolio careers demand balancing diverse concurrent roles and face constantly changing work circumstances (Bennett et al., 2019). It also concerns taking on higher levels of risk than engagement in full-time work. Finally, it requires an entrepreneurial mindset to negotiate a highly competitive market (Baumol & Throsby, 2012; Bennett and Burnard, 2016).

TWO MAIN ACTIVITIES OF A MUSIC PORTFOLIO CAREER

1. Music Performance

For many musicians performance constitute an essential part of a portfolio career.

To successfully present the fruit of their work, musicians need to develop many different skills besides instrumental technique. For example, the ability to focus and perform under pressure as well as physical and mental strength are only a few of the multiple factors determining a high-quality performance (Kenny, 2006; Wrigley & Emmerson, 2013). In addition, time management and self-motivation during the preparation period are also considered crucial ingredients of the features and successful presentations of a professional musician (McPherson & McCormick, 1999; Creech et al. L., 2008; Clark & Williamon, 2011; Czajkowski et al. l., 2020).

2. Teaching

Teaching as another vital part of a musician's career also requires multiple skills which allow teachers to effectively transmit their knowledge and experience to students. Teachers' identity plays a significant role and determines their approach and pedagogical methods (Harrison, 2012). Their identity is influenced by personal, social and cognitive responses which are successively shaped by the characteristics, environment, previous experiences and training of the individual (Flores, 2006). Therefore, the work of music teachers involves various challenging roles on both a personal and professional level that require much more than artistic skills. Self-awareness and constant personal development seem to be inextricably linked to this profession.

DEFINITION OF A MUSICIAN

Presented evidence on the multi-dimensional character of musicians' work contrasts significantly with a number of definitions of the term ‘musician’ available in popular literature sources. The Cambridge Dictionary, for instance, describes a 'musician' as a person who plays a musical instrument, often as a profession’ (Cambridge Essential Dictionary, Musician, Cambridge University Press), but this explanation significantly simplifies and narrows artistes' real work. Additionally, The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians does not include the term ‘musician’ at all. On the other hand, Dawn Bennett has been able to explain and capture the role of a musician in a professional context from a broader perspective. She claims that a 'musician' cannot be simply defined as a performer, but that a musician is someone who works within the profession of music in one or more specialist fields‘ (Bennett, 2008 p.35).

CONFLICT IN PERCEPTIONS

This diverseness in how professional musicians' work is generally understood and perceived may be one of the reasons for musicians not receiving appropriate coping tools during their education. Such a deficiency of awareness can result in music education institutions not taking responsibility for students' mental and physical health.

Moreover, it can also prevent students who experience psychological or physical issues from seeking help, as they are not aware that the accepted environment in which they work may be the cause of their problems. Studies show that a music portfolio career may have consequences on the mental and physical condition of musicians. For example, Gross and Musgrave revealed in their study that working in the music industry can negatively impact one's mental and physical well-being (Gross & Musgrave, 2016). In addition, Hracs (2010) suggests that managing a music portfolio career can result in high-stress levels and anxiety for musicians and this may have further consequences on their health and well-being.

COPING TOOLS - a holistic approach to the development of a musician

Holism from Greek holos 'all, whole, entire,' is the idea that various systems (eg. physical, biological, social) should be viewed as a whole, not merely a collection of parts (Sunny, 1999). Zoroast the Persian philosopher, based his ideology and training on a holistic view of physical and mental aspects. He claimed that ‘doing good is not enough on its own, and must follow thinking good and being good’ (Shahtahmasebi, 2006).

The aims of holistic practices are to regulate stress levels and emotional reactions, enhance physical and mental conditions, and promote work-life balance (Arunporn et al. l., 2017; Jedrzejak & Wnuk, 2019). In a world dominated by pressure and continuously growing expectations balancing techniques seem to be an essential part of daily routine. Among activities that promote a holistic approach to human health and life the most common are mindfulness, meditation and yoga. Over the past 30 years, these practices have been gradually introduced and popularised in Western culture and utilised in different contexts including lifestyle, education and work environments (Suh & Oishi, 2002).

In this article, the main focus is placed on yoga practice and its potential benefits in the music industry.

WHAT IS YOGA

Yoga focuses on body, mind and spirit by incorporating physical exercises, breathing techniques and meditation (Burley, 2000, p. 7). Due to the growing popularity of yoga, there have been many definitions used to define this ancient practice. The most popular describes yoga as a 'practical discipline incorporating a wide variety of practices whose goal is the development of a state of mental and physical health, well-being, inner harmony and ultimately a union of the human individual with the universal and transcendent existence‘ (Aurobindo, 1999).

Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar, considered one of the foremost yoga teachers globally, defined yoga as ‘an ancient discipline designed to bring balance and health to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions of the individual' (Iyengar, 2019).

Both statements emphasise that yoga is a holistic and universal practice enhancing human physical and mental health by providing balance and a more profound awareness of oneself and life. Therefore, there is a probability that this tool may be beneficial for people working in many demanding professions including the music industry.

YOGA IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

In the music profession, the incorporation of yoga practice is a relatively innovative idea; therefore, there is no significant amount of scientific background investigating its impact on musicians' work. However, a growing interest in yoga practice among professional musicians can be seen in popular literature. Several books exploring yoga and offering techniques that help to unwind, heal and prevent common physical as well as mental strains from which many professional musicians suffer have emerged in recent years including ‘Yoga in the Music Studio’ by Dr L.S. McAllister or ‘Musician's Yoga’ by M. Olson. The books written by professional musicians who become yoga practitioners have a great impact on promoting yoga in the music industry and on how music professionals perceive this tool.

Famous violinist Yehudi Menuhin was an example of a classical artiste who incorporated yoga practice into his daily routine. He was deeply impressed by the benefits of yoga and how it influenced his approach to music. To illustrate that Menuhin said ‘I consider BKS Iyengar to be my first real violin teacher. He is the first to teach me how to use my body’. ( BKS Iyengar, Light of Yoga, 1966).

In scientific literature, Dr Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, a researcher specialising in yoga therapy has initiated the investigation of the impact of yoga's efficiency in musicians' work. His studies have shown promising results. For example, the findings from one study suggest that yoga may be a promising way for adolescents to reduce Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) and perhaps even prevent it in the future (Khalsa et al., 2013). Similarly, research among younger participants suggests that yoga is a promising intervention for music performance anxiety in conservatory students (Stern et al., 2012). Studies also indicate that yoga and meditation techniques are effective for professional musicians by alleviating their performance anxiety levels and pre-performance mood disturbance (Khalsa et al., 2009). Thanks to the process of meditation, for instance, one can remove accumulated stresses and increase energy (Saraswati, 1993; Arias et al. l., 2006; Burns et al., 2011).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, yoga as a holistic practice could positively influence a professional musician's career in a variety of ways. Firstly, yoga can enhance and protect musicians’ mental and physical health and provide balance in their challenging lifestyles. Secondly, it can benefit their performance and teaching approaches thanks to alleviating performance anxiety and improving concentration. Finally, the development of self-awareness allows musicians to maintain a deep connection with themselves which can increase their creativity and artistic uniqueness.

Nevertheless, considering the limitations of available research, as well as a poor body of evidence in the field of the influence of yoga on classical musicians’ careers, more studies should be conducted to provide a scientific foundation and storage of established knowledge.

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I hope that this article has broadened your perspective on western classical musicians' work realities and inspired you to take care of your body, mind and spirit whether through yoga practice or a different activity.

Thank you for reading,

Agata

#asthangayoga #music #classicalmusic #musicianshealth #musicianswellbeing #musicandmind #musicperformance #musicandmindbyagata

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