The Harmonious Transition from Music to just about Anything

“No matter where you wind up, whatever profession you choose, in your heart, you will always be a musician.”

Those words were said to me May 12th, 1994 at the Greensboro Coliseum by my music composition professor, Eddie Bass. The irony of the situation was I has actually graduated the previous August, but was just now doing the walking ceremony. I was also at a critical juncture in my life looking for, once again, what I wanted to be when I grew up. I was already two semesters into a graduate degree, again at UNC-Greensboro in a completely different discipline.

The journey from wanting to perform in the concert hall to the tech world may seem like a leap across worlds, but for many, the skills homed in the pursuit of musical excellence have proven to be invaluable assets in their professional careers. The transition from a Bachelor of Arts or Music in Performance to diverse fields is not just possible; it's a testament to the versatility and adaptability of those who have dedicated their lives to the art of music. The journey of a musician is one of constant learning, adaptation, and creativity. These are the very traits that are highly sought after in the tech sector, especially for those involved in developing products and services. Studying music at the collegiate level is not just about mastering an instrument or a repertoire; it's about embracing a mindset that is both analytical and expressive, disciplined yet open to improvisation.

The company where I have spent the majority of my professional career, Microsoft, has known this. In my nearly 20 years with the company, I have been on all sides of the recruiting dynamic and have watched the practices of how Microsoft purposely diversifies candidate advancement based on a wide variety of degree backgrounds. It’s second highest corporate officer is quoted in this article lamenting that the tech sector as a whole still needs more liberal arts majors Microsoft's president says liberal arts majors are necessary for the future of tech (yahoo.com) and in the age of AI, this is even more crucial (Why AI Companies Are Hiring Liberal Arts Grads, According to an AI CEO - Business Insider.) Think about it, do you want a coder who spent their entire collegiate career in front of a screen in a room full of empty pizza boxes training a large language model on vocal pedagogy? 

A Symphony of Skills

For me, the correlation between studying music and thriving in the tech sector is clear. The skills developed through a rigorous music program—discipline, creativity, collaboration, and adaptability—are the same skills that drive success in technology. A background in music is not just an artistic pursuit; it is a foundation for a dynamic and fulfilling career in the world of tech innovation.

Learning to Perform and Prepare 

The discipline of daily practice, the meticulous preparation for performances, and the relentless pursuit of perfection are not just the hallmarks of a musician's routine; they are the building blocks of success in any field. Musicians learn to set goals, manage time effectively, and work diligently towards achieving their vision—skills that are directly transferable to the corporate world. Musicians spend countless hours practicing, perfecting their craft, and paying attention to the minutest details. This level of discipline and precision is directly transferable to the tech industry, where product development requires a meticulous approach to ensure quality and functionality. The iterative process of refining a musical piece mirrors the agile methodology used in tech, where products are continuously improved upon based on user feedback and testing.

Creativity and Problem-Solving

Music composition requires creativity and an ability to see the bigger picture while also focusing on the individual components that make up a piece. Similarly, in the tech sector, product managers and developers must be able to envision the end product and work through complex problems to create solutions that are both innovative and practical. The creative problem-solving skills honed through music studies are invaluable in a field where thinking outside the box is often the key to success.

Creating Performative Spaces 

Musicians are masters of creating experiences. Whether it's a solo recital or a full-scale orchestral performance, they understand the nuances of engaging an audience, setting the tone, and delivering a memorable experience. In the business realm, these skills translate into crafting compelling presentations, leading engaging meetings, and creating environments that inspire collaboration and innovation.

Reading the Room 

A musician's ability to read an audience and adapt their performance accordingly is akin to a manager's need to understand their team and stakeholders. Sensitivity to the mood, dynamics, and needs of a group allows for effective communication, empathetic leadership, and the fostering of a positive work culture.

Discipline and Performance Preparation 

The rigorous training and preparation that go into a musical performance are not unlike the strategic planning and execution required in project management. Musicians learn to anticipate challenges, prepare contingently, and deliver under pressure, ensuring that when the moment comes, they are ready to perform at their best.

From the Concert Hall to the Shiproom 

The stories of musicians who have transitioned into successful careers in various fields are both inspiring and instructive. For example, a former cellist who spent years perfecting their craft at Juilliard now applies the same discipline and focus to running a startup, finding that the lessons from their musical career are integral to their success in business. Similarly, individuals who have pursued music with passion have found that their creative thread weaves seamlessly into their professional endeavors, allowing them to exercise their creativity in new and fulfilling ways.

Collaboration and Communication: Orchestrating Success

Musicians often work as part of an ensemble, where communication and collaboration are essential for a harmonious performance. In the tech world, teamwork is just as crucial. Developing products and services involves coordinating with diverse teams, understanding various perspectives, and ensuring that all parts of the project are aligned. The ability to collaborate effectively, as learned in a collegiate music program, is a vital skill for any tech professional.

Adaptability and Continuous Learning: Playing to the Beat of Innovation

The tech sector is ever-evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging regularly. Musicians are accustomed to adapting to different styles, learning new pieces, and staying current with musical trends. This adaptability is a significant asset in the tech industry, where professionals must be willing to learn and grow with the changing landscape to remain relevant and competitive.

The Data Behind the Transition 

While specific data on the number of individuals who transition from music to other careers is not readily available, it is clear that the skills developed through a music education are highly valued in various industries. From project management to user experience design, the principles of performance, preparation, and audience engagement are universally applicable.

My path from being a musician to excelling in a different career was paved with the transferable skills of discipline, performance, and adaptability. As we continue to witness the evolution of the careers of our students, it is the harmonious blend of art, business, technology, and humanity that will lead to innovative solutions and inspired leadership in every corner of the workplace.

My name is Steve Thomas, and I am the CEO of the Artslantic Exchange, a non-profit organization whose mission is to support students in the world of the classical musical arts, allowing them to refine their talents while exposing them to diverse world cultures: from the people and places to the practices and pedagogies.

I am also a Product Manager at Microsoft with over 25 years of experience in IT and cloud technologies. I currently works on the Microsoft Purview team focusing on customer experiences with security and compliance workloads of enterprise customers. In essence, I help our customers protect their data and privacy complying with a wide array of digital regulations.

The Artslantic Exchange allows me to converge two of my passions - promoting classical music education and the concept of studying abroad. I am a firm believer in learning through cultural experiences and immersion.

Steve

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