Beyond Talent: Creating a Successful Career in Music.(Book review)

* Beyond Talent: Creating a Successful Career in Music, by Angela Myles Beeching. Oxford University Press, Inc. (198 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016), 2005. 344 pp. $18.95.

The title of this book gives just a glimpse of the breadth of information that is actually included. Author Angela Myles Beeching is director of the Career Services Center at the New England Conservatory, and it clear that she draws from her personal experience advising hundreds of musicians in all aspects of their careers. Although the book is written primarily for musicians aspiring for full-time professional performing careers, the chapters include practical tips and guidelines that can also be applied to music teachers, composers and freelancers. Beeching emphasizes the need for musicians to network and take initiative to promote themselves and create their own "career path" by combining their interests and talents with the necessary business skills to be successful.

The 12 chapters cover a variety of topics, such as writing bios and resumes, working with professional photographers, compiling mailing lists of audience members, designing web sites, creating promotional materials, making and distributing CD recordings, writing grants, researching residency and workshop opportunities, dealing with performance anxiety and planning budgets for personal and music-related expenses. Interspersed throughout the book are short stories of musicians that struggled and overcame various aspects while developing their careers. These ...