As you read the title of this piece, you may have already begun to form preconceived notions regarding what this essay is about, myself as a writer, or various other thoughts. All of which is justified, but if you decide to read further, I ask you to be open-minded. Know the purpose of this essay is to encourage combining powers and building community.
Overview
Since 2015, I’ve had the opportunity to witness the journey of many friends and peers in their respective pursuits of music, film, media, and entrepreneurship. A common theme I quickly realized is that there wasn’t much of a blueprint they could follow to become that professional they aspired to be (especially for women).
I also noticed the difficulties they faced in acquiring information on how to get there. And if we dare go a step further, the challenge of practical application and skill development.
Not to say that those determined enough won't make it to their desired milestone. Many of my friends and peers have gone on to achieve great success in the space.
Nonetheless, I find it remarkable how much of a lack it is for practical pathways to get there. For example, if you want to be a doctor or a lawyer, paths designed to equip you with the tools, resources, skills, and knowledge you need are clearly laid out.
I’m not saying that just anyone should fulfill those roles or professions within the space, but I do think it ought to be more of a foreseeable possibility. Not to say that tools, classes, and other development resources don’t exist. Perhaps awareness is a factor. Maybe even accessibility. Regardless, it is a need in our, and extended, communities.
Current Landscape
In my experience, I’ve found that industry professionals typically run into three common questions (in some way, shape, or form they are): What do you know? What experience do you have? What are your credentials? Traditional education shapes this into academics, internships, degrees.
What's The Problem
So you may be asking what's the problem? In my opinion, traditional education just isn't built for people interested in a career in entertainment. Not to say that the path of traditional education has not, and will not, yield exceptional professionals and leaders, but it’s just not designed with the interest at its base.
Additionally, it's expensive for the average person and usually leads to going into a substantial amount of debt. On top of the average 4+ years to complete an undergrad program (which value is honestly questionable). The icing I’ll put on this cake is that students are forced to study subjects that do not support their professional interests.
The Challenge
It is already challenging enough finding meaningful methods of learning within the space of music and all more challenging establishing healthy opportunities to practically apply skills and gain experience. Oh sure, “they” will tell you to find a mentor. I believe mentorship is valuable, but everyone doesn’t have the luxury of having a mentor.
For those in survival mode, time is more of a luxury. Yes, we have stories and examples of people who have defied the odds and made it out and gone on to be successful in their own right. We have more references for it today than ever before.
At the same time, the status quo ought not to be intense struggle and hardship. I like to imagine using our experiences to make it easier for those coming next, which I understand many people do not share the same sentiment.
Perspective
I have had countless conversations, experiences, and conducted research over the years. When it comes to developing professionals in entertainment, I've found traditional education to be not so effective & not so suitable. It just isn't designed to support the unique space as a professional in that space.
So when it comes to professional development in specifically in music, this graph illustrates where traditional education falls (with effectiveness on the x-axis and affordability on the y-axis).
Depending on your interest and where you go, experiences will vary, but for many people, you end up graduating in debt, with no guarantee of a job, and you might have done some things here and there, but you likely don't have much experience.
I myself had an exceptional collegiate experience. Attending Georgia State University in the heart of downtown Atlanta is one of the best decisions I made. Through being involved on campus and extracurricular activities, I developed beautiful relationships and skills that I still have to this day.
My academic journey also taught me a lot regarding being resourceful and solution-oriented. Nonetheless, many of my friends and peers across institutions do not share a similar sentiment.
This second graph illustrates where music internships fall. Don't get me wrong, some people are fortunate to have exceptional internship experiences and gain skills, contacts, and emerge into great professionals. But from my unique perspective, those are far and few in between.
For most, you may learn some things through observation, and hopefully, you make some new contacts, but many of the internships out there aren't actual programs designed to cultivate your skills and mold you for a position.
Here is where Level Up Atlanta falls. LUA focuses on helping maximize time and efforts through an array of tools and resources backed by the core values of knowledge, relationships, and experiences.
A Fresh Approach
Is Level Up the only entity tackling these issues at hand? I think not. Is everyone going to support Level Up and its approach? Not likely. Nonetheless, this work is important and is certainly bigger than any individual, brand, company, or industry. By working together, we can accomplish more at an exponential rate.
It has always been my practice to work with what you have to get to where you’re going. As a community of creatives, innovators, and trailblazers, we have everything we need to shift this narrative (for those who see it similarly).
The time to take action has long passed. I look forward to working with more organizations and people in alignment with this cause to build a better future for generations to come, as well as for ourselves.
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