Here's something a lot of people might not know about me: I didn't go to music school. Back in 1984, I actually wanted to attend Berklee College of Music. That was the dream. But when I brought it up to my father, he shot it down fast.
He pulled out the classified section of the newspaper and pointed to the want ads. "Look," he said, "there are jobs here for accountants. For people in business. Not musicians."
I was crushed—sad, disappointed, and frustrated. Music was what I loved. But without his support, I pivoted and went to Howard University, where I studied business. Still, I found a way to stay close to the music. I got my education through a different route: in basements spinning records, in rehearsal rooms grinding with bands, and on stages learning in real time.
That real-world education shaped everything I believe about what it actually takes to make a living in the music industry.
That said, I have nothing but respect for musicians who came up through conservatories and top-tier music schools. After years of talking to those players, I've developed a real appreciation for what those programs offer. You dive deep into theory, technique, and history. You play in ensembles, do juries and recitals, and walk out with a serious foundation.
A music degree can open doors. It gives you tools you might not get anywhere else—discipline, structure, mentors, and a network that can serve you for life. That kind of training matters.
But here's what those schools often don't teach: how to survive in the real world.
How to navigate this business. How to handle rejection. How to build relationships. How to keep working when a show closes or when the next gig isn't guaranteed. That's the kind of knowledge you usually have to earn the hard way.
The truth is, it's not either/or. The sweet spot is both. Formal education and real-world hustle. When you can combine both paths—when you've got the skills and the survival instinct—you become unstoppable.
Over the past 25 years, I've built a Broadway career without a formal music degree. That journey is what led me to write Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career. It's not a substitute for music school—it's a bridge between the classroom and the stage.
My goal is to offer practical, unfiltered advice for musicians who want to do this for the long haul. Because let's be honest: playing well is essential—but it's only part of the story.
The rest? You figure it out in the trenches.
The next ten lessons come straight from my own experience. I cover them in more depth in the book. But if you're serious about building a lasting career in this industry, keep reading.
10 Things I Wish I Had Known…
