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A Music Major Finds Direction and Inspiration

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Careerzing interviewed Robbie Kleinberg – a music major from Indiana University who participated in some great programs and activities over the summer to explore and fine tune his career interests.

Robbie-musicmajorfindsinspirationWhere do you attend school? When did you start and what is your major?

I attend school at Indiana University and I am currently studying music education. I recently completed my freshman year.

What made you decide to study music? And, why did you choose the education aspect of the music field?

I first became interested in music when I picked up my first brass instrument in 6th grade and played in band at Omni Middle School. I got a great education from my middle school band director and was encouraged when I was accepted into the all-state band in 7th and 8th grade.

As I continued into high school, I realized how much of an impact my middle school director had on me. In high school it was a time of self-motivation and discovery. I became more interested in classical literature and playing my horn. It wasn't until my junior year when I received great accolades at a state solo competition from one of the top euphonium players in the world that I realized that this was what gave me the greatest joy.

Although I loved to play, a director at a local college began to inspire me to teach as I became more involved in his ensembles and summer camps. I said to myself, "I want to be in his shoes when I am his age." He already had made such a great impact on my life that I thought that I could do the same for a young person when I am a teacher.

How did you go about choosing a university that suited your choice of study?

When I began my search for a university, my main requirement was that it had a strong music program that drew talented students but also talented instructors, instrumentalists, and directors. I also made sure that there was a strong university life outside of the music school.

While I originally considered going to a conservatory, I realized that it would distance me from real life as a classical musician and give me a false image of my potential audience. I eventually settled on Indiana after realizing that it had a perfect balance of these factors. Plus, the fact that the campus was gorgeous helped.

Now that you have a year of school behind you, how did you spend your summer and what kinds of things did you do to further explore your career interests?

I made some arrangements throughout the school year to decide what I'd be doing over the summer. When I got home, I didn't have to worry as much about what I'd be doing.

The main event of my summer was a weeklong brass workshop in Denver called the Rafael Mendez Brass Institute. That really inspired me not only in terms of my playing, but for my career as well. Each day there was a career seminar focused on a different topic - auditioning, freelancing, the business aspect of music, leading a small ensemble, teaching, and more.

I also had the chance to work with some of the finest band directors in south Florida when I volunteered for the Palm Beach County Jazz and Concert Band Camps. These gave me a brand new perspective on teaching because I was no longer being taught by my childhood teachers, but now was working alongside of them. It was a great experience. I also got some experience teaching and observing at a few local high school bands over the summer.

It appears that you made great use of your time over the summer. How did you learn about the Rafael Institute program? What did you learn about the music business that surprised you? Also, how did your summer experiences refine your career interests?

I learned about the institute while I was at school. The trombone faculty sent out emails throughout the year informing us of different auditions, quick paying gigs, summer programs, and community service opportunities.

The Rafael Mendez Institute interested just about everyone in the brass department because this year they had free scholarships for 200 students. We all ended up going for free. I learned lots of non-musical things about the music business; that you need to show up on time, adjust yourself for the group, and above all, be nice and friendly and never give the other players a reason to not like you.

My summer experiences just gave me a stronger footing and security in what I planned on doing as a career. I wanted to do it on my own time to make sure it was something I'd be committed to following.

What else would you like to explore to solidify your career choice? And, what kind of advice would you give someone who is just beginning to explore their career interests?

Just getting out there and doing more is usually the best way to get an idea of what you'll be doing. I think volunteering often at local band programs, teaching as often as possible, and participating in enriching programs like the RMBI will further reinforce my career decision.

No matter what field you may be interested in, get out there and try doing it or something close to it as soon as possible. Not all careers have the same amount of testing material but there's always something you can do over the summer to get out of the school environment and into the real world. Working even as a paper copier at a doctor’s office or law firm can give you some insight into the daily activities of that field. I always tell my fellow musicians and younger students that I learned more from even the smallest volunteering opportunity than I did from a year of training in a class designed to simulate the real thing.

 

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