Young classical musicians today have to do many of the same things as young classical musicians from previous generations, such as practicing, performing, and networking with industry professionals. However, there are also some new and different things that young classical musicians today have to do in order to succeed in the modern age. For example, they need to be able to promote themselves and their music online, build a following, and connect with other musicians and music professionals through digital channels. They may need to explore a variety of artistic choices and income streams as the modern age has added some new and different demands to the mix, requiring young musicians to be adaptable, versatile, and forward-thinking in their approach to their careers. By expanding their skills and exploring new areas of interest, young classical musicians can build fulfilling careers in the industry while also contributing to the growth and development of classical music. This is an art form that has stood the test of time, but it can be a challenging field to break into, especially for young performers who are just starting out.While advances in technology and communication have made it easier for young musicians to connect with audiences and colleagues from around the world, they also face new and complex challenges in a rapidly changing industry. Digital technologies have made it easier for young musicians to access information and resources, but this has increased the competition in the field and there is often pressure to be unique and to come up with something truly original in order to stand out and secure opportunities. 

In most cases around the world, the educational system is not yet ready to provide programs that face the demand of the industry. Many of the skills required for the classical music workers have to be learned by doing them without an academic background and this could be a scary thing for a young musician that could want to pursue other approaches. After having put thousands of hours into practicing it can feel safer to continue to do that. Young classical musicians can learn a wide range of jobs related to classical music beyond performing as a soloist or a member of an orchestra. Many performers choose to pursue careers as music teachers, conductors, composers or arrangers, or musicologists. People with excellent sight-reading and notation skills can learn the craft of music copying and provide their services to orchestras, ensembles, and composers. Those who enjoy writing can pursue careers as music critics or journalists, reviewing performances, interviewing artists, and reporting on developments in the classical music world. But the classical music industry is evolving, and with it, new jobs are emerging, and the need for skilled professionals in those fields is increasingly higher.

As the classical music world moves more and more online, there is a growing need for digital content creators who can produce engaging videos, podcasts, and other online content related to classical music. With the decline of traditional media channels, such as newspapers and radio, orchestras and other classical music organizations are turning to audience development specialists to help them reach new audiences and build loyal followings. As the music industry becomes more data-driven, there is a growing demand for music data analysts who can help orchestras and other organizations make sense of the vast amounts of data generated by their performances, recordings, and other activities. The classical music field becomes more decentralized and entrepreneurial and there is a growing need for creative entrepreneurs who can combine their musical talents with business acumen to create successful, sustainable careers in the field. 

These are just a few examples of the many new classical music-related jobs that are emerging in the industry today. By keeping close to these trends and developments, young classical musicians can position themselves to take advantage of new opportunities and build fulfilling careers in the field. While talent and dedication are certainly essential for success in classical music, there are also important business skills and strategies that can help young musicians build successful careers in this world. 

If you want to explore this topic more, we recommend a few articles that will help you better understand the present and the future of today’s young musicians:

https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20230113-gen-z-and-young-millennials-surprising-obsession

https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/surge-millennial-gen-z-streaming-classical-music/

https://theviolinchannel.com/25-things-classical-musicians-can-do-feel-better-themselves/