The Real World

Throughout this past year, I've seen so many changes being made within myself. As I continued to strive and push myself to complete my Masters in Entertainment Business, I learned the importance of an education especially while trying to start a career within the entertainment industry.

There are many great music artists and professionals who were fortunate enough to earn a college education. For instance, singer/songwriter/producer Ryan Leslie earned his Bachelors degree from Harvard University. Of course not all of us feel the need to attend an Ivy League college just to have a successful career in the music industry but he is someone that has something that he could always fall back on.

As well, soul singer Lalah Hathaway attended Berklee College of Music. Other musicians who attended this college include Quincy Jones, Brandford Marsalis, John Mayer and Melissa Etheridge. All of these musicians have been able to have successful musical careers but if things were not to happen for them that way, they have the option of relying on their education. Although there are many successful music artists who did not attend college, like Jay Z, things are not always guaranteed to go as we plan.

During the times that many of our parents and grandparents grew up, they were taught the importance of earning a high school diploma. As times passed, there was emphasis placed on the importance of attending college and earning a degree. Currently, there are many people out in the world that are not able to have a successful professional career due to their lack of education. Just as athletes are encouraged to get a higher education so that they can have something to fall back on, musicians should received the same type of encouragement. This is a way for them to secure their futures and be prepared for the real world that exists outside of stardom.

Something that is found to be common within young actors and musicians is that they always had to set aside time in order to complete their schoolwork. Their parents went to extenuated lengths to bring around teachers and/or tutors to help their children while they were working. The same care should be carried throughout their adulthood lives. Being just a high school graduate doesn't really get people anywhere in today's world. Being able to expand your knowledge and understanding is what helps others to build long and prosperous careers in the ever-changing world of entertainment.


--- Jackee Walker


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Sources:
Berklee College of Music - Alumni Grammy Winners