When I say that I teach cello, you immediately get an image in your head of a teacher and student meeting for weekly lessons, knowledge being imparted, and the student improving over time. What about a conductor? You might picture some arm-waving person standing in front of an ensemble, somehow keeping them together. But for people who don't come in contact with the music world, these images are often where it ends.

I want to break down what it is that I do as a college professor for those outside the music world. My goal is to highlight the transferable skills inherent in this profession and demonstrate that musicians and teachers have much in common with the corporate world and the service industry, even though our profession is unique.

Lessons: One-on-One Training and Mentorship

Private lessons are more than just music instruction; they are a long-term professional relationship. Teaching a student over the course of several years involves many of the same skills found in mentorship and employee training programs.

• One-on-one training: Tailoring instruction to an individual’s strengths and weaknesses.
• Building long-term working relationships: Developing trust and rapport over extended periods.
• Project management: Selecting and working on strength-appropriate repertoire with a 12-week deadline to complete or refine a project.
• Providing regular (instant) feedback: Offering continuous constructive criticism and guidance.
• Clearly communicating expectations: Ensuring that goals and benchmarks are understood and met.

Conducting: Leadership and Team Coordination

Conducting an ensemble requires clear communication, team-building, and project management—key components of leadership in any field.

• Clearly communicate expectations: Setting clear goals for the ensemble’s progress.
• Team building: Encouraging cohesion among diverse personalities and skill levels.
• Delegating responsibilities: Entrusting section leaders with key musical and organizational roles.
• Selecting strength-appropriate projects: Choosing music that challenges but does not overwhelm.
• Managing deadlines: Working within a 4-6-week timeframe to refine a performance.
• Public presentation of the completed project: Leading the team in a high-stakes performance setting.
• Providing regular (instant) feedback: Adjusting and refining execution in real-time.

Coaching: Professional Development and Performance Optimization

Coaching musicians is akin to corporate training, where the focus is on skill development and optimizing team performance.

• Training team members: Ensuring musicians master necessary skills.
• Clearly communicating expectations: Setting clear performance and rehearsal goals.
• Team building: Encouraging collaboration and trust within an ensemble.
• Working with deadlines: Completing and refining work within a 12-week term.
• Public presentation of the completed project: Preparing musicians for a polished final performance.

Chamber Music Coordination: Small Team Management

Coordinating chamber music groups is similar to project management, where team composition and delegation are crucial.

• Building effective teams: Putting together small groups based on complementary skills.
• Selecting appropriate projects: Choosing music that aligns with the strengths of the group.
• Clearly communicating expectations: Ensuring all members understand their roles and responsibilities.
• Delegating responsibilities: Assigning faculty coaches to guide ensembles through challenges.

Lecturing: Public Speaking and Educational Communication

Instructing students in a classroom setting requires strong presentation and evaluation skills.

• Communicating information to a target audience: Tailoring content for students at different skill levels.
• Evaluating progress: Assessing students through small and large-scale projects.
• Providing feedback in real-time: Engaging in Q&A sessions and discussions every class meeting.

Research: Analysis, Writing, and Data Management

Research in music involves a range of analytical and project management skills, many of which are highly transferable to other fields.

• Selecting large-scale projects: Choosing meaningful topics that require long-term commitment.
• Managing research timelines: Working on projects that may take weeks to several years to complete.
• Synthesizing information: Using prior knowledge to develop new insights.
• Gathering relevant data: Obtaining materials from various sources, including archives and digital databases.
• Networking and collaboration: Connecting with and interviewing specialists in the field.
• Data organization and entry: Utilizing databases and inventories to track research progress.
• Writing and publishing: Producing work that meets academic and professional publication standards.
• Peer review: Engaging in critical evaluation processes, such as editing the Servais Urtext.

Additional Transferable Skills:

Event Planning & Logistics:

• Organizing concerts, masterclasses, and guest artist visits.
• Managing rehearsal schedules and securing venues.
• Overseeing marketing and audience engagement.

Conflict Resolution & Mediation:

• Navigating interpersonal dynamics within ensembles and between students.
• Helping students manage performance anxiety and stage presence.
• Resolving artistic disagreements in chamber groups or orchestras.

Adaptability & Problem-Solving:

• Adjusting lesson plans on the spot based on a student’s progress.
• Finding creative solutions for technical or artistic challenges.
• Adapting to different learning styles and personalities.

Public Speaking & Communication:

• Engaging audiences during pre-concert talks.
• Presenting research at conferences.
• Communicating complex ideas in simple, accessible terms.

Entrepreneurship & Marketing:

• Running a private studio or freelancing.
• Managing a professional website and social media presence.
• Networking to secure performance opportunities and collaborations.

A Profession with Broader Applications

Although the setting is different, the skills required of a music professor are highly relevant to many fields. Teaching, coaching, conducting, research, and administration require strong communication, leadership, project management, and interpersonal skills—competencies that are in high demand across industries. Whether working in business, education, or the arts, the ability to mentor, manage teams, conduct research, and present information effectively are invaluable.

For those outside the music world, I hope this article has provided insight into what musicians and teachers actually do. While our profession is deeply rooted in artistry, it is not so different from other professional environments that emphasize leadership, collaboration, and strategic planning.