Many young people are excited by the idea of the creative career and bringing the products of their imagination into the marketplace. However, owing to the freelance nature of such work, this dynamic, growing and ever-changing sector is often under-represented at career events.

Based on my twenty-five years as a professional musician, and using myself as a case study,  I have developed targeted seminars which drive home the message that, more than ever before,  following the heart can be wiser than following the head.

The seminars are a combination of motivation and practical tips and I encourage the students to challenge conventional thinking. Some of the points covered are:

- overcoming the three fears: fear of the freelance status, fear of lacking talent and fear of being envied (guilt)

1. -specialisation vs. generalisation and finding one’s niche
   

2. -the blurring of boundaries between  a) amateur and professional b) ‘suit’ and ‘luvvie’
   

- work portfolio vs. exam certificate

- over-coming the employee mentality and taking charge of one’s own destiny

- developing a plurality of careers

- partnerships and the disadvantages in owning a computer

- digital (recorded) vs. analogue (live) creations

The seminar is for Year 9 up until degree and professional level. Time permitting, I include a workshop which is the drafting of a business plan for a live event.

Many of the ideas can be found in my books: Thoughts On A Career In Music and Gap Life: A Young Person’s Guide To Creative Careers.