My book, The Musician’s Journey: Crafting Your Career Vision and Plan, addresses the process of developing an artistic vision; becoming an entrepreneur within the global marketplace; and understanding how we change and adapt in our careers through the neuroplasticity of the brain. I include a special chapter on careers in higher education; I offer guidance in how to develop a business plan; general tips on grant writing and financial development; a separate section exploring the stories of other successful musicians and my work as an arts consultant (www.artsmentor.com); and I have an extensive bibliography for additional resources beyond the confines of my book, many of which touch on other disciplines within the fine arts.

In reading my book, aspiring music entrepreneurs can discover a new road map to a thriving career. From the envisioning process to all of the practical details that must be part of an effective career strategy, any musician can utilize the vast array of resources I provide throughout the book. I have written in a prose style that is conversational in nature–—in other words, any musician can grasp both the extensive research and personal narrative. I have drawn on diverse sources from mythology to current brain research, and I offer real-world examples of successful music entrepreneurs.

This publication is not written for the handful of superstars in the industry, but rather for musicians who have completed the bulk of their professional training and have perhaps had some experience in the business. In writing this book, I wanted to reach the international professional population of private teachers, performing artists, students, and fine arts presenting organizations, while at the same time offering a textbook for upper division or graduate level music entrepreneurship courses.

As you embark on your own musician’s journey, I invite you to consider Goethe’s wise words: “Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.”