Music to my ears: Career advice from alumni in the arts
'I wake up doing, thinking and researching music,' says Michael Keire, a local music producer, McMaster alumnus and a panelist at last Friday's Spotlight on the Arts networking event.
Students looking to work in the arts took part in a recent networking session at Convocation Hall with a focus on breaking into their chosen field.
The Jan. 17 event, part of the yearlong Spotlight on the Arts festival, gave students the opportunity to ask questions and learn from a number of alumni, including the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra’s Diana Weir, the Hamilton Arts Council’s Stephanie Vegh and Jeffrey Remedios, co-founder of Arts & Crafts Productions.
Remedios was also interviewed in front of a live audience by CFMU’s James Tennant.
McMaster graduate, music producer and owner of Hamilton’s Threshold Recording Studio Michael Keire served on a guest panel and told students it’s not always easy to work in the arts.
“Art is hard, but you can’t give up because life isn’t always easy,” said Keire, who has worked with acts such as The Dirty Nil and Wildlife. “You need to believe in what you’re doing even when it’s not looking as good as you want it to.”
He also stressed that working in the arts often means ditching the typical 9-5 workday. “I wake up doing, thinking and researching music,” he said. “And I go to sleep doing, thinking and researching music.”
Networking and internships are also vitally important for aspiring artists, and Keire stressed that it’s important to get out there and meet people. Keire, along with several other panelists, also urged students to talk to people who have careers in their areas of interest.
“Just ask to talk, ask for advice. Most people love to talk,” he explained.
“Be extremely passionate, work hard and be good to the people around you. And follow what makes you happy – it’s what life’s about, isn’t it?”
