THanks for the encouragement. (In previous post I mentioned I am a voice teacher/classical singer.) I guess the problem is to climb the academic ladder at my age is unusual... to climb it at my age with just a masters has much against me. Usually one has to start by adjuncting with community colleges, etc. This is all very nice but at this stage of my life, I just want to work a 40 hour week and get a regular paycheck. I have been on public assistance for years while I have been working part time, and finishing both my BA and my MM part-time (for the last 6 years!!!!) and BTW I have a 3.9+ GPA so I am no slouch here .... my marriage has crumbled (part of why I have had to do this) but I am hanging on for the sake of these 6 precious lives who do better with us together than apart (been separated twice over the last 3 years)... long story but I at this point don't want piecemeal work, which is basically what I would have to do if I climb the academic ladder... I can't afford that now... this is why I am planning to take the Praxis exams for music certification and try to get a job teaching public school (as I CHOKE) because what else CAN I do as a musician which pays you a regular paycheck every week???? I'd really love to know!!!!!!
As long as you're not in Kalifornia... My wife has been downsized as a k-12 music teacher, and we're thinking of moving to Las Vegas (we don't want to), and trying there. I'm semi-retired with a small business, so I couldn't cover the monthly bills on my own.
I fear music education -- especially elementary music -- will have to be done with a little innovation, like going to affluent school districts, and asking the superintendents and principals if their parents are willing to pay something like a five-dollar weekly charge for general music.
The interest begins in the primary grades; without it, there's no interest in middle and high school (especially vocal music) and it can't be manufactured.
I think, though, that where there's a will there's a way. Mrs. Mugwump is also a classical singer. You should hear her do Schubert, and Faure's stuff!
Small world. My sister is doing just what you're doing. Let me send you some FReepmail.
Life does not have to be about regular paychecks. Tell her to open a conservatory, it can be your living room, and teach at home.