Rivers #10: Portfolio Careers: How to Make A Living in Music with Jenna Richards

While we all dream of being able to support ourselves exclusively through composition, the reality is that there are very few composers who are able to do so. In order to survive and thrive, it is increasingly important that musicians, of all types, wear multiple hats: teacher, administrator, promoter, producer, fundraiser, just to name a few. Sadly, this is a reality that often gets overlooked through music education, leaving many ill-equipped to tackle reality once they complete their studies.

Not only does Jenna Richards embody this reality within her own personal life, she is currently engaged in doctoral research that specifically looks at “portfolio careers,” a concept that encompasses this need for those in the arts to leverage their unique skill-set in multiple ways in order to build a sustainable career. In addition to her active career as both a pianist and violinist, Jenna is currently the Director of Artistic Planning and Community Engagement at the Ottawa Chamberfest. She also serves on the board of Xenia Concerts, and is an active public speaker, having presented at the Walrus Talks, the Harvard Music Conference, and the Society for Musicology in Ireland (to name a few!)

Curious about how you can leverage your musical skills in the “real world?” Wondering how you’re going to survive (and thrive!) after you finish school?