One could be forgiven for initially assuming a career in music is not a “profession” In many domains of music employment there are no accreditation barriers, the work timetable can be irregular plus performing artists have a knack for making it look easy and fun – just like a hobby.

But the fact remains that unlike many other occupations, much of a musician’s skill attainment is hidden from public view – the hours of lessons, isolated practice, rehearsals, the auditions, the personal sacrifice, the trial-and-error experiences, perfectionist creative mastery expectations, the inevitable disappointments, the intensive undergraduate and post-graduate training, the expensive instruments/equipment, moving to another city/state/country to follow work and further skill-building as well countless hours of touring – the list is infinite.