ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a broad cross-section of cultural practice, and the commonalities of arts practice suggest that musicians could find opportunities within the wider cultural industries. The testimony of musicians and other artists is strikingly similar in terms of industry change; attrition; education and training; and professional development needs. Significantly, the personal attributes, generic skills and knowledge required for sustainable practice are also markedly similar. The personal attributes underscore comments made by musicians for centuries. In addition to necessary skills and knowledge, artists were asked to identify personal attributes that are crucial to sustaining a career in the cultural workforce. The personal attributes cited by participants align with advice given by the American Conservatory of Music (ACM) that those who succeed in the music profession are not necessarily the ones with the highest technical mastery, but rather those who have the determination and the self-confidence to implement creative and time-consuming strategies to promote career opportunities.
