To say the least, it’s been a busy month! McNally Smith hosted Motion City Soundtrack on Thursday, November 17, in an awe-inspiring Sound Bite Series show, and I’ve been traveling all over the U.S. and abroad. I just returned from an engaging visit to India where I attended a conference on education and study abroad programs for Indian students. Talking to students, faculty, and parents, it was clear that the desire to study in the U.S. is widespread and immediate.

McNally Smith President Harry Chalmiers with Director of International and Graduate Recruitment Kathy Hawks and President of Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music in India

But, sadly, the subjects that Indian students are encouraged to study definitely do not include music. I was told that music, especially contemporary music, is not considered a serious course of study at the college level, particularly given the cost of a college education. In this respect, music is unfortunately considered nothing more than a hobby — not the influential, culture-changing part of life that musicians know it to be.

Indian students who seek counsel and support for study in the U.S. are urged to pursue science, engineering, medicine, and the like. (Hmmm, reminds me of the advice I received in the ‘70s when I told my parents I planned to major in music!) In fact, advising against music has been traditional parental and professional guidance the world over as education and careers are chosen. But traditions are changing as rapidly as technology. Societies that once enjoyed secure jobs aplenty and found value in a college degree are now feeling tradition crumble under their feet.

The new economy is here: One driven by creativity, imagination, and innovation, not only in ideas, but also in how people construct their professional lives. People working in every field increasingly live on income streams, not one steady paycheck every other week. Entrepreneurship, small business, and self-employment — these are the paths that are on the upswing. Trying to regain the security of historic employment models is a waste of time. You can’t stop change from happening.

Time, energy, and your imagination are what you must develop now to increase your opportunities and possibilities. When you consider your future, remember that nothing strengthens your creative muscles like a music education, not to mention that it is always most valuable to pursue a life doing what you love to do.

If well-intentioned people tell you a music education is a bad choice because it won’t lead to a real job or has no secure future, remember this: The future is constantly changing and being created anew. Those who are fluent in the language of the imagination will be those adapting to and leading the change. Nothing will put these skills in tune like music.