Arthur E. Sowers wrote:
>> On 5 Dec 1997, John Sidles wrote:
>> > Seems to me that science is more like sculpting or writing --
> > the scientist is trying to create something new, for which maybe
> > there is little demand, according to a vision which colleagues
> > may or may not share. More interesting work, for sure. Higher
> > risk of failure, also for sure. Less certainty in paycheck,
> > also for sure!
> >
> > Art, let's have some employment figures for the creative
> > professions, please!
>> They would be much harder to find, but I would start with dissertation
> abstracts to get names and then try to track these people. Its a very big
> project
I will start by agreeing that it this would be a very(!!!!!) big
undertaking, but I'm not sure that D.A. would be at all appropriate
for the creative arts. The first problem I see is that these are
generally areas where one does not need an advanced degree to enter
the "profession". In that respect it is probably like engineering -
you have enough training at the BS level to do the job, and the only
reasons for going on for additional training are (1) self-esteem or
(2) teaching/research (the latter not being strictly applicable in
the creative arts). The other big problem is that a doctoral degree
in many of the creative arts does not require a "dissertation". In
music (if memory serves), for example, the requirement for a doctorate
in composition is the preparation of a score for a major oratorio,
symphony, or opera.
Another possible problem is that the problems with careers in
creative arts, even more so than in science, start right away at the
bachelor's level. BA/BS chemists, for example, can just about always
find a lab technician job if nothing else, but a lot of performers/
composers/writers start waiting tables before they get their initial
degree, then keep on waiting on tables with the degree in hand.
One of the best pieces of advice I've ever heard regarding the
performing arts, at least, was given by a jazz pianist on NPR (sorry,
it's been 4-5 years and I don't remember the guy's name). He said you
don't go into music because you _want_ to do it. You go into it because
you _HAVE_ to do it. It's the only way you'll be able to overcome all
the trials and tribulations long enough to have a chance to become
a success.
Rich Lemert
