WORKING AND NON-WORKING MUSIC STUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDINGS OF A MUSICIAN’S CAREER IN TURKIYE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

This study explores the differing perceptions of the music profession among undergraduate music students in Turkiye, comparing those who actively work in the music industry during their studies with those who do not. In this article, we draw upon qualitative interviews and participant observations. The first author, a former music student herself, conducted the fieldwork and contributed autoethnographic reflections that illuminate the data. The study reveals how employment status influences students’ understanding of musicianship, career expectations, identity, and socio-economic realities. Findings show that working students tend to develop more pragmatic, protean approaches to their future careers, while non-working students often retain idealized or institutionally influenced views. The study also examines the impact of early music education, parental attitudes, financial instability, and the limitations of current academic curricula on students’ career readiness. The results highlight the need for undergraduate music programs in Turkiye to incorporate career planning and industry awareness into their curricula to better support students' transition into professional life.