2010 ColloquiumI had the opportunity to sing Compline with the schola from another parish last night – a wonderful and prayerful experience. But earlier in the week, the director tangentially referred to me as “the professional.”
Say what? I mean, I’m a neophyte at this chant, and have only been working on it for a few years. No college training in music.
That exchange got me thinking about what it means to be a professional at anything. “Amateur” derives from the sense that you’re doing something because you love it (amor), but that’s not exclusive of being professional.
There’s two ways to define “professional”:
- One who makes a living from a certain field of work;
- One who develops deeper expertise in a field of work.
I guess the second might apply to my situation, as I do take Sacred Music quite seriously and endeavor to constantly learn more and develop expertise. I don’t see myself ever getting paid as a musician (despite occasional high school fantasies) so the first definition isn’t going to apply.
What does it take to become an expert, the second kind of professional?
- Pick a particular area for your expertise, even if it’s not (yet) an acknowledged Profession.
- Continue to learn and gain skills in that area
- Share your expertise with others to establish your leadership
In a way, I guess, I’m moving into this with Sacred Music. But I feel like such a newbie!