Question 1

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Susannah Cleveland · Accepted Answer

“Spend as much time as you can in music libraries! Work there if you can, study there whenever possible, and immerse yourself in music materials.”

Question 2

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Susannah Cleveland · Accepted Answer

“The most frequent barrier for people interested in this career is not having degrees in music. They aren’t always required, but there are few professional opportunities without one.”

Question 3

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Susannah Cleveland · Accepted Answer

“Why is this work enjoyable?
“I think people frequently skip this question because they can imagine many fun aspects of the work, but its answer can vary greatly from one Music Librarian to another. For me, the work is delightful because I get to immerse myself in music and then help others to do the same.”

Question 4

What is one thing I should have asked which I didn’t?

Susannah Cleveland · Accepted Answer

“What’s the best thing about your job?
“Collecting and preserving music gives us the opportunity to connect people with music from their own past, and this is a wonderfully rewarding thing to do. People frequently approach us with questions about music played at their parents’ wedding fifty years ago, or the theme song to a favorite childhood television show. Being able to point people to the music and help them access scores or recordings of that music is such fun!”

Question 5

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Susannah Cleveland · Accepted Answer

“Dedication.”

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