Being a professional musician is a reputable profession – Syafinaz Selamat
Sam Ahmad, September 7, 2021
Why do some people consider being a professional musician as not a real profession?
“Being a professional musician is not just a hobby or passion, but it is a reputable profession”, says Datuk Syafinaz Selamat in the North Borneo University College (NBUC)’s Facebook post.
Malaysia’s music icon of international standard – Syafinaz, is a vocal and choir specialist and currently a lecturer at the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA).
She said that the career in the music industry is broad, and with proper education, it offers variety of jobs and not limited to only as a singer. Examples of other music career include composers, producers, pianists, rappers, session singers, beat-makers, percussionists, violinists and more.
She further said that to be successful in the music industry, you must not rely on talent alone (but just think it as a starting point). Music is a profession that requires a lot of training, skills and proper education. Those who wants to work in the music industry must have the ability to be creative, responsible, well-discipline, active and intelligent.
As an example, a musician who play drums requires a synchronicity between the brains visual encoding and the body’s muscular coordination. Drummer need to move all parts of his body and at the same time he must use his brain to think, his hand and his feet must move synchronically while his eyes reading the notes. Drumming demands the coordination of both fine and gross motor skills, mental speed, listening ability and the ability to automate movements.
“Today, the society must look at music as a serious profession and for those who wants to “enter” the music industry must be well equipped with skills and knowledge.
Datuk Syafinaz Selamat.
About Syafinaz Selamat
Syafinaz started off as a pop singer. Her career achievements as a pop singer include a Gold Medal in the R&B/Pop/Rock/Contemporary category during the 1999 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Los Angeles. Additionally, she’s been nominated twice in Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) for Best Female Vocal for her albums Ingin Bersamamu (1999) and Syyh (2001), a nomination in Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian for Popular Female Singer in the year 1998/99, and Sri Angkasa Award and Anugerah ERA 2002.[1]
– Sam Ahmad