Many people dream of making a living in the arts. They imagine the performances, the applause, the recording sessions, or perhaps seeing their work displayed for the world to enjoy. What they often don't see is the entrepreneurial mindset required to sustain a creative career over decades.
On a recent episode of the Power of After Show, I had the pleasure of speaking with world-renowned conductor, composer, producer, and entrepreneur Robert Emery. Although Robert began his professional music career as a child prodigy, his long-term success has had far less to do with talent than with his willingness to continually ask one important question:
"What's next?"
That question has led him from concert stages around the world to music education, orchestral meditation music, conducting, producing, composing, and building multiple businesses around his creative gifts.
His journey offers valuable lessons not only for musicians but for anyone seeking to build a meaningful second-half career.
Talent Opens Doors: Business Keeps them Open
One of the biggest misconceptions about artists is that talent alone creates success. Robert quickly dismissed that myth. He pointed out that many graduates from prestigious music conservatories possess extraordinary talent, yet only a small percentage make their living as professional musicians. The difference is rarely musical ability. More often, it's business knowledge.
Every creative professional is also a business owner. Whether you're a musician, painter, writer, photographer, speaker, consultant, or designer, you're representing a brand—your own.
That means understanding marketing, relationships, customer service, finances, and long-term planning. Robert emphasized that from a very young age he understood he wasn't simply a musician—he was building a business. That perspective has shaped every opportunity since.
Your Last Performance is Your Marketing
One statement from Robert especially resonated with me. "You're only as good as your last gig." I have used that same phrase for years, also coming from the gig economy. That principle extends far beyond music.
People remember excellence. They also remember poor experiences. Think of some of your experiences. For example, you may enjoy dinner a number of times at a particular restaurant, but it only takes once to have a bad meal to never choose that particular dinner option again.
Every interaction with a client, customer, audience member, or colleague becomes part of your marketing. Your reputation often grows not through advertising but through recommendations.
Relationships remain one of the most valuable forms of marketing. People hire those they know, trust, and remember. That means every project deserves your very best, even when it seems no one is watching.
This is especially true in the arts. For many venues and organizations, showing up on time, acting professionally, and being dependable can be just as important as talent. Reliability, paired with strong relationships, often opens more doors than talent alone.
Marketing is About Solving Problems
Many creatives struggle with marketing because they think they're promoting themselves. Robert offered a refreshing perspective. Instead of selling your service, identify the problem you solve.
People don't simply buy music. They buy inspiration. They buy peace. They buy celebration. They buy memories. The same principle applies across every creative field.
Rather than asking, "How do I sell my work?" ask, "What need does my work meet?" When you clearly communicate that answer, your marketing becomes much more compelling. This principle applies in most every field. Donald Miller in his book Storybrand explains this so clearly, emphasizing the importance of creating a clear message for your customer, as they are the hero and you are the guide.
Authenticity is Still Your Greatest Advantage
Today's creators have more tools than ever before. Video, livestreaming, podcasts, newsletters, email marketing, and social media make it possible to reach audiences around the globe. But one principle outweighs every platform: Be yourself.
Perfect editing or polished presentations don’t always communicate an authentic message. Content that is personable and relatable far out ways a slickly produced product. That type of authenticity builds trust. People connect with people—not perfection.
As someone who has also shifted toward more livestreaming and conversational content, I have experienced the benefit of this type of authenticity. Audiences appreciate honesty far more than flawless production, even though at times it’s easy to become quite self-critical!
Consistency Beats Inspiration
One of Robert's most impressive projects began with a simple commitment. Every day he records a short "Ask the Maestro" video answering questions from musicians around the world. Three or four minutes every day.
Not because inspiration strikes every morning. But because consistency creates momentum. Many creative people wait until they feel inspired before creating. Professionals create whether inspiration arrives or not. Small daily actions eventually become significant bodies of work.
It is rare that a piece of music or content is created in a short period of time. We hear those stories, but usually writing is rewriting. It takes seat discipline and consistency to take most work to a higher level.
Many have heard the story of Paul McCartney’s song Yesterday. In 1964 while staying in the home of Jane Asher, he woke up with the full melody in his head. To hold that melody, which he thought he must have gleaned from another song, he wrote some placeholder words until finishing the song with the current lyrics. This was a rare occurrence of the melody that had “arrived’ almost fully formed, but most songs require craftmanship and persistence.
Music Education Builds More than Musicians
During the COVID shutdowns, Robert found himself unable to conduct orchestras. Instead of waiting for concerts to return, he asked another version of "What's next?" The answer became Ted's List, an online music education resource that unexpectedly grew into one of the largest music education websites in the world.
What started as a handful of pages evolved into thousands of educational articles written by professional musicians who had suddenly lost their work during the pandemic. The project served multiple purposes.
- It supported struggling musicians.
- It educated families.
- It encouraged children to continue learning music.
Most importantly, it preserved something Robert deeply believes in: Music education matters. As both of us discussed during the interview, countless adults have shared the same regret: "I wish I had never stopped taking music lessons." Learning music develops discipline, creativity, listening skills, and confidence—qualities that extend far beyond the concert stage.
Creating Music that Serves Others
One of Robert's newest ventures demonstrates another important entrepreneurial lesson. Rather than following existing trends, he created something entirely new. His orchestral meditation music combines a full symphony orchestra, choir, natural breathing, and immersive recording techniques to produce deeply calming musical experiences.
Unlike much of today's digitally produced meditation music, every note is performed live by professional musicians. The project required a tremendous investment of time, talent, and resources. Financially, it may never become his largest commercial success. Yet it fulfills a larger purpose.
People write to him describing reduced anxiety, greater peace, and meaningful emotional healing through the music. Not every worthwhile project begins with a profit motive. Sometimes the greatest opportunities arise from asking, "What does the world need?" This is a good question to ask ourselves at mid-career or halftime of life when there is more freedom of time, resources and experience. Your experience isn't limited to one job title. The skills you've accumulated over decades often combine to create opportunities you couldn't have imagined earlier in life.
The Power of One Step Forward
Perhaps the greatest takeaway from our conversation came near the end with the message of moving forward. Put one foot in front of the other. Believe you're on the path you're meant to follow.
- Have a plan.
- Work hard.
- Trust the process.
That philosophy perfectly aligns with what I often describe as the Power of After. Your next chapter isn't about starting over. It's about building on everything you've already learned.
- Your experience becomes your advantage.
- Your relationships become opportunities.
- Your creativity becomes contribution.
Whether you're launching a consulting business, writing a book, teaching, composing music, or exploring a completely new direction, remember that success rarely comes from one breakthrough moment. It comes from consistent action, authentic relationships, thoughtful marketing, and a willingness to keep asking,
"What's next?"
For creatives especially, that question isn't something to fear. It's an invitation to continue growing, serving others, and building a legacy that extends far beyond a single performance or career. And perhaps that's the greatest lesson of all.
Additional Resources
More information about Robert Emery and Classical Connection: https://robertemery.com
Ted’s List Music Education: https://teds-list.com/
Deborah’s Music Products: https://djworksmusic.com/products/
The Summit: Journey to Hero Mountain by Deborah Johnson: an inspiring journey to conquer self-doubt, fear, and criticism, including the protagonist’s own inner critic.
Power of After: What's Next Can Be Your Most Purposeful Chapter by Deborah Johnson
Hero Mountain Summit: Power of After 5-Step Framework: A 5-month entrepreneurial mentorship designed to help mid-life professionals break free from stagnation and rise toward purposeful success.
FREE Downloads: Goal Setting Worksheets ; Power of After 7 Ingredients for Success Guide
FREE Resources and links: https://GoalsForYourLife.com/DJWorks
YouTube Podcast Playlist (Subscribe!): Women at Halftime/Power of After
-ROBERT EMERY
As a child, Robert Emery was classed as a 'prodigy'. After being awarded a place at the Royal College of Music in London as a pianist, he took to conducting. Since then, he's toured the world as a conductor with the most famous and talented musicians on earth. He's created a music education charitable trust called The Emery Foundation and raised money to fund musicians to write the word's best advice website for youngsters learning a musical instrument as well as filming 'Classical Connections' and launching the world's first medication music recorded by a symphony orchestra.
Whether you're a musician, painter, writer, photographer, speaker, consultant, or designer, you're representing a brand—your own.
deborah johnson
Thought Leader, Keynote Speaker, Author
If you are interested in growing and learning, check out our online courses here: Online Learning
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