New Year, Same Projects, Better Understanding

New Year, Same Projects, Better Understanding

For the past six years, I’ve been on a mission: to build and nurture a portfolio career in classical music. Why? For two reasons:

1. To prove it’s possible. I wanted to see if someone could create a sustainable and successful career in classical music without being tethered to just one role or location.

2. To create a map. I hoped to uncover a path for those of us who aspire to do more than just teach or perform — to show that a multifaceted career in music isn’t just a dream, but a viable reality.

If you’ve just stumbled across this post, welcome! My name is Austin McFarland. I’m based in Northwest Arkansas, where I’ve spent years crafting a dynamic and fulfilling career in classical music. Business professionals might call it a "portfolio career," but for me, it’s simply been about finding balance between creativity, practicality, and passion.

As I enter 2025, I’m taking a step back to dig deeper into what this type of career truly looks like — not just the logistics, but the values and passions that drive it. It’s not just about managing multiple roles; it’s about understanding how they intersect and fuel one another to create something greater than the sum of their parts.

So, What Does This Look Like?

Here’s how I’ve structured my portfolio career so far:

• Sales Manager @ B. Corbin Clarinet Products
  In this role, I wear many hats: administrative duties, content creation, dealer management, and more. It’s not just about selling products — it’s about building relationships and ensuring that clarinetists worldwide have access to the tools they need.

• Executive Director @ New Works Project
  I took the reins of this incredible organization in October 2023, and we’re now transforming into the world’s first Music Co-op. Our mission is simple but bold: to break down access barriers in music by providing services and programming that help musicians create and sustain their careers. Like your local farmers’ co-op, it’s about growing together as a community.

• Teaching Artist
  Teaching is a cornerstone of my career, whether as an adjunct music faculty member at Northwest Arkansas Community College or my private studio, I guide students as they develop their skills and artistry

• Performer
  Performing is at the heart of why I became a musician. From concerts in traditional halls to creative performances in unique spaces like train cars and parking garages, I strive to craft meaningful experiences for audiences. While I’ve neglected this role in recent years, I’m recommitting to it in 2025.

Why This Blog?

Reflecting on 2024, I’ve realized that building a portfolio career isn’t about juggling roles for the sake of staying busy. It’s about finding clarity — understanding why you do what you do and how it all fits together.

The metaphorical mountains I’ve climbed have taught me invaluable lessons, and along the way, I’ve found some “tea houses” — places to pause, reflect, and gather insights that make the journey easier. In 2025, this blog will be my platform to explore those insights and share them with you. Together, we’ll dig into the complexities of building and sustaining a portfolio career, uncovering the strategies, tools, and mindset shifts that make it all possible.

What to Expect

Each week, I’ll explore topics like:

• How to identify the passions and values that fuel your career.

• Strategies for balancing multiple roles and managing your time effectively.

• Tools and resources for navigating the gig economy as a musician.

• Lessons learned from my own experiences — both successes and failures.

If you’ve ever wondered how to carve out your unique place in the music world, you’re in the right place. Let’s redefine what it means to thrive as a musician in the 21st century.

Stay tuned for weekly posts, and together, let’s make 2025 a year of clarity, growth, and deeper understanding.