Music Ed or Performance?
Sound familiar?
Those were the the only two career options I was given as an 18 year old who only saw music in her future as a career.
I want to share my story about how I tried both, and ended pursuing neither.
Post grad:
I started to self reflect on the following:
1) What I really wanted to do for the rest of my life?
2) Did I want to pursue the "freelance lifestyle" that my performance degree prepared me for?
3) What is the impact I wanted to make in this industry?
along came the answers:
1) I want to have a job in the arts in some capacity.
2) No, I did not want to spend all of my time worrying about the inconsistent income of private teaching, and soul sucking experience of taking orchestral auditions to maybe win a job that will pay me $30,000 a year.
3) I want to change something in our the arts industry. I want to make sure our artform continues and it is available for future generations.
And the Solution:
Arts Administration
This career pivot has opened many doors and opportunities to have a vibrant, fulfilling, stable, and impactful career.
I want to help you find a career in our growing field that will bring you the same joy that working in this field brings me everyday.
I am determined to help you every step of the way.
Hey y'all, it's Mily
Mily Montanez (she/her/ella) is an arts administrator, flutist, and advocate for equity in the arts. She holds an M.A. in Arts Leadership and Management and an M.M. in Flute Performance from Wichita State University, as well as a B.M. in Flute Performance from East Texas A&M University.
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Mily currently serves as the Membership Manager for the National Flute Association, where she ensures a positive and inclusive member experience while supporting the strategic vision and long-term growth of the organization. She joined the NFA after serving as the Annual Fund Coordinator for the Omaha Symphony Orchestra, where she contributed to securing nearly $2 million in annual fund gifts each year.
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Prior to joining the NFA staff, Mily was a proud volunteer for the organization, serving on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, where she co-founded the Young Artist Mentorship Program, which serves underrepresented up and coming flutists with mentorship opportunities to grow their professional portfolio. Additionally, she has served on the staff, committees, and board of directors for a variety of other arts non-profits. Educating the future generation about what a career in arts administration looks like is Mily's greatest passion.
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Mily currently resides in Dallas, TX and is planning to relocate to New York City in 2026.
Photo by M3 Mitchell Media
a little more personal
I am a sister of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity.
Roses and Pearls!
I am both a citizen of the United States and Peru!
If you ever want to go to a concert, I am there. I have had the privilege to see both queens: Beyoncé and Taylor Swift live!
Niche lore: I worked for DCI in 2019
Musical Theater is my prefered choice of entertainment. My favorite musicals being Hamilton and Into the Woods.
