FROM PIANIST TO ARTS LEADER: UH ALUM REFLECTS ON CAREER JOURNEY
Janine Arostique's path to becoming an arts leader was far from conventional. As a pianist, she embarked on her undergraduate journey at the University of Houston with dreams of a career in music performance. However, life had different plans for her, and it was through a series of fortuitous encounters and academic exploration that she found her true calling in the world of arts leadership.
Arostique was initially enrolled as a piano performance major at the Moores School of Music. Yet, her interests were far broader, and she soon enrolled in the Honors College, adding a minor in creative work to her repertoire. Her love for the arts extended further as she picked up another minor, this time in interdisciplinary art. Finally, she switched her major to general music during her senior year and simultaneously earned a degree in liberal studies.
“I didn't really like being in a practice room or performing,” Arostique said. “I was like, ‘This is fine, I guess, but not really for me.’ So I began thinking more broadly about the arts.”
While the dream of becoming a pianist had lured her into the world of music, Arostique's diverse interests prompted her to explore other artistic avenues. She ventured into internships at various organizations, including the Texas Music Festival and the Houston Arts Alliance, all while juggling a bustling schedule that included piano teaching and holding a receptionist position at the Houston Ballet.
This period of exploration was pivotal, leading Arostique to reevaluate her career goals and the role she wanted to play in the arts. It became increasingly clear that she was drawn to the administrative aspects of the arts rather than pursuing a career solely as a performer. It was during this phase that she learned about the Arts Leadership program at UH, thanks to colleagues who had already embarked on this transformative journey.
“I knew of the program, I knew it existed,” Arostique said. “There are people at the Ballet who were in this program, so I was like, ‘I should do it.’ I knew I was going to go through this program, it was just a matter of time.”
After some contemplation and encouragement from her peers, Arostique decided to apply to the program. Her initial hesitation about returning to school quickly dissipated as she recognized the program's potential to provide the practical knowledge and network she needed to thrive in the arts administration field.
“I was just really eager to learn. I was just really not discouraged, but I was more motivated to find my place in the arts community and in a very administrative and decision-making way,” Arostique said.
Arostique’s experience in the program was marked by unwavering dedication. While working a full-time job during the day as a development associate at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, she attended classes in the evenings, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., a schedule that allowed her to continue teaching piano on the side. Her commitment and motivation to find her niche in the arts community fueled her journey.
The Arts Leadership program helped Arostique become a versatile professional in the arts world—what she describes as a "Swiss Army knife" in the field. It armed her with practical knowledge and a valuable set of tools that traditional music and art programs had not provided.
“I'm not an accountant, but I know how to talk to one. I don’t know how to read a contract, but I know when to call a lawyer,” Arostique said. “This is very useful and practical knowledge that I needed to be in the arts. Not even just the arts, but just to be a business professional at the same time, because music school and art school didn't really teach me that.”
Arostique graduated in May 2020, marking the culmination of her three-year journey through the program. Her steadfast commitment, even amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, led her to complete her degree. She described the experience as "energizing," a sentiment echoed by many program alumni who find inspiration and motivation within the close-knit community.
Today, Arostique works as a senior grants manager at the Asia Society Texas. Her role involves writing grants, event support, and donor cultivation. Her position, which she learned about through a professor in the Arts Leadership program, perfectly aligns with her mission to contribute to the arts community in an administrative capacity.
“I had no idea that this was a place that existed until I heard of this position, which is really such a shame, because it's a place that I spend probably more time than my own apartment or home,” Arostique said. “I just fell in love with our program and mission.”
One of the standout aspects of Arostique’s post-graduation experience is her active involvement in the Arts Leadership Alumni Association. As the alumni president, she plays a pivotal role in connecting graduates, helping them find opportunities, and staying engaged with the program's current students.
“You can't do this program by yourself. You absolutely cannot,” Arostique said. “You need somebody to talk to who's in the same industry as you. So [the Alumni Association] is the place to find it.”
Arostique's advice to prospective students considering the Arts Leadership program is simple yet powerful: "Do it." She encourages anyone with an interest in the arts, whether they're fresh out of their undergraduate studies or returning to school after a hiatus, to explore this program. The Arts Leadership program's flexibility, affordability, and focus on real-world networking make it an invaluable asset to those aspiring to lead in the arts.
As for the program's ten-year milestone, Arostique’s feelings are twofold. On one hand, she's immensely proud of the program's achievements and its transformative impact on countless lives. On the other hand, she views this milestone as an opportunity to lay the groundwork for the next decade, leaving an enduring legacy on the Houston arts scene.
“We are vibrant, our community in Houston. The actual experience in networking is just incredibly valuable,” Arostique said.
“At this point, we're everywhere, the alumni are everywhere. We're now international. We are making our mark, and our mark is only going to get bigger from now."
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