Professors and Rock Stars

Professors or star scientists in a sense are rock stars (without sex, drugs, and rock n roll)! You can’t agree more if you think of past or future Nobel laureates in Economics like Joseph Stiglitz, Amartya Sen, Michael Spence or Paul Krugman (whose as sharp mind as his words), Steven Levit, and Daron Acemoglu. More abstract sciences, like physics, also have their rock stars, think of Richard Feynman, the 1965 holder of Nobel Prize in Physics for his works on quantum electrodynamics. He’s famous far beyond academic circle, handsome, and tall. Hey, Mr. Feynman has thick rather long hair too, no less sexy than one of Tommy Lee, Bon Jovi, or Dave Navarro.

But what about real rock stars who also have very good university degree?-so that they are literally also scholars and have potentials to be university professor? Top of the list must be Brain May, Queen’s founder, guitarist and song writer. He holds PhD in astrophysics. May’s works with and contributions to Queen have been very good, but with PhD on his hands and being an active Visiting Researcher in Imperial College, UK? It’s really amazing. The next should include Tom Morello (guitarist and leader of many innovative bands like Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave, and Axis of Justice). Morello is a Harvard graduate in political science and an outspoken political activist. Some names must also be mentioned. Steve Vai (David Lee Roth Band, Frank Zappa, Alcatrazz, and Whitesnake), folks from Dream Theatre (John Petrucci, John Myung, Jordan Rudess, and Mike Portnoy), and Paul Gilbert (Racer X, Mr.Big). They are all graduates from Berklee College of Music, NY (except Mr. Gilbert who were graduated from Guitar Institute of Technology) and frequently give clinics in their almamater.

Is there any correlation between cognitive ability and the ability to play a musical instrument? Yes, some new researches, like the one of Stanford’s Keith Devlin confirm it. Getting good assignment in either music industry or academia is already difficult. Both worlds are very competitive. Yet, once someone makes it in either industry, he/she must enjoy some privileges, recognition, or enjoyment just like those in the other industry.

Rock stars and professors are both very good substitutes and complementary, as well. Professors can be very well known for their seminal papers, while rock stars can gain fame and respect for their innovative music and amazing techniques.