Klarinet Archive - Posting 000721.txt from 1999/02

From: TPSchettle@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] could i make it?
Date: Thu, 18 Feb 1999 13:10:04 -0500

Stephanie,

I changed my major from clarinet performance to something else (which doesn't
bear mentioning) after two years in the program. I did this because I was
afraid that I would graduate, go on to get my masters (and perhaps doctorate),
and find that I'd have no way to repay my loans. I have since had ten years
to think about this decision and I have many regrets, so I'm here to tell you
what no one told me--be flexible.

I think everybody in performance has dreams about playing in a symphony or
teaching at a university. Many people will achieve these goals eventually.
The trick is to not give up and be able to support yourself during the
"audition period", which may take months or years. Borrow as little for
tuition and living expenses as you can (by working part time) and realize that
you will have to free lance for a while. It IS possible to make a living in
music while you work at achieving something better.

My best friend (who started college with me majoring in flute) supported
herself after graduation by giving private lessons (20-30 students weekly),
playing in the community symphony (for peanuts), heading a music group at her
church ($250 per month), doing wedding gigs with a chamber group (summers
only), AND working part time in an office. Not being able to attend the
Northwestern masters program and continue a performance career because of
carpal tunnel in her hand (from practicing four or more hours a day), she went
back school to get a teachers certification and now teaches middle school
band.

My point: you never know what can happen so keep your options open and even
if you can't reach your goals for whatever reasons--for heaven's sake keep
playing! That's what you love, the rest is really only geopraphy.

Best of luck to you,
Tina S.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsubscribe from Klarinet, e-mail: klarinet-unsubscribe@-----.org
Subscribe to the Digest: klarinet-digest-subscribe@-----.org
Additional commands: klarinet-help@-----.org
Other problems: klarinet-owner@-----.org