Klarinet Archive - Posting 000126.txt from 2001/03
From: Spencer Quong <squong@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Careers
Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2001 12:57:06 -0500
Hello Chuckie,
Gavin certainly has a good point. There are plenty of
opportunities to play in community orchestras, chamber
groups, etc. which I have been doing for 10 years.
Also, making a major orchestra is about as hard as
winning the lottery, so many musicians end up doing
freelance work, such as weddings, Xmas parties, etc
which is not what they envisioned when they decided to
study music (many of them hate it).
However, I am at the crossroads a second time and will
be soon leaving a career in engineering to follow
music. I have reached a point where I need to
dedicate more time to music to have a chance of making
the better groups and to fulfill my passion for music.
(By "better groups", I'm talking about trying to make
a minor orchestra or freelance work). I will be
doing some IT (computer support) work to pay the
bills, but in 2-3 years I hope to transition at least
part time into music.
So there's another way of looking at music. You could
go study music at college, but take some courses that
help provide you another option in case you decide
that performance is not your passion. There are also
numerous non-performing opportunities related to
music, such as education, music engineering, music
production, music business, etc.
IMHO, you want to be happy in life. If playing every
day is your passion and you're willing to struggle on
the career and money front, then go for it. However,
if you would like a stable career and playing part
time is enough, then you might want to consider other
options. If you choose the latter, then just remember
that if you put down the horn for a significant amount
of time, it's extremely hard to pick it up again.
What ever path you choose, you can always change your
mind in college or 10 years later. :-)
-Spencer
Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2001 17:17:48 +1000
From: Gavin Rebetzke <GRebetzke@-----.au>
Subject: RE: [kl] Careers
Chuckie,
I was once faced with such a dilemma. You haven't
mentioned if you like doing anything else, or if you
are interested in any other calling. Doing
music would no doubt be an enjoyable experience at
university. It may not necessarily lead to a full
time career (except for teaching), if that is
what you're after. Think about it - there are 2 or 3
clarinet jobs per orchestra. Those jobs don't come up
every day, and competition is fierce.
The good news is you can keep playing and studying
music whilst doing a different course, and ultimately
career. I chose law. At the same time I
took lessons and did my best to keep up with my
contemporaries who were studying music full time. I
am now a partner in a law firm and play clarinet in a
community orchestra that plays fantastic repertoire,
as well as doing various pit orchestra gigs. I
personally know doctors (of various specialties), a
veterinarian surgeon, accountant, and a police officer
who are all excellent orchestral musicians. I know
there are a number of other lawyers on this list, some
of whom are extremely knowledgeable about the
clarinet.
So the good news is that if you do decide to study
something else at university, you do not have to give
up clarinet.
-----Original Message-----
From: Chuckie [mailto:errant@-----.net]
Subject: [kl] Careers
Hello,
I'm in high school right now, and I'm trying to figure
out what career
choice to take. I love music, but I'm not sure if
it'll be a good
choice
as something to study in university. Can anyone give
me some advice?
Thanks!
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