Klarinet Archive - Posting 000751.txt from 2001/11

From: "Lacy, Edwin" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: RE: [kl] RE: re: so you want to do this for a living
Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001 16:44:13 -0500

> I'm currently a clarinet performance major in college. I realize =
how
tough
> it is to get an orchestra position, and I would also like to be =
prepared
to
> find other ways to earn a living in the music world. What other job
options
> would be open (in music) to someone graduating with a performance =
degree?
> How might one prepare themselves for these?

1. You can contact the personnel managers of all the symphony =
orchestras in
your area and let them know you are available for substituting, playing =
when
extra players are required, etc. Ask them about auditions for their =
sub
list.

2. You can teach privately, and since you are a clarinetist, you can
probably get about as many students as you can handle, providing you =
are not
in too rural an area.

3. You can contact all the colleges and universities in your area and =
let
them know that you are available for teaching on an adjunct basis.

4. You can form a chamber music group, and provide music for wedding
receptions, corporate functions and many other occasions.

5. You can contact all the music stores in your area and let them know =
that
you are in the community and available for performances, teaching, etc.

6. Contact the larger churches in the area, and let them know that you =
are
available when an orchestra is needed to accompany an oratorio or =
anthem,
and that you can do solos in their services.

7. Find out where musicians and groups can perform, such as shopping =
malls,
bookstores, etc., and make yourself known. Additional valuable =
contacts can
be made in this way.

Given a little more time, I could come up with additional avenues to
explore, and probably you can, too. Be organized and persistent. Have =
a
good resum@-----. Have attractive =
business
cards made, and have them with you always. Give them out frequently. =
Make
a demonstration tape or CD of your playing. Always write thank you =
notes
after gigs and other occasions. Treat everyone with kindness and
consideration, but don't be afraid to promote your career aggressively.
Network, network, network. Take care of business - keep good records, =
pay
your obligations on time. And finally, practice and continue to =
improve -
if you are going to sell yourself, have something to sell.

Ed Lacy
University of Evansville
el2@-----.edu

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