Klarinet Archive - Posting 000231.txt from 2003/03

From: "Kevin Fay" <kevinfay@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] anger and jelousy of a southern west virginian musicstudent
Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2003 22:23:58 -0500

Deidre Calarco gave Rebecca some advice:

<<<6. And... If being able to support yourself is an issue, double major in
music ed. Even being a music teacher is more fun than most jobs.

7. If you decide not to major in music but want to keep playing, make sure
the school you go to allows non-music majors to take classes in the music
school. Not all do.>>>

I heartily agree with 7. Going to a university that won't allow you to take
the class you want is akin to going to a gorcery store that won't sell you
mustard. You're they buyer, you should choose.

I vociferously disagree with 6. No one should become a teacher unless they
want to be a teacher. It's nowhere near the same skill set as a performer.
Some of the best music educators I know can't play their way our of a paper
bag with a chainsaw, but their kids sound terrific - conversely, I know
several virtuoso performers who were miserable teaching becuase they just
don't have the temperment for it.

I think you're making a mistake here by equating "continuing to play" with
"making a living playing." There is tremendous opportunity for the first -
lurk a bit on this list and you'll come across some fine musicians with day
jobs. (You'll also find some very prominent performers with significant
educational backgrounds outside music).

Making a living playing is darn difficult, even if you have amazing talent -
I would caution you to take a hard look before putting all your eggs in
*that* basket. Besides, there's no need.

IMHO, of course.

kjf

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