Klarinet Archive - Posting 000233.txt from 2006/02

From: klarinet <klarinet@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] The clarinet at Indiana University
Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2006 00:24:55 -0500

Each year, hundreds of outstanding clarinet performers will graduate from
colleges, universities and conservatories world wide.

Unfortunately very few will ever earn a dime from strictly just playing
clarinet.

When you are young (and in college), the notion of being a "professional
clarinetist" sounds noble and intriguing.

However, after a few years, when your friends have moved on and bought their
own homes, have retirement plans in place, have disposable income, medical
benefits, and treat themselves to the better things in life, the
"professional clarinetist" moniker loses its luster very quickly.

***A struggling musician is not a pretty sight.***

College music performance majors should quickly come to the realization that
the chance of earning a sustainable (above poverty level) income strictly by
playing your instrument are close to nil.

Oops, I almost forgot: "Follow your dreams".

Give me a break....

BTW - More bad news: Almost all of the contemporary concerto repertoire you
learn in college, you will never be performing in the "real world", whether
in front of a ticket buying, or free, audience.

In college, we all read through the Nielsen, Francaix, Corrigliano and works
which are similar.

The music is still collecting dust in our studios...

Glenn B Kantor (GBK)

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