 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Iacuras
Date: 2004-09-26 17:23
Hi all! I was just wonderong the best ways to prepare to try to become a orchestral clarinetist as a career. I am currently a sophmore at high school. Any suggestions on plannin would be greatly appreaciated. Thanks.
Steve
"If a pretty poster and a cute saying are all it takes to motivate you, you probably have a very easy job. The kind robots will be doing soon."
"If you can't learn to do something well, learn to enjoy doing it poorly."
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-09-26 17:39
A career as an orchestral clarinetist?
It's important to assess the reality of the situation:
As you know many symphony orchestras are in difficult financial times. It has even found its way into the seemingly well-heeled top tier orchestras. Cut backs, bailouts, and financial restructuring are becoming the norm for these groups to survive.
Only a handful of orchestras now play a full season and pay a liveable wage. That number has been shrinking at an alarming rate.
Aside from that-
Each year (just in this country alone), conservatories and universities graduate hundreds of clarinetists whose playing ability borders on the unbelieveable.
The sad fact is that most will never earn a dime by strictly just playing the clarinet.
It's a simple case of supply and demand. The classical music world does not have places for the hundreds (thousands?) of well schooled performance level clarinetists which are added to the ranks every year.
When you are young, 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" monicker loses its luster very quickly.
A struggling musician is not a pretty sight...GBK
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Author: RAMman
Date: 2004-09-26 18:31
That's the best summation of our industry I have ever read.
Why do we do it eh??
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Author: LeeB
Date: 2004-09-26 18:33
It's important to note that even opportunities for free-lancers are rapidly vanishing. For instance, many pit orchestras for musicals are slashing the numbers of players for productions, and replacing them with keyboards or virtual orchestras. With orchestral sample libraries getting better with every passing minute, recording opportunities as also dwindling.
Still, I don't know if it's good to be entirely pessimistic and not encourage young players (of any instrument) with dreams. It's important to be aware that being a professional musician of any kind is a very difficult career, and that the monetary compensation and benefits stand a good chance of being lousy. At the end of the day, though, people have to follow their bliss. For a lot of people on the planet, doing what they love is more important than owning a home, a fancy car, nice clothes, etc.
There is an optimistic side... If things keep going the direction they're going in the U.S., lots of jobs that are currently well-paying may vanish. Until holographic projection technology improves, a *live* clarinetist playing at an event is something that can't currently be outsourced to another country where the wages are lower.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2004-09-26 19:17
Iacurus,
A month ago, you asked "... does anyone know of any colleges that have a good aviation and a good music program?"
This is not good to be changing your focus every month. At the sophomore level, you should pretty well have a good idea of what you plan to take in college since your HS transcript may need to reflect certain courses (if avaition, physics, computer science, mathmatics are pretty much must courses).
HRL
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2004-09-26 19:28
I'll have to disagree with Hank. I changed my mind a couple dozen times throughout high school, and a couple times in college. It's your time to explore the options. Higher-level high-school classes may give you an edge in the first college classes, but computer science is hardly a must. You'll get what you need when you're already in college.
Granted, if you're thinking a technical field, I'm not saying to ditch the math classes, but it's not a deal-breaker to change focus. Most people don't really know what they want to do when they're in high school. That's what college G.E. classes are good at. So long as your HS courseload isn't primarily slacker-classes, you should be fine with just about any major, even if it takes an extra semester or so.
Unlike music departments, most technical majors require only that you declare a major and pass the classes (though I think Computer Science juries would be quite a good idea).
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: Ron Jr.
Date: 2004-09-27 16:15
In my opinion, the study of music theory, and the mastery of an instrument are much more difficult than, let's say, solving a present value equation for business. The study of music can build intellegence in a way that other subjects can't even come close. As a career choice, the decision to study music should be tempered with realism.
Take care,
Ron Jr.
Post Edited (2006-03-06 17:53)
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-09-27 16:58
Ron Jr - a well written slice of reality...
As you have clearly stated, when one plays and puts the money question out of the equation, music performing becomes an entirely different situation.
I play in a successful big band and also do weekend gigs. However, I (and all the other musicians I play with) realize that the money earned is purely "nice pocket change" and not germaine to our day to day survival.
Once you place professional music performance in the proper perspective it becomes much more enjoyable, especially knowing you don't have to "play to eat". No pressure. If I feel like playing - I do. If not - I stay home.
Music performance? Probably one of the greatest hobbies available, but for all but the few lucky ones who sacrificed much to get there, not secure or lucrative enough to live on... GBK
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2004-09-27 17:02
My suggeastion is that many non-productive musicians lack a positive personality and the ability to sell themselves. Althogh he works in a different area, to me, one of the best examples is the country music singer Clint Black. A well-spoken man with a good educational background, he has no music degree. His degree is in Marketing. And he has sold himself quite well.
When you go to a conference or symposium or anything like that, look at the successful Clarinetists. Almost all are pleasant people, not sitting around complaining about everything under the sun.
So... while you develop as a musician, at the same time develop a positive personality. If all you can do is sit there and play, no matter how well, you might miss the boat. But if you can play superbly *and* be a person who is pleasant and easy to deal with, you will almost surely move further ahead. And if you don't, at least it will be easier to be alone with yourself while you are living the life of a failure. 
Of course, even though I might be a heck of a nice sweet lovable guy, no way would I want to be a symphony Clarinetist. Even if I could.
Regards,
John
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Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2004-09-27 19:16
Just some idle thoughts:
When I was a kid I thought a CAREER in medicine would be great.
After suffering through the pre-med program at the University of Michigan, I decided to pursue the music thing.
Juilliard proved to be a lot better place, for me, than the U. of M.
All of my JOBS in music have been interesting, challenging, difficult, fun, weird, musically thrilling...etc.
In all this rambling I'm trying to say, give music a chance. It's a great JOB.
If you're looking for a secure CAREER, try something else.
I've been successful playing the clarinet for 40+ years, and still love it.
I play music because it's a passion for me, I live to play...and play to live.
It's a great JOB!
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
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Author: allencole
Date: 2004-09-27 19:41
I think that JJM hits the nail on the head. I am in music for one reason--because I can't do without it.
Gigs are hard to come by, and students are less dedicated by the year, it seems. But good gigs are worth playing and good students are worth teaching. I had a full-time day job for seven years, and jumped at my first opportunity to return to music full-time. But the pay is lousy and I could not support a family of four.
If you're looking for a career as a clarinetist, consider adding saxophone to your pallette. I've made way more money on sax than on clarinet. Flute doesn't hurt, either.
Also look outside the box. We all know how hard it is to get full-time (or even part-time!) orchestra gigs.
Much of my clarinet work has been in theatre, dixieland, German bands, and now western swing. Most of my opportunities as a bass clarinetist have involved transposing from bassoon and cello parts. Strong music theory and ear training can also be essential outside of the orchestra/service band envelope. I depend heavily on teaching for my income--but that's become as enjoyable as playing in many cases.
I lead a very happy and fulfilling life, but I AM a struggling musician, and it's NOT a pretty sight--particularly to potential mates who wonder how we'd send our offspring to college.
But I have friends who earned degrees in clarinet performance, tried for a while, and then got into other work. They're still fine players--but they had to work through some of that bitterness in order to enjoy their status as high-end amateurs.
And also pay close attention to John McAulay's comments. Nobody wants frustrated complainers in any setting. You have to open your mind, and seek new experiences--and try to enjoy learning about the things you adapt yourself to. With work so thin now, the secret is to ADAPT.
Finally, do everything you can right now to enjoy yourself as an amateur. You can continue in this no matter what your profession. Having THAT choice may be the best possible setting in which to make your decision.
Allen Cole
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