 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: LeWhite
Date: 2003-09-28 12:55
Hi guys.
I'm almost through my first year at college, just borrowed a LOT of money to buy a new pair of clarinets, and I've just realised I'm not sure that music is what I want to do. Well, at least not CLASSICAL music.
Luckily, here in Australia we have the option of taking a Leave of Absense - this means you can take up 18 months off, then return to where you left off.
It's been on the back of my mind to take 12 months off, work, do whatever, save a bit of money, pay off a formiddable chunk of my clarinet loan, and see how things do by the time I go back.
The problem is, I think I'm in what is probably one of the most crucial times in my music career (that is, if I'm going to have one) because it just requires SO much practise, and I'm not sure how detrimental a year off would be, if I were to only practise 1 - 2 hours a day for this time, and probably be part of a youth orchestra or community band, not higher-level ensembles like at college.
I'd like to hear some fresh opinions, options, or any success / failure stories from people who've done something similar. I haven't spoken to my teacher or anyone from school, although undoubtedly they'll read this and find out. And I did have a discussion with my teacher a few weeks ago about music as a career, and needless to say, we had a lot to talk about.
Thanks everyone!
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Author: hans
Date: 2003-09-28 13:58
I took a year off after high school to work before going to university because I needed the money, but I would not recommend it if it's avoidable. It was difficult for me to regain the momentum and discipline.
Good luck,
Hans
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2003-09-28 14:29
I agree with Hans unless you have a real solid plan in hand and can stick with it - the allure of work & money in your hand can easily lead down the slippery slope of "I'll start next semester" ...
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Author: dethanjl
Date: 2003-09-28 16:27
there are 2 sides to every coin. you just got a new pair, so that tells me you are serious about the instrument. sometimes we reach a difficult period in our progress, these can make or break a musician. you seem to be going through such a period. if so, taking time off could set you even further back! perhaps the better question would be: "how happy are you with what you are playing?". you obviously love the instrument, it's just that there's no real love for the pieces you are playing! if what you are playing is too much like work with very little joy as a reward, perhaps you need a little change!
reguardless, i would suggest taking at least another semester before taking any time off. maybe if you get through your difficulty, you'll change your mind about the time off! maybe you could find a band to play with in the mean time to give you some variety! besides, if you get some paying gigs, it could help with the money problems!
sorry, i tend to ramble and think while i type. maybe it helps or not.
just my 2 cents worth!
dave
if you can't be good... be good at it!
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2003-09-28 23:24
Go the Lions! Good old Collingwood forever? They played like a bunch of girls.
Maybe some outside playing, community concert band, army or navy reserve musical societies etc., for variety while you are studying will help. I assume you are doing some sort of B.Mus course. There is an obsession with classical/orchestral training during these courses. This is somewhat limiting and does not reflect the realities of music in the real world. Up here in Sydney the Con turns out stacks and stacks of classical clarinettists all armed with beautiful pairs of Buffet's and Leblancs, all of who can play the Poulenc et. al. wonderfully. There are only a handful of jobs around that require this training, the reality is that the only gigs around are in military bands or in the jazz commercial field and saxophone is more a necessity than an A clarinet. I dont knwo where you are studying but maybe they offer a jazz major instead. The danger with deferring as stated above is that you will not return. It is bbetter to finish the course and then re-assess.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-09-28 23:54
I've stated this before, but I will reiterate:
The sad truth is that for the many outstanding clarinet performers that will graduate from colleges, universities and conservatories world wide, very few will ever earn a dime from strictly just playing clarinet.
Few can be more passionate about the love of clarinet than myself, as it is the ultimate vehicle of expression, but for students embarking on a performing career path, educators have a responsibility to make them aware of the reality of their dreams... GBK
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Author: LeWhite
Date: 2003-09-29 08:13
That's what I'm afraid of too. I'll graduate, after much hard work and practise and in so much debt, but what for?
Mark Pinner: I'm at VCA. At the moment I'm filling in for someone in a jazz/improv group in a small club in the city, and 4 - 5 nights a week is tiring, but I absoloutely love improvising with a group. Problem is, it seems to have ruined my 'classical' technique a bit, and with recitals coming up in about 6 weeks, it's too late to change my repertoire!
The thing is though, my teacher really believes in me, maybe more so than I do, and he's set me some tricky stuff for a first year. Also I've been put as first clarinet for the second time this year in the orchestra, so I guess he likes what I do.
You're all right too, I have so many friend who are STILL waiting for the 'perfect' time to go complete their degrees. Thing is though, they're happy with what they do. And I just want to be happy with what I do, whether it's in this course or not.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2003-09-29 12:24
Any tightly focused course of study will (by definition) exclude other pursuits... given the notion GBK has mentioned, perhaps rethinking your studies to include other disciplines will help?
If you dump the works now, don't anticipate much sympathy from your folks.
By the same token, it doesn't make sense to slog on if you have no intention to follow the training.
Universities should be, well, universal in their development of a student.
I have NEVER been one to understand pursuit of a degree in the Arts without some minor study in a 'bankable' skill.
******
The dearth of skilled tradesmen (and ladies) has lead to slow response times for plumbing and heating repairs, and a growing pressure on wages.
I know a few musicians that are full-time in woodwork or baking that seem particulalry happy with their work, and cashflow that augment the playing for pay that is less reliable.
*******
Lastly, if you really love playing, keep some for yourself.
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Author: hans
Date: 2003-09-29 13:58
Your friends say they are "happy with what they do", but will they still feel the same way in 5, 10, or 30 years? Or is their response a way of mitigating cognitive dissonance? Wondering later in life what more one might have achieved if one had made greater effort surely haunts many more people than are willing to admit it.
IMO, playing jazz is unlikely to do any permanent damage to your classical technique - if anything, it will probably broaden your skills and help develop your ear. Judging from a few "greats" who played jazz and then classical (Goodman, Shaw), it would seem to be at least as feasible as going in the opposite direction.
Best wishes,
Hans
Post Edited (2003-09-29 17:06)
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Author: LeWhite
Date: 2003-09-30 04:08
Actually, after playing some jazz, it has helped me to listen in ensembles more in the past fortnight than it ever has; nothing has taught me ensemble skills like this has.
SB: Luckily, the course where I am is changing next year. It will include electives, and exclude the subjects which have been dubbed 'useless' (or, of less use and not broad enough in choice).
At first I was dissappointed by these changes, because I liked the course, but now realise they're for the better, far more than what I originally understood. One subject, which I will definitely take, is Arts Management. Another will be Improvisation and Jazz Improvisation...
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