 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Gretchen
Date: 2003-11-09 19:45
Hi all. What do you do when you get down on your playing? I know I'm not the only one in the world who needs a pick me up once and a while.
I guess I'm down at the moment since i'm in college with only 2 years left, and I know i'll be going out into the world soon...and man is that a scary thought. There's so much pressure to be "the best" in the clarinet world. There are so many clarinetists and so little work!! Those of you who have "made it", what did you do to continue to have so much confidence in your playing while you were a student? did anyone ever tell you that you wouldn't make it and you proved them wrong??? Did you ever feel like you'd never get there?
I feel like I'll get there...but I just have so much to learn.
Any advice?? (besides the obvious of PRACTICING...)
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2003-11-09 20:40
I always have something in particular that I'm trying to improve on (actually, about a dozen things at the moment, but to keep sane I pick one at a time). Then again, I'm not one of those who has "made it," but I've studied with some who have. The best advice I've received is that there is always something to improve on, and nobody can ever perfect every single aspect of musicianship (though some seem to have come pretty darn close). It's a journey, enjoy it! If practicing becomes the fun part, you're good to go.
As with anything (e.g. computer games), once I see that the end is near, that I will soon know all there is to know, I get bored with it and move on to something else. With music, I always feel that I'll never get there, and I'm quite satisfied with that.
Then again, I'm focusing on composition. Personally, I've found that I have much more fun doing things than the people that "have to" do it.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: LeWhite
Date: 2003-11-09 21:13
Gretchen, last year I wasn't accepted into the college I wanted to get into. It's probably 'the best' in my state, and I thought that if I didn't make it, I would never make it.
I was SO down, and then I got very sick. After an operation, as I was getting better, I still didn't want to go back to playing clarinet. But at the same time, I still wanted to play, and try again to get into this college.
I started with scales and long notes. Very tedious stuff, because I didn't even listen to myself: I knew how BAD I sounded and I didn't want to hear it, but I knew I'd improve once I got used to playing again.
A few months later, the audition came around, and as I was in the middle of the audition, I heard myself, and it sounded brilliant!
I got in, have been here a year now, and I love it. It's hard work and I have negative thoughts about my playing almost every day, but just like I learned to not listen to myself for a while, I've learned to not listen to this negative voice and just PLAY.
I haven't 'made it' in the professional world, but I 'made it' when my playing was at it's lowest.
I hope you can get something out of this, and good luck, I know exactly how you feel and it's the worst feeling.
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Author: justwannaplay
Date: 2003-11-10 10:09
Gretchen,
I'm not a professional clarinetist, just a relearner in fact, and I do hope you get more responses from professional musicians, however, I too am in a field which is also very competitive with very few openings, so from that perspective I can offer some suggestions.
First — the fact that you have been thinking about this in your second year of college and would ask this question gives me the impression that you are actually quite ambitious in what you do. Many ambitious people are those who also suffer from lack of confidence at times — it's what drives them. I came from rather humble origins, went to a state university for my first degree, then to the premier Ivy League uni in the States, and then to finish up that degree went to one of the most prestigious unis in the world. I assure you that no one who knew me in highschool would have thought I could reach this level. So, please don't allow yourself at this stage to be limited to others expectations of your ability. You do have to work hard and make sacrifices — it's not easy. You need to prepare yourself psychologically that it will not always be a bed of roses, but if you set goals for yourself you will see them realized.
As for work, try making work for yourself. What about starting a small group with like minded musicians, play music you enjoy and do gigs that are unusual and will get you in the papers (hospitals, retirement homes, charity fund raisers). This will make demands on your course work, but may in the long run be of great value professionally.
Lastly, enjoy the remaining two year of college — you really do have the world ahead of you. I wish I was in your place!
Good luck,
Elizabeth
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2003-11-10 13:47
I think for me as a professional the hardest part is dealing with lousy conductors...and i mean it...
Good playing occurs when a conductor can show and add something to the music that may not be easily or readily understood. There is alot more to music than just being correct and in tune.
David Dow
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Author: William
Date: 2003-11-10 15:09
I am not the "best" clarinetist where I come from, nor am I necessarily a "good" jazz saxophonist. However, I have steady gigs with more local bands and orchestras than anyone else and I am on everyones 1st or 2nd call sub list. How did I do it?? A few random morning thoughts............
I am an excellant sight reader. My secret--I learned to read music by not practicing "over and over" the music that I knew and liked, but by forcing myself to read new literature, looking for "patterns" and learning how to see the "whole" phrase or motif, not each individual note. Incidentally, I got my two most recent "steady gigs" (symphony orchestra and concert band) by showing up as an emergency sub and sight reading concerts--a skill, BTW, which I have I "practiced" (opps, the "P" word you said you didn't want to hear....sorry)
When I get a gig, I always show up on time (keep an accurate updated calander with when, where & what info), dressed properly with all of my instruments and am "in my place", warmed up, ready to play when the gig begins. I do not drink alcohol on the set and I always try show a positive attitude and just simply play my best--even though I may really hate the music, (the "hall", the conductor, whatever) or not be "feeling" my best (cold, lack of sleep, sore chops, etc). Botom line, I am "reliable" and show professional "stage pressence" while performing, be it with the symphony or our six piece combo.
Being versatile helps, so I don't just play the clarinet, but ALL of the clarinets (effer, A, Bb, C, & bass) as well as the sax family and some jazz flute. If need be, I can sing. My main instrument remains, however, the soprano clarinet--at which I am very good at, but not "the best".
I never back out of a commitment to play, even if a higher playing job comes my way for the same date. Having the reputation of "someone that can be counted on" is a valuable asset in life.
I always thank the conductor, peronale manager or leader after each gig, especially if I am only subbing. And while on the set, I get to know as many of the surrounding players as I can. Often "knowing" someone is more a factor in getting a call for the gig than being the "best" player in town.
(Hmmm.....I know Gregory Smith (Second Clarinetist, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and excellant mpc maker). Maybe if LC has to miss a gig, they'l call. But I am probably already booked locally, sorry guys....)
Just some personal thoughts--other's will have more. Hope mine help a bit.
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Author: hans
Date: 2003-11-10 16:21
William,
Thanks for that excellent description of what it takes to be/become successful.
Sincerely,
Hans
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-11-10 17:12
William's thoughts on professionalism were quite good. Many of the above points I would have written as well.
I would add and emphasize one additional factor:
If you are available, never turn down a paying gig, especially from someone you have not worked with before. Chances are, if you refuse, there are many on their list that they will call next.
The most freelance calls come from people who have heard about you from someone else. If your reputation is one of being unavailable, you will not get called.
Whether it's a 4 hour gig on alto sax and clarinet, or a 10 minute gig to play one tune on piccolo (which I've also done), take it, make the most of it and make new friends...GBK
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Author: Henry
Date: 2003-11-10 17:13
Indeed some great food for thought, William! Thanks!
Henry
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Author: Bellflare
Date: 2003-11-10 22:31
Take a break
Pet a dog
Kiss a toad
Go bowling
Go to the movies
Apologize to someone you may have offended
Perform a random act of kindness
Drive slow in the fast lane (from Dennis Leary)
Eat a pint of Rocky Road ice cream.
THEN and only then.........
Play something else in a style you never played before...jazz, Klezmer, classical....whatever you are NOT presently doing.
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Author: LeWhite
Date: 2003-11-10 23:49
Another thing I've learned is that a good source of gigs comes from Composers... Get to know them, be reliable for them, be willing and able to play the music how they want it, because they'll always call you when they have something new.
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Author: Gretchen
Date: 2003-11-13 03:00
thanks for all the suggestions.
when you're down, it's hard to pick yourself up again.
Did any of you ever doubt your ability? What was your hardest issue to overcome?
thanks for any replies.
Gretchen
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Author: Robyn
Date: 2003-11-13 20:11
Gretchen,
I'm in the same position you are in right now. I am in my junior year of college and am looking to play in a symphony and/or teach at the college level. I doubt my ability at least once a week...seriously. I constantly wonder if I am going into the right field and whether I will be able to make it. I have looked through my school's course catalog half a dozen times, trying to find something I would rather do and would give me a more secure job opportunity. Thing is, I've never found anything (I'm sure you've heard the saying "if you can walk away from music, RUN!"). So, having decided that there is nothing else I would rather do, I just plug ahead, practice a lot, perform a lot, and try to experience everything about the clarinet world that I can. Go to conventions during the summer. Attend a summer music festival. Make a lot of music friends (they're almost surely going through the same things you are!). Talk to other professors in the woodwind department. I've gotten a lot of support from my professors which has really raised my confidence. And finally, if you can afford it, make plans to go to grad school. That will help as well.
I don't know if my experience is helpful to you, but at least it will help you know that you are not alone!
Robyn
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Author: Gretchen
Date: 2003-11-14 01:25
Robyn,
your experience is definately a big help. thanks for posting. Nice to know I'm not alone, and to know that doubting things is just part of the process for all of us. 
Where do you go to school?
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-11-14 02:06
One thing that helps when you're feeling down is to set a realistic short term goal and accomplish it. Not something as dumb as, "Today, my goal is to get all my homework done before the Simpsons comes on." But something that will actually be helpful to you. If you want, you can incorporate the clarinet. "By next week, I want to have four blues scales memorized." Or something that you just need to get done but have procrastinated. "By next week I will have all my CD's reorganized alphabetically by style, artist, then album."
Or just make sure to pick a day and enjoy life. It doesn't hurt to take a break from the clarinet every now and then (actually it's recommended) so if you haven't taken a break from practicing for a while (let's say in a few months), maybe you can set up some fun time during Thanksgiving break and go see those movies you wanted to see or spend one day just hanging out with the friends and/or family. Leave the clarinet in one spot for those four days then come back. When you return, you'll probably have had fun, and now it's back to business. And when you take a break from it after a while, a lot of times you come back rejuvinated and with a bit more passion towards learning the instrument. Plus, for some reason, if you take short breaks, you tend to come back and learn even quicker than when you left!
Just some ideas.
US Army Japan Band
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