 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: makemusic
Date: 2004-06-16 22:22
I know this is a complicated question and I'll eventually have to answer it for myself, but I was interested in what you guys had to say. I'm a junior in high school. I got the highest score in my band (on any instrument) on auditions. I got a higher score than some people last year who went on the prestigious conservatories and such, but who knows what that means. My point in, college is coming up, and that means auditioning for music schools. What I'm wondering is, should I even bother? Just from reading old posts on here and stuff, it seems like there are SO MANY prodigies out there. I'm pretty good, but not a prodigy. Is there any point to trying to make a career out of music? It's what I want to do, but who knows if I'll be able to or if it'll just be a waste of tyime and money. thanks
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Author: poopsie
Date: 2004-06-17 00:18
Go for it! You can try out for a college with your instrument and also send in some applications for other colleges as a backup plan. Just because you apply someplace doesn't mean you have to attend that college. If you don't get accepted to the college where you submit your tape you would have other options to fall back on.
My opinion and observation about matters like this one is that you should try out even when you have the littlest glimmer of hope or if you think you are any good because you might regret it later in life. (I know, It's kinda cheesy but really true) Plus you sound like you are really good at what you do! What do you have to loose?
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2004-06-17 00:59
If you're unsure, I'd apply to a college that has good programs in a few areas in which you're interested. That way, if you find out that you're not cut out for a career in performance, you have some other options to fall back on. Declaring a minor is especially helpful in this regard, in my opinion (I started majoring in computer science and minoring in music, now i'm double-majoring in composition). Take some general ed classes and see if music is really what you want do do as a career. More than anything else, I'd say a lack of other options is the main shortfall of music-only conservatories.
Also, keep in mind that "pretty good" is always relative. I'm not doubting your skills, but I thought I was darn good in high school (section leader and all) and entered college near the bottom of the "lower" ensemble.
Best wishes!
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2004-06-17 02:16
Remember also that hard work (practice practice and more practice) is more the predictor of a successful career in music. If you work harder than everyone else at the same basic talent level as you are, you will get somewhere they won't.
As has been said here before (by me or someone else??):
"You gotta wanna!"
Katrina
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Author: Clarinetist
Date: 2004-06-17 09:45
makemusic, You have to be talented plus you have to pratice systematically, if you want to be a professional. Bear in mind that there is a really tough race going out in the music world. Especially for those who are playing the clarinet. I live in Finland and although, we have many people fewer living here(and of course clarinet players) than in the States, we have a really tough competition. Many good young clarinetists have to find another college, because there are always better players. I don´t want to scare you, but just to let you know what you are attempting. Good luck!
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2004-06-17 13:42
Dear MakeMusic --
If you WANT to have a career in music, you certainly MAY. There are many, many ways to be a professional musician (i.e., someone who makes his/her living doing music, which is not synonymous with "performing artist"), and some of them pay pretty well. Others don't (starving artist syndrome).
As several others have noted, the relative degree of talent you now possess will shortly take a back seat to the absolute degree of willingness you have to work your tail off developing that talent. There are more than enough talented people in the world. But other than in a few exceptional cases, what will make the difference is NOT your innate talent, but your decision to develop and apply that talent, come h*** or highwater. THAT's where the rubber hits the road. The issue (as in numerous other areas of life  ) is not so much "what you've got" as it is what you DO with what you've got.
This information is not meant to be discouraging. Just a heads up about what really matters.
Susan
P.S. You might want to check out the music program at the University of North Texas at Denton (near Dallas), or similar programs in other states. It has a pretty good record, I understand, at turning out musicians employable in the modern world.
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Author: makemusic
Date: 2004-06-18 02:20
Thanks for your help everyone. I'll just keep practicing I guess, or take it up a notch even, and see what happens. Now to figure out what music programs are reaches and which are safeties...Aaah this is all so complicated. Maybe I should just quit school and become a wandering street musician in NYC thanks again
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Author: sbbishop
Date: 2004-06-18 19:08
makemusic,
Might I suggest New Orleans vs NYC for street music. Not as cold in the winter!!:>)
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