Author: mnorswor
Date: 2006-11-10 06:28
GBK and others...
Since when was being an artist ever easy? Throughout history, it's been no secret that most artists earn more money after they're dead! Take a look at some of our greats, Mozart, Beethoven, etc. These guys certainly didn't make what was considered a living wage in their time and we surely don't in ours.
Does the future of music look grim... yes, it always has. I agree with the statements made by all of you that it's difficult. Yes, orchestras are folding, money is in short supply, our friends are buying big screen plasma televisions and we're not, blah blah blah.
For me, I play music (and make a good living playing, mind you) because I couldn't imagine doing anything else. I've had various jobs with orchestras, I play with about 6 different ensembles regularly and have a solo/recital aspect to my career, plus I do a fair amount of teaching. I pay for my own health insurance, I've recently bought a new car (the second in 3 years), I have a nice apartment is a city I love, I get to travel and see the world and more importantly than that, I'm making art.
I have many friends, and some of them quite a bit younger than me at 33, who have their second house, their new BMW (I drive a Honda), plasma TVs and new gadgets all over the place. However, when I was feeling sorry for myself about all of the things I didn't have, I had a talk with a very good friend of mine, the eminent violist, Kim Kashkashian.
Kim told a story about the owner of a very popular record company that has about 50 new releases each year. This man makes money hand over fist, could easily buy whatever he wanted, has all the necessities in life yet chooses to live in a two room apartment in Germany. His one passion is for watch collecting. At the end of this story, Kim looked at me and said, "How much do you really need?" For me, this was a revelation. I realized that I did have all the things that I needed. A roof over my head, food in my belly, safety and security and a few other things. Suddenly, I was very grateful. Then Kim looked at me and said, "and see, you have all you need AND when the next morning comes, you don't mind getting out of bed!"
Sure, it would be easier to go back to my career in web development that ptovided a large salary and many other benefits. However, I CHOOSE to live the life I'm leading because it's interesting, varied, never boring, it provides enough and again, I can't imagine doing anything else with the rest of my life.
Now I'm not saying that everyone should send their kids off to music school. Being a musician is not for the faint of heart or spirit. However, if you choose this life because you need to or want to, you go into it with open eyes. If all of the complaining, griping and what not were replaced with action, perhaps we'd get more done and it wouldn't be so difficult for some us.
The struggle, however, is part of the deal. If you want this, you're gonna work for it, plain and simple. We've always known this and it will probably always be so. But the struggle is part of what gives us the fuel necessary to do the job to the best of our abilities. Would we practice as much if we KNEW that we'd wind up with a job?
About versatility... I think it's a good thing, and a wise thing to recommend. It can certainly help and it works for me. I'd also suggest that people start being creative or proactive about the whole arts situation. Orchestra playing is not the only type of playing that pays, nor is university teaching. Most of us are led to believe this, and it's simply not true. Speaking of which, when was the last time you went to a real live concert and PAID for a ticket? I go at least once a week to something either here or in NY. I believe that supporting my colleagues nd the arts in general through my small contribution of a ticket price is the least that I can do to help things get better. Can I get comps, yes, usually. But, I always choose to pay for the ticket. Again, this is the least I can do if I expect others to do the same at my concerts.
There is a way to turn things around. We've got to think outside the box, find ways of communicating and marketing ourselves and our art and help others find a way to believe that live music is an important LIVING part of culture. And we ourselves have to support change (which happens slowly) and support each other by going to concerts, art galleries, readings, etc etc etc. If WE don't support each other, how can we expect others to?
Taking the easy way out is certainly easier. I prefer to take the more difficult road. For me, I feel like I get to see more, I learn more and it's most certainly never boring!! I wish everyone the best in their musical pursuits, though it will NEVER be easy, and hope that you find some of the same joy that I've found in what is proving to be a most gratifying life!
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