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Author: frank
Date: 2006-11-12 09:59
My post wasn't intended to be a total downer, only a reality check. I have a great full time music gig. I've traveled the world playing music, and continue to do so. I've played in world class concert halls, played for dignitaries, celebrities, and with/for world class musicians. The only thing that saddens me is that I CANNOT live this lifestyle forever. Like everything in life, it must come to an end. I will always play music. Will I be able to make a living better than I am now being a musician when I leave my cirrent gig? No way. Will I be happy making 30k or less a year with no insurance, working 7 days a week and have 6 roommates to afford life? No way. My philosohpy in life is that you always move forward...trade up each step you take. I do not subscribe to the starving artist role anymore, nor do I want to "make it". If I chose to make it, would their even be a jobe available to make it in? Highly unlikely.
Life is not all about "stuff" or being rich either. I think it's always important to do what you love, so it's a joy getting out of bed each morning. That's how I feel right now. BUT.. the point I was trying to make was MOST adults reach a time in their life where living like a poor college student just isn't an optin anymore. Life happens. Some get married, have a family, etc. I do not look down upon anyone who chooses to follow their passions and dreams. I continue to do that to this day. My dreams do change and develop, as do my passions. It's called growth. Truth be told, when I don't play clarinet for a living, I will actually be able to do more of the music I enjoy. This isn't a decision I made overnight. I grew into the decision and I see the end in sight. It hurts that it will be over. On to the next!
I make a great living for what I do but am by no means wealthy. It's easy for the struggling/working artist to believe things like "life is supposed to be difficult, blah blah... art art art...don't need much..." simply because most have very little in the way of money, posessions, health and dental insurance, family, lifestyle, etc. Ignorance is bliss. I was there once too. It's a great place! Again, if playing music for a living is your dream, then follow it! My intent was to share the grim reality of the profession. Remeber, only the passionate ones survive this business! I've made the choice to leave when I am on top of my game. For reference, I am in my early 30's. Good luck!
Post Edited (2006-11-12 10:07)
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frank |
2006-11-09 18:13 |
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GBK |
2006-11-09 18:51 |
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EuGeneSee |
2006-11-09 19:10 |
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TonkaToy |
2006-11-09 19:06 |
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ginny |
2006-11-09 19:08 |
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jmcgann |
2006-11-09 19:09 |
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David Peacham |
2006-11-09 19:21 |
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tictactux |
2006-11-09 19:39 |
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BassetHorn |
2006-11-09 19:32 |
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EuGeneSee |
2006-11-09 21:30 |
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frank |
2006-11-09 19:56 |
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Sylvain |
2006-11-09 20:19 |
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GBK |
2006-11-09 20:28 |
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seafaris |
2006-11-09 20:42 |
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BassetHorn |
2006-11-09 21:22 |
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Hank Lehrer |
2006-11-09 21:59 |
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kfrank1 |
2006-11-09 22:20 |
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awm34 |
2006-11-09 23:58 |
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Clarinetgirl06 |
2006-11-10 01:17 |
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marzi |
2006-11-10 01:33 |
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ginny |
2006-11-10 01:35 |
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eric293 |
2006-11-10 01:50 |
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tictactux |
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lowclarinetman |
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GBK |
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elmo lewis |
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SVClarinet09 |
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tictactux |
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Terry Stibal |
2006-11-11 00:50 |
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seafaris |
2006-11-11 02:08 |
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Cuisleannach |
2006-11-12 06:58 |
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Re: Thoughts on choosing to become a professional musician new |
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frank |
2006-11-12 09:59 |
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ChrisArcand |
2006-11-13 02:41 |
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joeyscl |
2006-11-14 23:52 |
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ohsuzan |
2006-11-15 01:54 |
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Terry Stibal |
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frank |
2006-11-15 15:53 |
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eric293 |
2006-11-15 16:34 |
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tictactux |
2006-11-15 16:42 |
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Terry Stibal |
2006-11-15 20:45 |
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frank |
2006-11-15 21:59 |
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Cuisleannach |
2006-11-17 06:42 |
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bawa |
2006-11-17 09:38 |
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DougR |
2006-11-17 15:45 |
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frank |
2006-11-17 15:47 |
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William |
2006-11-17 17:07 |
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Terry Stibal |
2006-11-17 18:13 |
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Cuisleannach |
2006-11-17 23:53 |
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Ralph Katz |
2006-11-18 18:35 |
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bawa |
2006-11-19 17:40 |
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frank |
2006-11-20 07:45 |
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bawa |
2006-11-20 11:09 |
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fiato |
2006-11-25 17:05 |