 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: WashingtonClarinetist
Date: 2008-06-28 14:35
I've been thinking a lot about my music career (or lack of one) recently, and it led me to put together this informal survey. Thanks in advance for your responses!
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
2a. If you have degrees in music but are not currently making your living through music, how far did you go before deciding to travel a different path?
2b. If you answered 2a, what made you decide to give up music as a career?
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have?
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
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Author: Bill
Date: 2008-06-28 14:43
WashingtonClarinetist wrote:
> 1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
Book editor for pharmacy association.
> 2. Do you have any degrees in music?
No.
> 3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find
> you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in
> your free time?
Yes, but with conscious effort. I make the time b/c I want to. Oherwise it would not be available. It's a conscious thing.
> 3a. Are you in any ensembles?
No. Would like to be but suck too bad to play among others.
>
> 4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it
> take you to find the job you have?
>
> 5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any
> regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too
> personal)
Bill Fogle
Ellsworth, Maine
(formerly Washington, DC)
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Author: Sylvain
Date: 2008-06-28 15:01
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
>>Research scientist in academic institution.
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
>>No.
2a. If you have degrees in music but are not currently making your living through music, how far did you go before deciding to travel a different path?
>>After high school went to engineering instead of conservatory.
2b. If you answered 2a, what made you decide to give up music as a career?
>>Liked math and computers, didn't like my options as a musician
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
>>Yes, but I don't have kids. The day this happens my music time will get limited.
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
>>In the past year, I have played in five different orchestras, one opera, one wind ensemble, and a couple chamber music gigs. All amateurs ensemble some very good some very bad. I made no money doing any of it.
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have?
>>Didn't have to look, was recruited when I was finishing school.
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
>> I wish I had the skills of a professional player, but I don't envy the life style.
--
Sylvain Bouix <sbouix@gmail.com>
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-06-28 15:31
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
Musician. Primarily teaching and performing in greater degrees every month.
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
Undergrad and Masters in performance
2a. NA
2b. NA
3. NA
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
Yes...and some of them even pay me!
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have?
I didn't "find" any of the jobs that I have. I created every source of income that I have. It is very important to have a proactive attitude if you want to get paid for doing what you love and for which there are so few positions.
Whether it is my private studio, the many schools in which I teach, or the clarinet festival that I offer in town, these are things that had to be created by me to enable my preferred existence.
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
No regrets yet.
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: hartt
Date: 2008-06-28 15:44
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
>> Noodle around ......what's that you ask?....its doing something that doesn't amount to a hill of beans....and volunteer work, and disabled due to multiple spinal fractures >>
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
<< yes, Hartt but also have a BS honors degree andn 1 yr Law sch >>
2a. If you have degrees in music but are not currently making your living through music, how far did you go before deciding to travel a different path?
<< symphonies / opera while attending sch >>
2b. If you answered 2a, what made you decide to give up music as a career?
<< $$$$/future , and realized more to life than the inside of a practice room>>
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
<< 30 yr hiatus but have a voracious interest: practice, practice >>
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
<< yes, several >>
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have?
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
<< Yes....I don't regret having left music but I have sincere regrets of having stopped playing >>
regards
Dennis Charysyn
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Author: Sue G
Date: 2008-06-28 15:50
1. Day job - Area Manager Day Services for older people
2. Degree in music - no
3. Free time to practice - don't do too badly on that score but it takes commitment ! Fortunately I'm not into "soaps" on the telly !!!
3a - no only play alone
4. Worked in social work for over 25yrs.
My current job does give me the opportunity to play to a very sympathetic audience however - the older folks really enjoy a good old sing-a-long which is about the level of my playing ability anyway !
5. At school wanted to play wind instrument but only violin was available - I made attempt at it but my heart wasn't in it - I regret not taking up the clarinet until I was over 50 !
Still better late than never !
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2008-06-28 16:08
>> 1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
Clarinetist and woodwind repairer.
>> 2. Do you have any degrees in music?
Almost first degree in clarinet performance (almost = a few papers away from it for the last two years which I might or might not do).
>> 4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it
>> take you to find the job you have?
Can't really answer since it's not "a job". I play in many different things but none are like a regular job, plus I'm very passive in general and all "jobs" usually find me, usually from people who know me or word of mouth (I stay away from the commerical market in general).
>> 5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any
>> regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
No.
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Author: Mike Blinn
Date: 2008-06-28 16:26
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living) I am a manager in a movie multiplex.
2. Do you have any degrees in music? No, but I was born in Belgium and I studied solfege and music theory for five years.
3.If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time? Yes
3a. Are you in any ensembles? Yes, I play bass clarinet with the Middletown Symphonic Band (about 55+ members).
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have? I am 59 years old and I never tried to get a music related job. I have been paid for playing on a few occasions, though.
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal) No regrets, music was never my primary goal. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts.
Mike Blinn
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Author: GeorgeL ★2017
Date: 2008-06-28 16:40
I am a retired patent attorney who has never had a music course outside of non-credit band in college. I did not play for 15 years after college, then moved to Albuquerque and played in a community band for 24 years before retiring to Tucson where I now play in four non-pay groups. I have never practiced (outside of rehearsals) unless I am having problem on a part and a concert is approaching.
I never considered a career in music.
One additional question for the survey would be where you lived during your working years. It seems a lot more difficult to make a living as a performer if you do not live in a large city. I have met a number of very good musicians in Albuquerque and Tucson, and even if they play or played with the local symphony, if they work in music, they usually teach in order to put bread on their table. The alpha job seems to be music professor at a college; the realistic job is band director in a school.
As an aside, when my bass clarinet stand partner retired as a band director at age 48, and I was older and still working, her career choice showed a real advantage over mine.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2008-06-28 16:43
Without going the 1-5 route, my response is much like Sylvain's,[#1] I was/am? a Chemical Engineer for an oil company,40 years, now retired, [2]little formal music training, played in nearly every type of music, cls, saxes and oboe-E H. Made my decision as to career in the 1930's [depression, remember?] to go for science for income security/desire, with advice from teachers, friends and musicians. Little income from music, satisfaction via playing and helping to organize a local symphony orchestra. [5] No regrets, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2008-06-28 17:25
Hi,
Great questions. Here are my responses:
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living). I'm a semi-retired university professor.
2. Do you have any degrees in music? Yes, BSEd in music ed and I taught HS band for 16 years.
2a. If you have degrees in music but are not currently making your living through music, how far did you go before deciding to travel a different path? I left HS teaching when I was offered a position as a university professor. I then enjoyed 25 years of full-time university teaching but still worked a professional jazz and legit musician.
2b. If you answered 2a, what made you decide to give up music as a career? Are you kidding, pass up a tenure-track university teaching position? But I never quit playing (and still do)
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time? Since I'm semi-retired, I practice more now than I ever did. My flute playing has really improved.
3a. Are you in any ensembles? Many. Clarinet in some, sax in others. Usually principal in the section or at least always 1st or where needed in some developing groups.
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have? I started playing professionally at the age of 15 in 1954. I still play with some of the same guys.
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal). None. I have had a great life. But the key is make yourself marketable. I have re-invented myself several times in my life (HS and college music teacher, professional musician, woodwind teacher, corporate pilot, flight instructor, aviation education consultant, university professor, researcher, and I'm still looking) . I'm in the process of forming two partnerships with former doctoral students; we are looking to the Pacific Rim. But I'm still playing well.
HRL
PS My golf game is starting to go south!
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Author: calvarez
Date: 2008-06-28 17:42
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
>> Software consultant.
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
>> No.
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
>> This requires motivation. After highschool I almost stopped playing completely, for lack of time and interest. Many years later, I'm now trying to back into it, but it's a challenge to find time every day, especially since my only free time is at night after work, and living in an apartment complex, I need to think of the neighbors
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
>> I've thought about looking for one to join, but I don't think that will happen any time soon.
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
>> I wish I hadn't completely abandoned the clarinet for so many years, but I guess I can try to make up for lost time now
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Author: butterflymusic
Date: 2008-06-28 18:18
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
>>Human Resources consulting.
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
>>Yes - Bachelor of Music. I also did the post-graduate work to get a teaching credential.
2a. If you have degrees in music but are not currently making your living through music, how far did you go before deciding to travel a different path?
>>Never did make my living through music.
2b. If you answered 2a, what made you decide to give up music as a career?
>>Couldn't get a teaching position close to home, didn't want to move, and felt I wasn't quite good enough to make a living as a performer.
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
>>Yes.
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
>>Yes. Community band, community orchestra, plus miscellaneous clarinet ensembles throughout the area.
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have?
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
>>Hmmmm, yes and no. I took a 20 year hiatus from playing, and regret that. But on the other hand, when I did start playing again I found I was a stronger performer than before. So maybe it's all for the best.
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Author: coolmath314
Date: 2008-06-28 18:47
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
** Mathematics Instructor at a University.
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
** Yes, albeit barely. It took me two or three times to pass several English and history courses. Writing papers is not my strong suit.
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
** Absolutely! I practice at least one hour a day.
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
** Some community bands and orchestras. I also perform with my university Wind Ensemble and with some others, am getting a wind octet together.
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have? ** N/A. For me, music is much more fun and I play better when I'm not making a living at it. Pressure gets to me very easily.
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets?
** Not especially. I missed out on a great deal of musical enjoyment by not playing a single note from 1986-2006, but it became necessary to pursue other endeavors (math, computers) and get out of the Ramen noodle rut. Much to my surprise, I got my chops back, did so sooner than I thought I would and can now play like I did before but with better intonation and cleaner technique. It's all fun now, and music is one of the great things in life!
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-06-28 18:48
1. What's your day job?
>> IT Systems Engineer.
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
>> No
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
>> Yes. It's a great and rewarding way to unwind.
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
>> Yes.
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets?
>> Tough call. I can't rewind my life, can I? I'd surely do some things differently now, but how could I have known back then?
--
Ben
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Author: beejay
Date: 2008-06-28 19:03
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
I used to be a reporter for wire services and newspapers.
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
No. I dropped out of (high) school to take a newspaper job (that was before university degrees meant so much). I got a BA in philosophy much, much later and retired about three years ago to study for an MA in musicology. When I was a very poor apprentice reporter, I made more money playing in a New Orleans-style jazz band than I did out of journalism. But not enough to persuade me I could ever make a living out of music.
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
You bet. Every occasion I can get.
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
Yes. The orchestra of my local conservatory near Paris. We are actually pretty good. I'll grab any opportunity I get to play with other people.
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets?
I would have loved to be a musician at a top level, and if I had my life over again, I think I would try to be a musician. But no, je ne regrette rien.
BJ
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2008-06-28 19:21
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
Software Engineer, Network Administrator, other stuff
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
BM in Composition
2a. If you have degrees in music but are not currently making your living through music, how far did you go before deciding to travel a different path?
Not traveling a different path. Currently freelancing, starting a quintet, writing commissions, doing sound design at work. May end up in grad school before too long.
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
Just barely
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
Between ensembles at the moment. That will change mid-July.
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
Regrets regarding any of the rest of this survey? No.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2008-06-28 19:26
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
Retired music minister.
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
No, but I do have 110 credit hours in music theory and musicology
(hymnology).
2a. If you have degrees in music but are not currently making your living through music, how far did you go before deciding to travel a different path?
I did this backwards: I had another career and then decided to
pursue a paying career in music.
2b. If you answered 2a, what made you decide to give up music as a career?
Again working backwards, I decided work in music because it is the
only thing I truly love to do. I am grateful to have had the opportunity
to “follow my bliss”.
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
Musical involvement is a great activity in retirement. It keeps one sane.
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
Yes. Some pre-existing, some of my own devising.
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have?
There are lots of low-paying (i.e., semi-volunteer) jobs out there. I
found that I had to build upon whatever opportunities came along,
and eventually (over a period of years) I worked my way into a full-
time position.
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
I don’t regret that I eventually pursued a music career. I do
sometimes regret that I didn’t do it sooner.
Susan
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Author: Chelle
Date: 2008-06-28 20:18
1. I work at a battery factory (I'm an encapsulator which means I put together the lead plates that make up the cell packs in the larger batteries - I'm typically on the line that makes tank batteries).
2. Nope. Never planned to get a degree in music. Music is something I enjoy doing as a hobby. If I was forced to do it every single day, I wouldn't enjoy it as much (same thing goes for my photography/art). Plus I'm not good enough to make a living at it. I do have a degree in Biology but it's not something that I can put to use around here.
3. & 3a. Absolutely. I've been playing in the same community band every summer for the past 15 years. Plus I play in the pit orchestra for the local community theater. Been doing that for about 4 years. I thoroughly enjoy pit orchestra. Of all the ensembles I've played in, pit orchestra is the most challenging and the most fun (mainly because we all come from the community band and have known eachother for years and play really well together and can laugh and joke with eachother as well).
5. Nope. Of all the people I know of from my high school band. I think I'm one of just a small handful that's still playing and I'm proud of that. It's a shame that these people put 7 years of their lives (3 years of middle school, 4 years of highschool) into learning an instrument, then they just dropped it once they graduated. It's kind of sad.
-Chelle
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Author: William
Date: 2008-06-28 21:02
1--Retired from 34 yr public school band director. To make $$ I play lots of gigs--orchestral & jazz--and watch my mailbox for my state teachers retirement pension and SS checks.
2--BMusEd, MSEd-Mus.
3--What free time?? I have a permanent "honeydew" list, two dogs to walk and a yard that grows lots of weeds. Other than that, yes.
3a--yes, orchestras, bands, jazz groups.
4--Six years of college & 34 yrs of teaching, I now can practice my second career as a "professional" musician full time--or as much as my wife will allow.
5--Regrets?? Should have chosen the trumpet--then I wouldn't always have to sit in front of them--and gone right on for my DMA after college instead of teaching. Also, should have worn ear plugs on every gig to maybe avoid the tinitus I contantly now have in both ears. Then there was that other girl............but I digress (sorry).
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2008-06-28 21:30
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
I mix together teaching clarinet and playing gigs in addition to a part-time job which provides health benefits (I'm diabetic & the cost is high). My PT job is working in the CD department of a bookstore, so it is also music-related.
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
Yes. BMus and MMus., both in Cl. Perf; work towards an MA in Historical Musicology
2a. If you have degrees in music but are not currently making your living through music, how far did you go before deciding to travel a different path?
2b. If you answered 2a, what made you decide to give up music as a career?
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have?
It's taken me 15 years to find a workable combination of jobs. It takes time to build a studio, and I've been playing in groups for 14 years. Started in music retail in 1993 as full-time and have been part-time for about 5-6 years or so.
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
I regret going to the school where I got my master's degree. It was very expensive and all I got out of it was its name. I did not get a teacher I worked well with and so felt I actually lost ground while I was there. Luckily it was a year-long program.
I am very fortunate to have discovered the type of music I perform most frequently (Balkan folk) in 1994, and due to the backgrounds of some of the musicians in my current band, have even returned to playing classical.
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Author: Tony Beck
Date: 2008-06-28 22:15
1. What's your day job?
Electrical Engineer
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
No
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
Varies, sometimes I practice every night, other times I’ll go a week without practice (usually because of things like daughter’s exams or being on the road for work.)
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
Community Band
Octoberfest Band
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have?
N.A.
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
No, engineering is a great creative outlet and I still get to play music at my ability level.
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Author: alanporter
Date: 2008-06-28 22:19
1. Day job - physician, part-time medical examiner
2. No music degrees
3. Enough time to play. Member of local concert band
4 & 5 not applicable
What a varied group we are ! That's what gives us the benefit of so many different perspectives and opinions. I feel privileged to have access to this forum.
tiaroa@shaw.ca
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Author: pewd
Date: 2008-06-28 22:33
1. private clarinet teacher, full time, 50+ students.
2. no. computer science/chemistry. i had a music scholarship and i didn't major in music, which annoyed the music faculty
3. i play all the time
3a. principal in a local symphony. plus a community band.
4. i didn't look for it ; i was drafted
5. i regret not playing for 17 years while i was a computer programmer.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2008-06-29 01:44
This was an interesting post of questions. I didn’t realize how many non-professionals were members of this board and answer questions. Only a few people are actually musicians making at least part of their living from music. It seems for most it’s just the love of it and the clarinet. It may also be that not many professions read these posts or simply don’t participate as much as I do. I find it very interesting.
1. I play full time with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, clarinet and bass clarinet and teach at the Peabody Conservatory of Music.
2. BM from Manhattan School of Music
3. NA
4. I got my first job right out of college, I was lucky but I worked my butt of in school.
5. I love playing and teaching clarinet for a living, I can’t imagine doing anything else, Besides good health and a fine family I consider myself the be one of the luckiest people alive. ESP www.peabody.jhu.edu/457
(Listen to a little Mozart, Live performance)
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2008-06-29 02:23
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
Mechanical engineer and integration & testing manager for a space company (building spacecraft).
2. Do you have any degrees in music? No.
2a. If you have degrees in music but are not currently making your living through music, how far did you go before deciding to travel a different path?
2b. If you answered 2a, what made you decide to give up music as a career?
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time? Yes.
3a. Are you in any ensembles? Yes, plus freelance playing.
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have? N/A.
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal) No.
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Author: spage
Date: 2008-06-29 15:14
Here's my 0.02p worth:
1. Computer Officer (aka IT support, in Higher Education establishment)
2. Yes (B.Mus and subsequent M.Mus (Historical Musicology))
2a. Never aimed at being a performer. After graduating (and, indeed, while doing the M.Mus) I taught, instrumental and class, ages from 5- to 18+)
2b. Mix of health, way education was going and getting interested in computers.
3. Interest, yes. Time/Energy - variable :-(
3a. All amateur groups
Regular: clarinet choir (weekly), basset horn (and Eb!) trio (monthly)
Less regular: couple of clarinet quartets/quintets
Even less regular: orchestral depping, and the occasional other gig (e.g. a Mozart 'Requiem' yesterday)
4. N/A
5. As I said to a group of people the other day "if only I'd found scales and arpeggios as interesting/rewarding in my teens as I do in my 50s..."
Post Edited (2008-06-29 15:21)
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Author: MC
Date: 2008-06-29 15:25
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
University professor - information systems
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
Nope -- went the BBA/MBA route instead. That said, I finished my BBA with more hours in music than in business. Started as a music major. Got about 1/2-way through my junior year and realized (finally!) that I had no talent. Switched to business, but never stopped clarinet-ing.
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
I play in a couple of community orchestras and a wind trio. I practice once or twice a month whether I need it or not... Seriously, I don't devote nearly as much time to practicing and performing as I would like. That pesky job gets in the way.
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
No regrets. I don't have the self-discipline to be a full-time musician. As a hobby, though, I can't think of anything I'd rather do in my (somewhat limited) spare time. And besides, threatening my students with drive-by clarinet solos is almost as much fun as performing full-time. I keep a clarinet in my office, and I'm not afraid to use it!
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Author: Wicked Good ★2017
Date: 2008-06-29 15:26
1. Principal software technical writer/senior software QA engineer.
2. Bachelor's degree in music performance.
2a. I made my living as a performing musician for about 6 years.
2b. I was sick of the poverty, and wanted to get married and raise a family in relative comfort.
3. Work and home duties leave barely enough time for anything else. I need to make more practice time. Step away from the computer ....
3a. Several, mostly paying gigs with concert bands, pit orchestras, jazz groups, and one of my wind quintets. I do volunteer in a community orchestra and with another wind quintet.
4. N/A
5. I kind of wish I'd stuck with it longer, but I have fond memories of living a pro musician's life for awhile. Life is one large trade-off. You might have to give something up to get something else that you want more. (And there's always the possibility of playing more while in retirement ....)
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There are only 10 kinds of people in the world:
Those who understand binary math, and those who don't.
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Author: giuliano
Date: 2008-06-29 16:06
1. High school music teacher, engraver, and now I consider myself a free lance clarinetist as well (from when I started playing clarinet again after many years - playing mostly keyboards and recorder at school - I have already been hired a few times!!!).
2. Yes, a clarinet "diploma di conservatorio", not sure how to call it in English...
3-3a. I have started a clarinet choir with some friends, in which I play Eb and Bb. Time to practice is not as much as I'd like to have, but I manage to find some every day.
4. I started teaching in high school almost immediately after graduating, while engraving has been coincidental, I was in the right place at the right time, and that happened when I was 32.
5. Regrets? Not really... I did a lot of interesting things in the past and now it's clarinet time again.
Giuliano Forghieri
Nubilaria Clarinet Ensemble, arranger, clarinet, Eb clarinet
Accademia Musica Insieme, founder, arranger, clarinet
www.musicengraving.it
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Author: allencole
Date: 2008-06-29 17:38
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
Working musician, private instructor, church music director
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
129 credits, but no sheepskin
2a. n/a
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
In spite of a busy mosaic of working bands and day jobs, I still play in at least 2 community groups, play bass in my church job, and am an enthusiastic student of the guitar.
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
Mostly playing sax in jazz & rock settings. Playing clarinet in two professional-level community groups, plus a Western Swing Band (recently defunct) and a Gypsy/Jewish band.
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have?
With the exception of one show tour, my playing jobs are local-yokel, and I've had them for years. (I know when I'm well off) Teaching started as an assistant doing beginners-only, but has taken off into a number of music store and in-school positions. I was drafted into the church job as an interim, and was offered the permanent position after about 6 months. This is my first such job, and I've been in it for about a year.
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
Leaving school with the degree so close. I don't think it would've helped the quality of my work, but it would've opened a number of doors that lead to health insurance. No regrets about playing and teaching. I spent 7 years in a day job and returned to full-time music in 1999. It's been way better this time around and I've never looked back.
One last comment, that we can discuss futher if you like. For clarinet players in particular it's extremely important to think outside the box.
Allen Cole
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Author: bluemoose
Date: 2008-06-29 21:35
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
I'm currently a Music Ed major, but I work in an ice cream store and teach a few private students.
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
Ed degree in progress
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
Yes
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
Band/Wind Ensemble/Orchestra/Chamber groups at my university, and a summer band run by my old High School. No outside groups, but I hope I'll be able to play in some ensembles once I get settled in to teaching.
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have? Hopefully not too long after I graduate!
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
I wish I had practiced more in High School/realized music was for me earlier. Took me a year at another University I hated to realize that I was destined to be a music major.
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Author: soldiermusician
Date: 2008-06-29 22:38
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
Clarinet player for U.S. Army
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
Bachelor of Music Education, and currently working on a Master of Music in Clarinet Performance
2a. If you have degrees in music but are not currently making your living through music, how far did you go before deciding to travel a different path?
N/A
2b. If you answered 2a, what made you decide to give up music as a career?
N/A
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
N/A
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
Not in any civilian ensembles, hopefully that will change soon.
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have?
I found out about this job my senior year of undergrad. Auditioned and got in.
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
I almost got out of music, but I'm glad I didn't. There is nothing that makes me feel as good as music does. It's the only thing I want to do in this life.
1st Infantry Division Band
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Author: johng ★2017
Date: 2008-06-30 02:28
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living) ----I retired from banking and now teach clarinet/sax privately, run a sheet music publishing business (JB Linear Music), do some consultant work with attorneys in probate matters, do music engraving work and some contract arranging work.
2. Do you have any degrees in music? ---B. Music Ed and M. Music in clarinet performance
2a. If you have degrees in music but are not currently making your living through music, how far did you go before deciding to travel a different path?---I taught in public schools for 8 years before returning to college for a business degree and then into the banking world.
2b. If you answered 2a, what made you decide to give up music as a career?----I loved to teach, loved working with young people, but didn't love the hassles involved with teaching in public schools. I never really gave up music, since I continued to play as much as possible.
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?----NA
3a. Are you in any ensembles?---Orchestras (semi-pro), chamber music, and church worship team
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have?---Well, it was a life-long thing.
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)---no regrets - I am doing what I love to do.
John Gibson, Founder of JB Linear Music, www.music4woodwinds.com
Post Edited (2008-06-30 19:52)
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Author: Brenda ★2017
Date: 2008-06-30 03:07
1. What's your day job?
Corporate accounting and personal income tax.
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
No, just have gone exams through the Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada.
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
With relatives needing extra medical care and attention it's been a lot harder.
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
Upper Canada Clarinet Choir since its formation in 2000. It's been a great learning experience!
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have? N/A
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets?
Yes and no. I don't regret the professional musician's life style as other also mentioned, however I do wish I had learned more a lot earlier. But then I wouldn't have had a life full of travel, children, new languages and cultures and a new country. So maybe I have the best of both.
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Author: bmcgar ★2017
Date: 2008-06-30 04:36
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
I'm changing professions gradually: Right now, 70% a consulting technical documentation guy, 30% psychotherapist. I'll make the transition to fulltime shrinking over the next five years.
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
Nope. When I was "coming up," you didn't have to have a degree in music to get a serious playing job. All you had to do was play extremely well.
2a. If you have degrees in music but are not currently making your living through music, how far did you go before deciding to travel a different path?
I started out playing with a symphony in the Midwest, and did so for two years until an auto accident made that decision for me.
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
The time, interest, and energy is there, but not the opportunity. To keep me going, I play one recital every year, and also teach privately.
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
Several, but none that I'd call "serious" or "professional level."
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
Yes. I regret that my career didn't end sooner.
I was never good enough to play with a first-tier orchestra, so it was a hardscrabble existence while it lasted. Since then, I've seen friends who pursued professional playing careers suffer through near-poverty, divorces, and general financial insecurity decade after decade to the point that many of them wound up hating what they do.
I'm glad that I avoided that.
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2008-06-30 12:06
>1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
I'm a retired stained glass designer-builder and a former English teacher and investigative researcher in product liability. As a film critic, I wrote for "Scarlet Street" from 1993 until the editor died last year. Now I write for "Scarlet: The Film Magazine." (The premiere issue came out last week with part one of my article on four creature features from the 1950s.) Playing and composing music and restoring old clarinets and saxes are hobbies.
>2. Do you have any degrees in music?
No.
>3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
Yes.
>3a. Are you in any ensembles?
No.
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2008-06-30 12:14
Ed, there are lots of Professional players who read this - especially when their name comes up. Amazing actually....
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
Music exclusively. Teach and Produce. Was doing Promotion for a while too, and ran a Woodwind Accompaniment Business. I also replaced Anthony Gigliotti as the Clarinet Instructor for the Princeton, NJ FAME Summer Music Festival.
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
Yes (Performance) but also I took Pedagogy Courses with one of Vladimir Horowitz's only 5 students.
3a. Are you in any ensembles? - Yes, Sub in Orchestra's (Pro) as too busy for a regular gig.
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have?
Hired while still in College - graduated with over 65 students in my studio
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets?
I regret that I married too young (at 22) and didn't have the flexibility that I needed to travel for short term (the ever so popular "one year" gigs...) Orchestral jobs. That's about all that were open when I was in Audition mode. Had a bad wrist injury in 1989 that sidelined me for years.
btw, got divorced too young too.....
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: dgclarinet
Date: 2008-06-30 12:26
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
I'm a corporate tax accountant/cpa.
2. Do you have any degrees in music? Yes.
2a. If you have degrees in music but are not currently making your living through music, how far did you go before deciding to travel a different path?
I was in an army band for 11 years and played jobs around Atlanta.
2b. If you answered 2a, what made you decide to give up music as a career? My first son made me realize that I'd better find a better way to make more money.
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time? Not really enough time, but I do it anyway.
3a. Are you in any ensembles? 2 community bands and anything else that I can find where somebody wants to hear me.
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have? N/A
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal) No regrets. I wouldn't change anything about my life. I was in a very good military band that played concerts in all but 3 states while I was there (army bands were different in those days), I still get to make music (and have fun) and love the clarinet more than ever. There are other things in life besides playing in an orchestra, and a lot of those things are more fun too.
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Author: mrn
Date: 2008-06-30 14:03
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
I'm a patent attorney.
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
No, although I had originally planned to major in music and only changed my mind about mid-way through my senior year of high school. I might have done a double major with music if I had gone to a university that had a music school.
2a. If you have degrees in music but are not currently making your living through music, how far did you go before deciding to travel a different path?
This question seems to assume that you have to have a degree in music to be a professional musician. You don't. Some of the very best players out there either majored in something else (Charles Neidich, Jonathan Cohler) or don't have a degree at all (Ricardo Morales). I didn't exactly realize this at age 17, though.
2b. If you answered 2a, what made you decide to give up music as a career?
A desire for financial security/stability and the fact that the odds of landing a good paying orchestra job are slim, even for the best players.
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
Yes.
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
Yes. I recently joined a semi-pro. symphony orchestra. In the past (but still as an adult), I've played in a community wind ensemble, and I've been a music director at two churches. When I was in college, I played a few paying gigs as a soloist as well (for social events like weddings, etc.)--people liked the way I played "that tune from Out of Africa." :-)
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have?
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
Not really, although sometimes I wonder how far I would have made it if I had gone the pro musician route. There was a major university clarinet prof. who judged me at a contest when I was in high school and told me he "wanted to make sure" I was seriously considering a career in music, because he thought I should go pro. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I had taken him up on his advice.
Post Edited (2008-06-30 14:39)
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Author: Merlin_Williams
Date: 2008-06-30 14:31
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
Woodwind doubler in theatre music, currently on contract with the Stratford Shakespeare Festival.
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
No, though I studied jazz performance and writing at Humber College in Toronto.
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
I have MORE time to practice now than when I had a day gig. I use it to maintain/improve my lesser used doubles.
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
I tried to join the local community band on bassoon, but they told me not to bother them until after the summer.
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have?
Too long. 20 odd years...
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
Regrets? I had a few.
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Author: Nancy_S
Date: 2008-06-30 18:05
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
College Professor in Graphic Design
2. Do you have any degrees in music? No.
2a. If you have degrees in music but are not currently making your living through music, how far did you go before deciding to travel a different path?
High School: Ohio District Band, Youth Symphony
College: University of Cincinnati Concert Band and a few lessons.
2b. If you answered 2a, what made you decide to give up music as a career?
I auditioned for performance at Oberlin and Indiana University and received letters of rejection from both on the same day. Immediately (and kind of impulsively before I heard from University of Cincinnati which I knew was my last and worst audition) I transferred my application to UC’s College of Design, Architecture and Art.
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
Only recently when on sabbatical, after decades of not playing much, I began taking lessons
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
An awesome community band, last chair
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have?
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
I wish I would have done more research into finding the right college music education. My only strategy at that age and stage was to choose the "best" schools that were closest to where I grew up.
Even though music is a challenging career path, I believe if I had put as much effort into the clarinet as I have into my design career, it would have been very rewarding. On the other hand, I wouldn’t have a second area of interest—visual art and design that I have become equally passionate about. My next goal/hope is to somehow creatively merge the two.
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Author: Carol Dutcher
Date: 2008-06-30 20:20
Day Job: I am a medical transcriptionist and I can work from home. I work 28 hours per week.
I don't have a degree in music. I can read music though and have a good ear for what I am doing.
Ensembles: I have a dixieland (trad jazz) band now, it is called Carol's Jazz Cats, we are from three, four, up to six members depending on what is called for. We are doing the retirement home circuit in the East Bay Area and also will be playing in Reno in October for a convention. We did one Trade Show, and that was really fun. It was held in the hangar in Richmond where the Spruce Goose used to reside. I could never make a living at this though. I spend more than I earn! I am determined to see that the musicians I hire are paid. No big pay checks but at least their gas is covered! Also, I play in three jazz clubs in the Bay Area as a jammer, each club meets once per month. It has been the best education I could have gotten for playing with groups, different personalities, (!) learning how to take a solo without falling on my face. I have met many wonderful musicians through these jazz clubs. We all have the same interests.
My biggest regret is that I didn't follow along the musical career path and went into nurses training instead. I did not finish nurses training. I was not suited to it at all. I am lucky at this time in my life to be doing what I want to be doing at last!
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Author: BP
Date: 2008-06-30 20:54
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living) I am a Custodian of Medical Records at a clinic here in Las Vegas. Have worked as a roustabout on the Circus and other jobs over the years when music work was slow. I made my living as a musician for 25 yrs. (still trying).
2. Do you have any degrees in music? No, but I have studied and sat next to many great musicians. Studied with Connie Crothers and Eddie Barefield in NYC, Lewis Wyatt of the Boston Pops on Clarinet, Wayne Crebo of the Boston Pops and Byron Baxter of the Houston Philharmonic on flute. And also sat next to some great players in bands while I was on the road.
2b. If you answered 2a, what made you decide to give up music as a career? I never gave up my career. I guess it would be possible to make a living if I would decide to play commercially (weddings and casuals) but in music I have other interest's (avant-garde jazz).
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time? I practice at least 2 hours a day and more on the weekends.
3a. Are you in any ensembles? I work with Connie Crothers (piano) and some other guys in New York and the poet Mark Weber in Albuquerque, NM. I am getting my Dixie Chops together for fun (haven't played dixieland since I was 20).
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have? Finding work for the music I really play are few and far between, I consider it luck, but it does happen! The real joy of music to me is the act of playing (by myself or with others). I can persue the art of music wherever I am.
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal) I wish sometimes that I had taught college or maybe had a desire to be a more rounded musician. But the choice between playing casuals and pursuing music in one place like a normal person or going on the road, meeting intereresting people and seeing the world, to me there was no other choice than the one I pursued and am still pursuing.
Bill Payne
http://billpayne.wordpress.com/welcome/
Post Edited (2008-06-30 21:13)
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2008-06-30 21:08
1) Network Support Analyst in an auto components plant. I am the connection guy: configuring PC's to talk to welders, PLC's, glue applicators, touch screens, robots and the like.
Three of us support 450 PC's and 900 users on 3 shifts. So, to a large extent, we are just the gatekeepers. Being stretched this thin is the direction things are going everywhere. We are continuously on the go, and have to pawn off any extensive analysis to other people.
Last week there was a rumor I had been escorted out of the plant, and a lot of people were upset. That is, until they realized it was just a rumor. Makes me feel very slightly better.
2) Degree in Mathematics, minor in Computer Science, several certifications through the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
5) 15 years ago I had the "regrets" discussion with an oboist friend who was employed using his law degree.
"Katz," he said, "I sit here in my office all day, doing the lawyer thing, with nothing but tunes going through my head all day long."
He ended getting a degree in conducting, became a sub in a major U.S. orchestra, and then landed a teaching job at a regional state university. The rest is history. This was the right thing for him.
I think I would have had the same reaction to doing nothing but playing music, that I had doing nothing but writing software. I am very happy to be mostly dealing directly with people all day. So this was not a bad decision for me.
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2008-07-01 04:50
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
I am a Table Games Supervisor at a casino.
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
No, but I did put in a year at University as a Music Education major. Someday I'd like to complete the degree, but I'm in no hurry to do so as the job market for Music Ed grads is abysmal here in Michigan.
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
Yes. I regularly schedule time to play. Some things you just gotta do.
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
Yes. Currently I am playing bass guitar and clarinet in a small lounge-act band. I also gig on keyboards occasionally.
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have?
Back when I did, the jobs usually came looking for me. I lived in sort of a remote area and there was a shortage of steady, dependable musicians. Once you established a good reputation, you got plenty of calls. I got 2-3 paying gigs a week on winds, and 1 or 2 playing the bass.
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets?
Not really. My main regret is not being able to eke out a stable living in the music biz that's comparable to the one I enjoy in the gaming industry.
Ursa
Normandy original model, Woodwind Co. G8 mouthpiece, Rovner 1R lig, Vandoren V12 #3's
Pan American Brilliante 4-piece metal, Yamaha YAC-1208 mouthpiece, Rovner 1R lig, Vandoren Traditional #2's
Vito 7214, Selmer HS* mouthpiece, Ridenour hard rubber barrel, Vandoren V12 #3's
Post Edited (2008-07-01 04:57)
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Author: Ebclarinet1
Date: 2008-07-01 13:48
Interesting set of posts!
1. Day job- cell biologist with the government.
2. Music degrees
None although I took enough courses to have it as a minor but never did the recital thing required of majors. Have a Ph.D. in genetics/ cell biology instead. When I asked my music teacher in high school about music his advice was "you'll make much more money as a scientist". He's probably right! Both science and music are passions and I couldn't feel luckier having the chance to do both.
3. Although I do get paid when I do play (most of the time anyway), that is not why I'm doing it. I really do enjoy playing with musicians of a higher caliber in the symphonies and wind symphonies. It makes me a better player too. I do try to get at least an hour/ day, more on weekends, although I do play other woodwinds as well, getting quite a few English horn/ oboe gigs.
4. Would hate to have to live off my music. Would definitely be on food stamps!
5. There are days when I think "what if I had done thew music thing full time?" but guess I'm glad I can sort of do both. Of course there are other days when the reeds don't work or you have trouble with a piece that you think "Thank God I'm not doing this full time."
Eefer guy
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Author: Veldeb
Date: 2008-07-01 14:20
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
Environmental Scientist doing hazardous waste cleanup/emergency response for the Federal Govt.
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
no but took music all through college and then studied choral conducting through summer workshops.
2a. If you have degrees in music but are not currently making your living through music, how far did you go before deciding to travel a different path?
2b. If you answered 2a, what made you decide to give up music as a career?
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
I do indeed.. I make the time because it helps center me and I love clarinet as a hobby and not a job. I decided in high school that I would hate to wake up in the morning and go "ick.. i have to go to work today" and "work" being playing clarinet. That's how much i love it.
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
Yes! DC's Different Drummers' Marching band, Capitol Pride Symphonic band (16 clarinets, alto, bass and contra.. i play Eb Sop) and also "La Reeda Loca" clarinet quartet. www.dcdd.org - if you want a top notch community band to play in with former military band and professional players as well as those that just played in high school... check us out!
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have?
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
No regrets.. I love my day job..its allowed me to buy all the reeds I want. Rehearsals monday nights makes monday at work tolerable because I know i'll have dinner with the clarinet section and then a fun rehearsal.
Blake Velde
Effer for www.dcdd.org
Post Edited (2008-07-01 14:31)
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Author: clarionman
Date: 2008-07-01 14:30
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
I am a network administrator/computer tech./started learning how to do RPG programming for an aerospace company.
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
I do not have a degree in music. But I was in the conservatory of music of the Orchestra of Baja California while attending high school.
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
I always try to make time for practice and playing.
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
I play with so community bands; also I play with the San Diego Clarinet Society Clarinet Choir from time to time.
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have?
N/A
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
I did consider music as a career but I felt there were not a lot of opportunities out there and I decided to go with my second passion computers
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Author: Garret
Date: 2008-07-01 17:49
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
Dentist
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
No
2a. If you have degrees in music but are not currently making your living through music, how far did you go before deciding to travel a different path?
2b. If you answered 2a, what made you decide to give up music as a career?
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
Yes, I have enough free time to play but not enough time to be as good as I want. I took clarinet lessons in high school, then with a teacher 8 years ago. I have improved significantly with him but want to be better. I can't devote enough time in a day to work, practice for lessons, play in two community bands, sub occasionally in orchestras, do chamber music, and still keep time open for friends and family. There's so much great music in the world to play and share with others.
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have?
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
Overall I have no regrets. There are times when I wish I had pursued a degree in music but I'm glad I have the job I have because it gives me a secure income while having some flexibility in my schedule to take time off when I want to play.
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Author: LicoriceStick
Date: 2008-07-01 19:10
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
I'm an executive assistant to a senior VP
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
Yes - BFA in music performance
2a. If you have degrees in music but are not currently making your living through music, how far did you go before deciding to travel a different path?
I played in a chamber ensemble, and did some part-time symphony work. Then real life got in the way (long, sad story.)
2b. If you answered 2a, what made you decide to give up music as a career?
I never gave up - life interrupted me.
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
No - I practice 1/2 to 1 hour a day; would like to do 2 or 3.
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
Not yet!
4. If you do make your living through music, how long did it take you to find the job you have?
Sadly, not at this time.
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
I never regretted a minute of my music career. I have MANY regrets about the path that my life took. I am finally getting to a position whereby I can devote more time to playing, and perhaps regain a bit of what I'd lost. *SIGH*
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Author: claritoot26
Date: 2008-07-01 19:55
1. Day job = teaching 15-20 kids private lessons. And looking for more work, hopefully music-related.
2. BM, MM clarinet performance from University of Maryland.
2a. I'm one of those "backwards" people. I finished a BS in physics and was working towards a masters in same and working full-time at a laser company when I realized I wasn't going anywhere. Went back to school for music after being layed off, and never finished masters in physics...gave it up completely.
3. I have the time, energy, and interest. I could use some better time management and organizational skills and be more pro-active about my career.
3a. I'm in a community wind ensemble, assistant principal. Other occasional performances in musical theater, church congregations, etc.
4. Still looking for a better more steady job. It took a couple of years to build my teaching studio to 15+ students, but it's still just pocket change compared to a steady full-time job.
5. Sometimes I regret not switching to music sooner. It's hard to catch up to the youngsters who started their careers on schedule. But, I don't regret my career change.
Lori
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Author: coasten1
Date: 2008-07-01 21:22
1. What's your day job? (i.e. what do you do for a living)
IT SYSTEMS ANALYST
2. Do you have any degrees in music? NOPE
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time? YES
3a. Are you in any ensembles?
YES. I PLAY WITH THE TWO WIND ENSEMBLES AT MY COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND I TAKE PRIVATE LESSONS. SOMETIMES I GET TO HELP OUT A SMALL GROUP THAT PLAYS CIRCUS MUSIC IN SUMMER TOWN PARADES.
AS POSTED WAY ABOVE, I MAKE THE TIME AVAILABLE TO DEDICATE TO MY BANDS AND LESSONS.
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
THERE WAS A FIVE YEAR PERIOD OF TIME WHEN I WAS GOING TO COLLEGE AND AFTER WHERE I STOPPED PLAYING. I WISH I HAD MANAGED TO KEEP PLAYING WITH A GROUP.
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Author: runner
Date: 2008-07-02 02:38
1. I am "retired" from teaching general music in public school. (Two years now). However, I have 5 part-time jobs: Teach clarinet, sax and flute at a music studio on Tuesdays. Teach the same, plus piano at a community music school in the inner city Thursdays and Sat. ; usher for a major league baseball team.; am an assistant band director at a Catholic school two half days a week; work in the lawn and Garden section at Wal*Mart 20 -30 hours a week.
2. BFA in music.
3.Play in a community orchestra Tuesdays after teaching music. (bassoon and saxophone)
4. I found my jobs fairly quickly. However, since retirement I had sent out two dozen resumes, recevied only about 7 interviews to get the few music jobs.
5. I left music teaching after 13 years to get a Masters in Reading. Was a Title 1 teacher for many years before returning to music nine years before "retirement."
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2008-07-02 04:10
1. Day job?
Associate Professor of Accounting at Saint Louis University
2. Degrees in music?
No, B.S. in math and an M.B.A. and Ph.D. in accounting. I do have 3 years of college-level lessons (taken several years ago under SLU's tuition remission program) and some other music courses I've picked up over the years.
3. Enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time? In any ensembles?
My goal is to do about 30 performances a year. I get 15-20 with the three community orchestras I play in regularly, 6-12 playing for high-school and community theater musicals and the occasional odd gig with an on-again-off-again woodwind quintet.
5. Any regrets?
Regrets? Sure. If you've lived as long as I have, it's hard not to have a few. But I don't regret my decision not to pursue a career in music. My last couple of years in high school I played enough lounge band gigs to realize that I didn't want to make a career of it. Also, I never learned to play piano and I felt that would be a hindrance to my pursuing a music degree.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: csmith
Date: 2008-07-02 16:01
1. What's your day job?
Software Developer
2. Do you have any degrees in music?
No - I was pursuing a clarinet performance major at SMU studying with Steve Girko but decided after 2 years that music was not what I wanted to do for a living. It's a lot more fun as a hobby than a profession!
3. If you do not make your living through music, do you find you have enough time/energy/interest to continue playing in your free time?
I made time for quite a while during and after getting my Computer Science degree. Once I got married and had children, though, the time I used to have/make disappeared!
5. Whether you continued in music or didn't, do you have any regrets? (feel free to ignore this question if it's too personal)
None whatsoever. The lessons I learned as an undergraduate are invaluable. I really learned how to play and more importantly sound thanks to my college instructor. I also learned how *not* to teach thanks to him! Music moves the soul and I'm thankful I had those experiences early on so that I can better appreciate music today.
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Author: redwine
Date: 2008-07-02 16:37
Hello,
My day job is e-flat clarinetist in the US Naval Academy Band (retire in 6 years)
Bachelors degree in music education, University of Oklahoma, 1993
Masters degree in clarinet, Louisiana State Univ., 1995
In addition to the Navy job, I play in a chamber music group in Washington, D.C., lead my own jazz trio, freelance in the DC/Baltimore area, and play in a group dedicated to performing new music to 1920s era silent films (both classical and jazz oriented). I entered the US Army directly after masters degree, then 4 years later, won the audition with the Navy.
I wouldn't say I have any regrets, but I think I might pursue my education differently, had I known then... I don't have any complaints about my education, but I would probably attend a more prestigious school and would have gone to New York for my advanced degree. Or, I would have joined the military music program earlier and would have retired last year!!!
Ben Redwine, DMA
owner, RJ Music Group
Assistant Professor, The Catholic University of America
Selmer Paris artist
www.rjmusicgroup.com
www.redwinejazz.com
www.reedwizard.com
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Author: Jameslyons
Date: 2008-07-02 17:28
I am an English Major at UC Irvine in California where I'm (currently) focusing on education with a specific interest in inner-city demographics and State and Federal school curriculum's effect on younger children and the despairingly pathetic education capacities of poorer school facilities.
I chose UC Irvine for it's wonderful English department and excellent music programs. While I'm not focusing on a music degree, I have taken several intensive courses and am considering a minor in performance.
I am not the best player, but I love getting together with other interested amateur musicians. We have great fun trying to produce a nice sound. It's nice because my schooling focuses on reading and writing. Therefore I am only too excited to be able to get out and practice. My work tasks, however, make it a bit frustrating to work on timing for extended periods. But long tones, scales, improvisation, and loose-reading of music is great fun!
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The Clarinet Pages
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