 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: scrutonae20
Date: 2013-05-21 01:35
Hello all,
I am a junior music education major at a small liberal arts university in Pennsylvania. I have recently decided to pursue graduate studies in clarinet performance, because my career goals have shifted. I am really interested in performing, particularly in musical pits, operas, ballets, etc. That being said, I'd like to study with someone who's had experience in these different settings. My private teacher has recommended I look for a school near a large city with performance opportunities. I'd also prefer to stay in the northeastern US, but will also go as far west as Chicago or as far south as the Carolinas. Cost is, of course, a concern. I am also open to exploring performance certificate options, since I have spent the last 3 years moving towards an education degree, not a performance degree, and may not be playing at the same level as the other prospective grad students I am competing against.
Can anybody recommend some schools and teachers to aid me in my search? Some schools already on the list -
U of Maryland @ College Park
DePaul
Stony Brook
U of Mass @ Amherst
U of Miami (an exception to the regional criteria)
Thanks for anybody who can help me out on my search! Any and all advice and suggestions are graciously accepted
-Amber
Post Edited (2013-05-21 02:06)
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2013-05-23 03:29
You're career goal is rather unrealistic. Do you realize how few oppertunities there are to play in a pit for a clarinet player? There's only a hand full of Opera compainies in the US that are a full time job and those are top symphony player jobs, even less Ballet companies. I don't think there are more the half a dozen in the country that are considered even near full time. I can really only think of two or three that are full time jobs. Playing in the pit for shows requirs playing most of the woodwind instruments, doubling on sax, flute, oboe or bassoon and there are many unemployed musicians looking for those jobs. Studio work is incredabily difficult to break into. It takes years to make the connections, you don't just audition for them, it's who you know. I think you need to reconsider your ambitions as a performer. Check my website for my articles on Symphony Jobs in America, it's related to what you want to do. Opera and ballet orchestra's are acutally symphony orchestra's.
If you want to still get a performance degree just to have the experience and get to be a better player look for the teacher you would like to study with and try to get a few lessons with them to see if you're a good fit and if their school is affordable. None of the schools or teachers at them will do you anything as far as getting a "pit" job, it's just not even possible. I'm sorry if I broke you're bubble but you need to go into this with your eyes opened. There are 100 clarinet players for every symphony job available, maybe more like 200-300.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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