 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jan
Date: 2001-04-30 14:40
...im just sitting here (at work) thinking...as i listen to my paul meyer cd.. all i do is think about music and playing clarinet while im at work. my ambition to do well at clarineting and my enthusiasm for musical knowledge far outweigh my skill level. i am not one of those real talented musicians who have this natural ability. i have worked very hard to get to where i am now (high intermediate, altho i think my teacher would just call it advanced). i want so badly to make music my life instead of this stupid desk job. if it were at all possible, i would want to become a private teacher and play in a professional clarinet choir. but I would need to put in even more time and effort for this accomplishment. if i knew that it was achievable i might attempt it. but i cant just quit my life supporting job for something that will always be just out of reach. im willing to put in the effort. ......im kinda embarrassed to ask my tracher if he thinks its a possiblility. ...especially if its not. how can i evaluate myself to know if i got what it takes. im not talking ...a prof. soloist or a position in an orchestra...i have a prof. clarinet choir in mind and i would love to teach 1 on 1. .....i am rambling and dont really know what im asking. i guess im just upset that i am at work and hating it while i could be playing clarinet and loving it.
any thots.......?
jan
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Author: Brian Peterson
Date: 2001-04-30 15:41
Jan,
I sometimes imagine myself as a professional although as I approach mid life and find myself fairly settled in to my own career now, I'm quite sure it won't ever happen.
That being said, I am blessed that my vocation as a Lutheran pastor allows me meaninful opportunities to pursue my passion for the clarinet--practicing, performing with an adult amatuer chamber group in town, not to mention checking the sneezy bulletin board a couple of times a day!
I guess what I'm wondering is whether or not you might be free to consider some other line of work that might allow you more time to pursue your passion for the clarinet. I think you might be able to experience a real sense of satisfaction as you have more time to devote to what you really love to do. Although you and I probably won't ever be principal players in the New York Philharmonic or get paid $90 an hour to teach, there's is a lot to be said for working hard to play to the best of your abilities, and for helping others especially children to gain an understanding and love for music, which in my mind is the best thing that "Old Fogeys" like me can ever do. It's probably not a good idea to doing anything in haste, like quit your job today as there are certainly trade offs for you to consider--salary, career concerns, family committments, etc. These are issues that only you are in a position to make a decision about. What I can say is that if you were to make such a change my guess is that you'd likely not ever play games of second guessing, of looking back and saying, "Why did I do this?" Hopefully it would be the kind of decision that would lead you to say, "Gee, I'm glad to be doing what I'm doing."
I am told that the word "amateur" in its root meaning implies "a love or passion for something". That being the case, listen to your heart and your head and follow your passion.
Best Wishes (and I'll be thinking of you.)
Brian
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Author: David Kinder
Date: 2001-04-30 15:52
Good advice given! My suggestion is to build up a small teaching clientele of small children while you have time in the afternoons (after school hours, of course) and just start teaching! You'll have fun, they'll have fun AND you can add an additional income to your salary!
Now the key here, is that with this fun, you'll do even better at your job. When you feel that you're starting to accomplish something even more meaningful, you'll feel happier, and you'll be even more productive in your present career.
Just a penny for these thoughts!
David
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Author: Daniel Bouwmeester
Date: 2001-04-30 15:57
Hello Jan,
I can understand your feelings about your job, but I really think you're far better off staying in an office than being a musician.
To be able to teach and perform in an a professional clarinet choir, you would first need a proper qualification. That would mean start studying in a Conservatoire. To study in a Conservatoire, you need to have a certain technicall level on the clarinet, and a certain musical talent. Then, if you have all this, they will not necessarily accept you if you are too old (over 22, forget it). At Conservatoire, you would have to study a good four years before graduating.
If you are just willing to teach, you may want to go for a non professional diploma (such as british ABRSM grade 8). But you will never get enough students with this diploma to live on.
And then if you do teach, you will notice that average 0.5 % of your students will be practicing regularly. Teaching these kind of students is boring.
Being an orchestral player means, practicing a lot, playing 200 times the symphony of mr X, 140 times the symphony of Mr. Y... etc..etc Many orchestral players spend their times trying to find hobbies: some paint, some have boats, some have jazz bands...
Anyway.... I you look at Paul Meyer's life. He's been working his ass off for many years, he is extremely talented, and he was lucky enough to know the right persons at the right moment . And then if you look at his social life, it's as empty as a desert. I've met Paul in Geneva two years ago, and he's gone nuts.
have a look at this interview of Emmanuel Pahud (international flutist... 1st solo at Berlin Philarmoniker, n°1 at EMI classics for flute) :
http://www.emiclassics.com/artists/interview/month.html
No, if I had to choose between working in an office an working as a musician, I would work in the office, and play for fun in a good amateur orchestra.
It looks really easy when you listen to a cd and read the cover, but it's way too complicated for a normal human.
You may or not listen to my advice, but I know I'm right.
Best regards
Daniel
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Author: Sylvain
Date: 2001-04-30 16:22
Jan,
I am more or less in the same situation as you are. I am pursuing a PhD in computer science at a pretty good university and will most likely get a professor position somewhere in this field. I've been playing the clarinet for almost 20 years now and could probably make it in the (semi)professional music world.
However, I have been around many professional players and even more wannabe professional players. Most of them will tell you that life as a musician is hell, even more as a clarinet player where jobs are so hard to find. Some truly love it but these one are rare.
I believe that playing for fun is the way to go. I will never want to make my clarinet my primary resource of income. This will mean playing a lot of music I don't like and teaching to many kids who are forced to take lessons because their dad or mom and have no real interest in music.
The way I keep myself happy of not fulfilling the dream of becoming professional is by practising lots, taking every opportunity to play with people. There are so many amateur musicians that in every city I have been to, I found a piano player, a good band or when really lucky an amateur orchestra.
I am quite fortunate because my job has very flexible hours and I can manage my time as I please.
The key word is pleasure, and apart from a handfull of very happy clarinetist I believe that most professional musician do not retire as much pleasure in playing as we amateur do.
My advice, give yourself some room from your every day job, give a few lessons to kids, create your own amateur clarinet choir if this is what you want to do. There is no need to become a professional to enjoy music as much as a professional.
My 2 cents,
-Sylvain
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Author: Gretchen
Date: 2001-04-30 16:56
Jan,
I think you might want to see if your teacher can steer you to some students. Most accomplished teachers have schools contacting them constantly. Start off teaching three or four hours on the weekends. See if you like it. True, you won't make the $50 to $100 per hour that major orchestral players get in America (I assume you're an American), but non-professional musicians still get $20 to $40 an hour, which is a very livable wage. Plus you can set your own hours and even teach out of your home, and you're your own boss. For some this sure beats the daily grind and rat race of the office world. Essential though are patience and good relations with both children and their parents. Best of luck.
Gretchen
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Author: Lisa Chien
Date: 2001-04-30 18:44
I have several friends who have had experiences that might give insight to your situation.
One friend used to be a cellist. His mother was a violin teacher and his father was a piano teacher, both at prominent New York city music schools. After studying all his life in conservatories to be a cellist, he was never able to land that coveted orchestra job. He taught kids and adults privately and at summer camps.
At the tender age of 35 he decided to change careers and sell commercial real estate in New York City. Now he earns a hefty, hefty, hefty salary, lives in a stately loft and plays chamber music with his friends. He bought himself an exquisite cello, one that he never could have afforded on a teacher's salary. He is very happy because he has found a workable balance.
Another friend studied with Hans Werner Henze to be a composer. During his short, yet prolific creative period he wrote three symphones, two operas, many chamber works and liturgical music. At thirty, his parents, who had been financing his musical efforts, ceased all financial assistance. He reasoned that if he hadn't made his money yet that he should get a new career. He got his MBA and is now in charge of a team of 30 investment bankers in New York City and makes a hefty, hefty, hefty salary and bonuses. He owns a townhouse in the City and frequently gives fabulous parties where chamber music is featured.
Finally, another friend is a composer, has 5 CDs on the market and is moderately successful in his field. He had been a teacher of piano at a New York City school. But he declared bankruptcy when he was 32 and changed his career eight years ago. He retains his weekly desk job because he earns a hefty salary. He would not otherwise have the wonderful lifestyle he has if he had to depend only on income from his music, which is moderate at best (royalties and CD sales amount to $200 a month.) He a Hamburg Steinway grand in his country house and a Bösendendorfer Imperial in his New York City apartment.
What all these fellows have in common is that they found that making money in the classical music field is extremely difficult. They all chose to remove themselves from the field, start anew, and now they all play music that they love. They never play music unless it inspires them in a significant way. Now they all have this wonderful hobby called music that will nourish them and don't have to struggle so hard to make money in a field that chewed all of them up and spat them out.
They are the patrons at the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic and Tanglewood. They buy the prime tickets that many full time teachers of music could only dream of. I would suggest never to give up a full time job unless it is clear that you can make a living that is confortable for oneself, financially, musically and intellectually.
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Author: jerry
Date: 2001-05-01 00:15
Jan,
I think your in the same boat I'm in -- a job gets in my way, but without the job I cannot play.
Sounds like good avice here.
Good luck.
~ jerry
Still in Clarinet Boot Camp
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Author: jan
Date: 2001-05-01 12:29
i want to thank all of you for your replies. i want to add some information to my original post. i already play in an amatuer symphony, and an amatuer clarinet choir along with giving private lessons to one 9 yr old student and taking lessons myself.
jerry was exactly right when he says that work gets in the way and thats how i was feeling yesterday. i wish i could be even more involved with music but my job does not give me the time i need. i didnt mean i was going to quit my job suddenly and delve into the world of music and try to make it. i just realized i might have come accross that way..sorry.
i would like to join the professional clarinet choir that my teacher directs. not for the income or monotary value but for the personal achievement. and i have found teaching so much more rewarding than i expected i would like to gain more students.
but i cant do either one if i dont have the time because of this job.
i have thot about what everyone has said. brian, i am seriously thinking about what you said about finding another line of work that would be both gratifying and allow me the time to fill my passion for music. im going to take it slow....i have contacted a music teacher at an elementary shcool to let her know im available to teach beginners. i hope it will be the start of something more rewarding for me than listening to complaints all day long as a cust serv rep.
jan
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-05-01 13:46
"If you do what you love for a living, better keep some for yourself." James Taylor.
(Or was it Coleridge Taylor?)
There is a neat little book called "Your money or your life" about living smaller, to achieve a measure of financial independence.
Some of their methods are Draconian, and impractical.
My guess is that the job has no time restriction and has begun to bleed over into your down time. If you're wearing a pager all the time or a boss feels free to call you on the weekend, this could be a larger problem.
People making music for a living tend to be VERY busy and put lots of miles on their cars to get from one gig to the next.
My teacher, a Godess player, holds 7 part-time postitions to pay the bills.
Slippery slope, ahead.
anji
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Author: Lynne
Date: 2001-05-02 13:44
Jan, I read with interest your posting. All I can say is to follow your heart. If you really are that miserable in your job, then perhaps the time has come to leave and find something else. Don't be embarassed to talk to your teacher - that's what we're for! I'm always ready to give my pupils advice, on whatever subject, if and when they ask me.
I'm a professional player and teacher, and yes, I cover many miles in my car going to gigs, and yes, the money isn't brilliant, but at the end of the day I love my job and the satisfaction I get far out ways the financial side.
I think you've done the right thing contacting an elementary school offering your services. Perhaps you should contact more? Best of luck with it all, and let us know what you decide to do.
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