 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-10-23 19:50
It is no secret that that the USA (and worldwide) econony are currently in tough times. Many people are delaying purchasing "big ticket" items and are cutting back on disposable income purchases.
As one who plays with a few weekend groups (Big Band and Dixie), we have found that the previous year's bookings were significantly impacted. We are based in a wealthy resort area - and yes, even the rich are cutting back. The upcoming year is promising (a number of contracts already signed, and many in the "talking" stage) but still less than in past years.
For those of you that play in small (or large) paying groups (chamber, club date, Dixie, Big Band, etc...), have you experienced the same?
What percentage are you behind? 20?.. 50?.. more?
Could you share any innovative ideas to increase your marketability?
Thanks...GBK
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Author: Burt
Date: 2002-10-23 21:39
Our big band is playing at places we would otherwise not consider because they don't pay very much, such as a senior citizens' center dance, and auctioning ourselves via churches and public radio with the agreement that the band gets a percentage.
I share your observation that gigs are much less frequenct in the past year.
The concert band I play in does not pay members. At our prices, we turn down gigs because we would have too many.
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Author: David Spiegelthal
Date: 2002-10-24 02:58
I absolutely agree that paid gigs are becoming few and far between, and are paying less (in constant dollars) than before. And I don't think it's just been happening during the current economic slump --- I've been sensing a steady decline in paid gigs for probably 15 years. I think there are many factors involved, including such things as the advent of the digital Compact Disk, the social trend towards reducing or eliminating the consumption of alcohol (which has been particularly detrimental to the market for New Year's Eve gigs), and the increases in hours worked and especially commuting time of the American worker, which leaves less leisure time available for people to go out and hear live music, and the traffic means they have less desire to go out to clubs or shows (and smaller audiences of course means fewer paid gigs). Many factors, some of which I'm sure I've missed.
Right now I'm considering taking a regular gig with a band with which I don't particularly like to play, for the same pay (NO adjustment for inflation) as I used to make subbing with them 15 years ago, simply because my family could use the money and there are hardly any other paid gigs around here. It's pretty sad, really. But there's never any shortage of groups willing to have you play for them for free!
I wish I had some innovative solutions, but I don't. I believe (pessimistically) that music performance is evolving almost exclusively into a personal hobby (such as building models or golfing or whatever) which requires some financial investment to do but provides no return --- almost irrespective of one's skill level. In other words, you gotta pay to play, and you play solely for your own enjoyment, not for financial renumeration nor for the entertainment of audiences. I think we're heading towards a near future where there'll be almost no room at the top for full-time paid musicians, and no pay at all (or next to none) for anyone but the top-tier players. Heck, right now I'm playing in a community orchestra whose string section includes some Russian emigres who used to play with the Moscow and Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) Philharmonics --- these are great players, working for free! It's almost insulting, I think. In a perfect world these musicians would be paid a decent salary to play in a fine orchestra for large, appreciative audiences which would include a good cross-section of the community --- not playing gratis for audiences outnumbered by the musicians and mainly comprising senior citizens (which is the situation at most of our concerts).
Sorry --- I'm in a whiney mood this evening --- I hope things aren't really as bad as all that. Perhaps some folks out there can turn this thing around........
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2002-10-24 04:51
Due to the exchange rate, hollywood movies are recording right here in Melbourne, Australia, using local artists. Lucky me
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Author: Wes
Date: 2002-10-24 05:31
Dave has it right. Except for a relatively small group of very competent studio players here in Los Angeles, most of the playing is low paying. The people that wish to make a living at it usually have to teach as well as perform. We get so hooked on performing and it can be so satisfying that we continue to play. I try to enjoy the music and have some fun.
An additional situation here is the growing traffic which makes far away rehearsals and gigs not as acceptable as they were 10 or more years ago.
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-10-24 06:36
Morrigan wrote:
"Due to the exchange rate, hollywood movies are recording right here in Melbourne, Australia, using local artists."
They are?!? that's interesting, Morrigan, based on what?
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Author: Jim Mougey
Date: 2002-10-24 11:05
Dave's point "musicians outnumbering the audience" is probably the key factor in this discussion. The "pay monies" must be generated from somwhere, and the smaller the audience,the smaller the pay. I am positive we all know dj's well booked and pretty well paid. Couldn't be the music they play, for it is just popular stuff that only teeners enjoy. Top orchestras have recording contracts stopped, gig joints are closing, concerts aren't drawing and I've been told that record sales are slipping for many artists. Could it be that we are not as elite as we think we are? How often Ive heard "the audience doesn't know anything aboout music" and the sudience just keeps dropping out of the picture. I am positive it couldn't be that musicians don't understand audiences.
It's 6 am here and I can say these things for it is quiet in the house for once. Jim (M)
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Author: d dow
Date: 2002-10-24 14:41
I am doing alot more as of late(10 concerts this month) plus more recording studio work....
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2002-10-24 14:43
Diz
the fact that Eaton Studios have recorded several major motion pictures, as well as the new Fox studios over here, where large-scale movies are being made cheaper coz musicians and extras, fx, sound engineers (etc. etc.) are cheaper to pay for, because of the exchange rate.
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-10-24 23:35
Morrigan - if I were a hollywood producer and had to "decide" upon an orchestra to use that wouldn't break the bank, i'm afraid (as much as I love the SSO and MSO) I'd be looking at Los Angeles or London Symphony - these orchestras can sight read just about ANYTHING note perfect - our orchestras are just not of the same calibre. The Australian Chamber Orchestra is - but it's just too small for the big, lush film scores.
don't get me wrong here - I'm a big fan of Aussie orchestras
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-10-25 04:11
GBK: here is a rare instrument that should help you getting "that very special job" - enjoy
http://www.s-hamilton.k12.ia.us/antiqua/bladpipe.htm
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-10-25 04:30
diz...Thanks....Surprisingly interesting sound.
To quote from the article:
<i>"...By the sixteenth century, the bladder pipe had become an instrument associated with beggars and peasants..."</i>
Seems perfect for the current lack of jobs for live musicians...GBK
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Author: Josh Schultze
Date: 2002-10-25 18:01
Herr David Spiegelthal wrote:
"I believe (pessimistically) that music performance is evolving almost exclusively into a personal hobby (such as building models or golfing or whatever) which requires some financial investment to do but provides no return."
I find this to be a fascinating and yet entirely accurate observation. I live in New York City and have been surrounded by musicians (mostly classical) all my life. Some are fairly prominent in their fields. Yet the demand for even top musicians is decreasing. As Ned Rorem once said, "we're writing music for the .5% of the .5%.
By far, the "model" of the "successful" musician is one who has a well paying job, the golden handcuff, and who pursues music in addition to their full time job. In contrast, my clarinet instructor has a PhD, is a Russian emigre and is musically extremely talented. He runs around from gig to gig and fits in his students in between. His primary job in terms of income is that of clarinet instructor. The percentage of his earnings as instructor are significantly less than his income as a teacher.
He among other classical musicians have been telling me that they have unquestionably been playing fewer concerts. And when they do get a gig, they rearrange their entire schedules, ie. students' schedules, to accomodate.
And as a tangent, what I find more infuriating is that DJs can make more than a professionally trained musician.
Take Care,
Josh
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-10-25 19:05
Here's a good story from the Washington Post on concerts in peoples' houses, with a bunch of contact links.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Forest Aten
Date: 2002-10-26 05:27
GBK,
I've not seen a slow down in the past 24 months. Free lance work has been very steady in Dallas/Ft. Worth.
The Dallas Opera will break ground on a new $250 million dollar facility next year, with completion in 5/6 years. They already have 3/4 of the money raised from private funding...$50 million to come from the city. This hall will only seat about 3/4 the number of people as our current/old venue. The company will have to go to about 34-37 week seasons, just to meet current season subscribers seats. Good news for the orchestra! (and the free lance community in about 6 years....we won't be out there competing for work)
Things can change quickly. The economy is very bad in the north Dallas/Richardson/Plano area due to the telecom layoffs. Nortel, Ericsson, MCI...etc. Add TI to the list after last week. We may be in for our worst free lance season this coming year. But hey, I like to stay optimistic.
As for marketability....
always be ready...the first step is to play well; everyday
play (audition) for as many local contractors as you can
take some lessons from the local pros (the ones that get the work)...play well in the lessons and wait for the spin off work
get to know local university/college educators and their students
attend local performances and don't be shy...communicate with the performing musicians and let them know you're out there
It's not always easy to break into a community of professional musicians. Everyone in the community has it in their best interest to protect their turf. It can be done, you can break in! It often takes time...even years.
Regards,
Forest Aten
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