 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: rabbit09876
Date: 2006-10-18 03:35
Greetings,
I am in the process of making a long dream of mine a reality: To get my MM in Clarinet Performance and really make something of myself. I want to help others overcome obstacles in life, and in music, but have been hindered by my own fears. Getting into a school like Eastman or Julliard, etc., even just the thought of it, fills me with such passionate emotion. Ever since I was in early high school, I have dreamed of becoming a great performer. That passion has stayed with me throughout the years, and I was successful in getting my BM in Music Ed in 02. I doubled in performance and ed for awhile, but was discouraged at my University to continue with performance. "It is useless, go with Music Ed, you'll get a job." Needless to say, this depressed me quite a bit. I was pretty good, certainly not the best, but always in the "top 5". I was so discouraged after student teaching that I didn't even attempt finding a public school job. I love teaching privately, however public school has never really interested me. I love to perform, with groups or as solo. The overwhelming adrineline rush, the satisfaction of a job well done (at least tried), the exhaustion of the rehersals, the craziness of the hours just prior to performing and the crash after it is all over...and the pizza..I love it. Throughout my career I have had many highs and lows, yet this passion still persues me. My job is now helping others gain music education (after not being in music for a few years), yet I am not teaching nor performing. I have been out of touch for several years with Music Theory, History, etc., and feel that I am quite rusty. My question to you out there is: Is there anyone out there who has had a similar experience? Has anyone gone to one of those great music schools after having been "out of the loop"? Any support/help is greatly appreciated. Thanks for letting me share.
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Author: ChrisArcand
Date: 2006-10-19 15:40
Go for it.
The great thing about things like this is that anything is possible. It all depends on you. Even if no one else posts to this and it seems that no one else would dare do it - that doesn't mean that it's not at all plausible. If you truly are as passionate as I believe you are, you shouldn't let anything stand in your way.
Realize that while I say this, I also say to understand that this doesn't mean it's not going to be a phenomenal amount of work. You're going to need to work so hard for it. But you sound like you are willing to do just that.
Here's to you. Maybe I'll meet you someday at Juilliard or Eastman - I am auditioning for those schools this next year. Good luck. Time to practice.
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Author: rabbit09876
Date: 2006-10-20 02:05
Thank you so much for your response, that means a lot to me. I know that most people reading this (as well as myself at times) think that I have missed my window of opportunity. Everytime that I think that however, I am reminded of those that I knew in undergrad who were in their 40's, 50's etc. and came back for a music degree. They had been out of music for decades, and yet they were extremely successful in college. They had children, some even grandchildren, and jobs, and yet they succeeded. Here I am in my late 20's, don't I have the same chance? Hard work is not something that I am afraid of. I think that in the end it will all be worth it. The blood, sweat, and tears that is going into this will make me appreciate it all so much more. Even if I fail and never get accepted, at least I would have given it my all. Thank you again for your response, good luck in the future.
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Author: rgames
Date: 2006-10-20 23:48
If your goal is to be a performer then why not jump in and start doing some auditions? I've never seen any type of degree requirement listed on an audition announcement.
The primary benefit of a formalized degree is not the subject matter you study but the process - in other words, learning how to learn. The fact that you have a degree indicates that you got that part already - you might do just as well (or better) to pick up a good teacher and work on your own.
The best advice I ever got from a clarinet teacher was the following: "All great musicians are self-taught, but with guidance." You don't necessarily have to be in a formal educational environment to get that guidance.
Best,
rgames
____________________________
Richard G. Ames
Composer - Arranger - Producer
www.rgamesmusic.com
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Author: frank
Date: 2006-10-21 17:05
It's great you have passion for music. I think it's the most important core item for heading down the professional musician path. That said, be prepared to deal with the fact that there are hardly any performing jobs you can make a living with anymore. Do you still have passion? This is assuming you want to play professionally and not just for fun. Good luck in your quest. You will need it.
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