Author: dreygirl
Date: 2006-11-07 14:43
I think it depends on the individual. I've had a passion for the oboe since just about the day I started playing, sure it waxes and wanes with all the trials oboists go through, but at the end of the day, I can't even picture myself doing anything else. The thing is though, I think at least for most people the oboe creates a bit of a love/hate relationship. A lot of people love playing when everything is relatively working, but it's no fun to struggle through a concert where you're in the middle of a reed crisis. So I personally would say I love playing the oboe with a passion I couldn't duplicate in anything else, but some days it still drives me crazy...there's no way around the fact that it IS a very difficult instrument that sometimes takes its toll.
As for the monetary aspect, well that depends on the person. But I'd say most musicians are well aware of how hard it is to get one of these great jobs (great jobs being a job in a highly esteemed orchestra that pays fairly well) and that most people, by the law of averages, might not get one. I've always told my students to only go into music if they REALLY love it, because it's way too hard (and perhaps not worth the heartache) if they don't. I think most musicians realize that it's not a "money" type industry. Sure, if you get a job in a top 5 ranked orchestra you're going to be making VERY good money, but how many people get those jobs? .01% maybe? I would say the chances of landing one of these "dream" jobs is roughly equivalent to making the "big bucks" in athletics, rock music, etc. Therefore, I'd say most classical musicians who have thought this out aren't doing it for the money, but for the love of it. I personally love music and love the oboe and want to make music at the highest level with the highest caliber of musicians for the sake of making great music, not to rake in dough. That's a side perk! But for me, I don't need to be filthy rich making music, all I care about is that I can pay my bills (which at this point I can't really!) and anything beyond that is a bonus.
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