I'm currently doing my Leaving Cert and will not be going to college until September 2009. Starting in July, I will be working for a year or so, before going to college. Rather than be idle and waste time, I want to earn some money.
Working somewhere in trad music circles would be ideal for me but I feel that at 17 years of age, with no degrees [obviously] and not much to my name in terms of work experience, it would be hard to find work anywhere other than a local supermarket or shoe shop [which is fair enough if that's all there is.]
But this is just a "last resorts" kind of question. Do any of you forumers have suggestions for trad music related work in Dublin that may be remotely available for me?
Many of the great trad musicians of past times did hard manual labour all their life, so why don't you look for a job on a farm or building site? Can't get more trad than that.
And why not ask, indeed, young Paddy.
Do you have to stay at home in Dublin?
You might usefully spend your time doing a bit of working while traveling for a year, and get a bunch of sessions and maybe even some gigs in, in different places, in Ireland and UK. Or even further afield.
Just a thought.
Now Bren, most of the current generation of trad hot-shots are either doctors or software wizz-kids. You're 50 years behind the times
No son or daughter of mine will ever spend time houkin tatties or labourin on the buildin sites as I had done, if I can help it. Aim high, young Paddy!
maybe you could find a job somewhere thats not super busy. then instead of sitting around when theres nothing to do, you can take your instrument to work and practice.
Don't know the local laws, but could you get a job as a bartender or service help at a pub where some of the big boys have sessions?
Ask around at recording studios or a radio station to see if they need help as an intern, a runner (here in the States they call it a gopher, as in you "go fer" lunch for the crew).
Travel agencies or tour organizations needing docents, tour guides, or even just drivers. I've heard some of your playing PaddyC, you'd be a dream come true for a muso-tourist hitting Dublin.
Paddy, most of us here, I suspect, support Our Muse by working a manifestly _non_-musical vocation. Hopefully, it's employment we can at least tolerate, and maybe even enjoy. And it's not the worst situation in the world. For one, it makes you savor all the more the times when you are able to play music with friends and acquaintances; for another, depending on what it is you do for work, well, it just might lead you to a whole other world of stimulating, interesting and fulfilling experiences -- may not help you play jigs or reels any better, but could make you a more complete person. Ya never know.
So don't sweat it if you do end up working at the market or shoe shoe store. Maybe you'll have some great co-workers who'll be your chums through thick and thin. Maybe you'll meet some memorable customers who'll give you insights that last a lifetime.
Of course, maybe neither of those things will happen. I mean, that's life, innit? But then again, as you say, you'll be in college a little more than a year from now -- who knows where that will take you?
The very, very best of luck to you.
sts, what you're saying makes sense. And, it's only one years work so I don't mind where I end up, really. Most likely, I'd end up as a courier with my brother [cycling around city].
KML, traveling would be great but I don't have money for it or planning but it's certainly something I want to do in the future, maybe during or after college.
sonofodin, yes interesting point. I never considered it but it was the material of actual work I was more "concerned" [using the word lightly] about.
fidkid, while working in a bar might sound ideal if sessions were solid, I'm not entirely convinced its a type of lifestyle I would like to lead and would be fed up after a few weeks.
Intern is interesting and something I hadn't considered. As for touring organizations, a docent sounds like a suitable area of work for me. Unfortunately, without a driving license, any driving jobs will have to wait some time.
Regardless of where I go, I won't be stuck for work. It's not a very important issue as it is only one year. But thanks everyone for the ideas.
I am not sure that this would pay, or pay well, but how about asking at local nursing homes if they would like someone to play music for the elders. It is very rewarding. The elders really appreciate it and it's a nice thing for a resume. Then get a part-time sales clerk job - but add something musical and rewarding to your day.
Also, it's a little late for that here, but camp counselor where you could involve the kids in music.
lighthouse keeper ~ but most have gone automatic
security ~ especially graveyard shifts (from buildings to mansions to salmon farms)
oil rigs
shepherd / cowboy
It's v difficult for a teenager to get a job they actually enjoy/gain something from/fits with their interests. If I were you I'd just go for whatever you're offered that pays the most, as long as you've time in the evenings to keep up your hobbies.
For tips on being lazy and how to never get a job in your life, ask Joe CSS.
Paddy. I too have heard you play and enjoyed listening. If you were doing a bit of busking in Grafton Street I'm sure you could earn more than you'd get doing a mundane job. Plus the fact that you'd be doing something you love....playing music. Maybe it's easier said than done to stand and play on the street. I've never done it myself but there must be members on here who have busked, and I know that many students have paid their way through college by busking. Good luck with your quest.
I also thought that you could busk to earn some money.
I've not done it, but I'm really thinking in doing it soon.
My brother did it (and still does it every now and then) playing guitar, and people leave some good money.
If you do it in a tourist place, it'd be better.
I like the nursing home idea. I've been busking before and have had a good response. I don't think I would have the stamina for "full-time" busking but it would be something to do for an extra few bob here and there. Good stuff!
Busking is good for an extra few bob at the weekend, or for subsisting while travelling. But it's hard work *making money* out of it. It takes a certain kind of person to do it full time - it uses up a lot of energy, physical and emotional. In a place like Grafton Street, Temple Bar etc., buskers are so commonplace that they become part of the scenery. It can take a lot more than just *playing well* to make an impact on the crowds. Then again, you might be one of that 'certain 'type' and be able to pull in €500 a day. I'm not.
Places to work
Places to work
I'm currently doing my Leaving Cert and will not be going to college until September 2009. Starting in July, I will be working for a year or so, before going to college. Rather than be idle and waste time, I want to earn some money.
Working somewhere in trad music circles would be ideal for me but I feel that at 17 years of age, with no degrees [obviously] and not much to my name in terms of work experience, it would be hard to find work anywhere other than a local supermarket or shoe shop [which is fair enough if that's all there is.]
But this is just a "last resorts" kind of question. Do any of you forumers have suggestions for trad music related work in Dublin that may be remotely available for me?
# Posted on June 7th 2008 by PaddyCmusic
Re: Places to work
Many of the great trad musicians of past times did hard manual labour all their life, so why don't you look for a job on a farm or building site? Can't get more trad than that.
# Posted on June 7th 2008 by Bren
Re: Places to work
And why not ask, indeed, young Paddy.
Do you have to stay at home in Dublin?
You might usefully spend your time doing a bit of working while traveling for a year, and get a bunch of sessions and maybe even some gigs in, in different places, in Ireland and UK. Or even further afield.
Just a thought.
# Posted on June 7th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: Places to work
Now Bren, most of the current generation of trad hot-shots are either doctors or software wizz-kids. You're 50 years behind the times
No son or daughter of mine will ever spend time houkin tatties or labourin on the buildin sites as I had done, if I can help it. Aim high, young Paddy!
# Posted on June 7th 2008 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: Places to work
maybe you could find a job somewhere thats not super busy. then instead of sitting around when theres nothing to do, you can take your instrument to work and practice.
# Posted on June 8th 2008 by sonofodin
Re: Places to work
Don't know the local laws, but could you get a job as a bartender or service help at a pub where some of the big boys have sessions?
Ask around at recording studios or a radio station to see if they need help as an intern, a runner (here in the States they call it a gopher, as in you "go fer" lunch for the crew).
Travel agencies or tour organizations needing docents, tour guides, or even just drivers. I've heard some of your playing PaddyC, you'd be a dream come true for a muso-tourist hitting Dublin.
# Posted on June 8th 2008 by fidkid
Re: Places to work
Paddy, most of us here, I suspect, support Our Muse by working a manifestly _non_-musical vocation. Hopefully, it's employment we can at least tolerate, and maybe even enjoy. And it's not the worst situation in the world. For one, it makes you savor all the more the times when you are able to play music with friends and acquaintances; for another, depending on what it is you do for work, well, it just might lead you to a whole other world of stimulating, interesting and fulfilling experiences -- may not help you play jigs or reels any better, but could make you a more complete person. Ya never know.
So don't sweat it if you do end up working at the market or shoe shoe store. Maybe you'll have some great co-workers who'll be your chums through thick and thin. Maybe you'll meet some memorable customers who'll give you insights that last a lifetime.
Of course, maybe neither of those things will happen. I mean, that's life, innit? But then again, as you say, you'll be in college a little more than a year from now -- who knows where that will take you?
The very, very best of luck to you.
# Posted on June 8th 2008 by sts
Re: Places to work
sts, what you're saying makes sense. And, it's only one years work so I don't mind where I end up, really. Most likely, I'd end up as a courier with my brother [cycling around city].
KML, traveling would be great but I don't have money for it or planning but it's certainly something I want to do in the future, maybe during or after college.
sonofodin, yes interesting point. I never considered it but it was the material of actual work I was more "concerned" [using the word lightly] about.
fidkid, while working in a bar might sound ideal if sessions were solid, I'm not entirely convinced its a type of lifestyle I would like to lead and would be fed up after a few weeks.
Intern is interesting and something I hadn't considered. As for touring organizations, a docent sounds like a suitable area of work for me. Unfortunately, without a driving license, any driving jobs will have to wait some time.
Regardless of where I go, I won't be stuck for work. It's not a very important issue as it is only one year. But thanks everyone for the ideas.
# Posted on June 8th 2008 by PaddyCmusic
Re: Places to work
I am not sure that this would pay, or pay well, but how about asking at local nursing homes if they would like someone to play music for the elders. It is very rewarding. The elders really appreciate it and it's a nice thing for a resume. Then get a part-time sales clerk job - but add something musical and rewarding to your day.
Also, it's a little late for that here, but camp counselor where you could involve the kids in music.
# Posted on June 8th 2008 by grumblingoldwoman
Re: Places to work
Jobs that leave spare time to practice:
lighthouse keeper ~ but most have gone automatic
security ~ especially graveyard shifts (from buildings to mansions to salmon farms)
oil rigs
shepherd / cowboy
# Posted on June 8th 2008 by ceolachan
Re: Places to work
get a job on a farm
# Posted on June 8th 2008 by millionyears_bc
Re: Places to work
It's v difficult for a teenager to get a job they actually enjoy/gain something from/fits with their interests. If I were you I'd just go for whatever you're offered that pays the most, as long as you've time in the evenings to keep up your hobbies.
For tips on being lazy and how to never get a job in your life, ask Joe CSS.
# Posted on June 8th 2008 by mehitabel23
Re: Places to work
Paddy. I too have heard you play and enjoyed listening. If you were doing a bit of busking in Grafton Street I'm sure you could earn more than you'd get doing a mundane job. Plus the fact that you'd be doing something you love....playing music. Maybe it's easier said than done to stand and play on the street. I've never done it myself but there must be members on here who have busked, and I know that many students have paid their way through college by busking. Good luck with your quest.
# Posted on June 8th 2008 by Free Reed
Re: Places to work
I also thought that you could busk to earn some money.
I've not done it, but I'm really thinking in doing it soon.
My brother did it (and still does it every now and then) playing guitar, and people leave some good money.
If you do it in a tourist place, it'd be better.
Good luck!
# Posted on June 9th 2008 by Bothrops
Re: Places to work
I like the nursing home idea. I've been busking before and have had a good response. I don't think I would have the stamina for "full-time" busking but it would be something to do for an extra few bob here and there. Good stuff!
# Posted on June 9th 2008 by PaddyCmusic
Re: Places to work
Busking is good for an extra few bob at the weekend, or for subsisting while travelling. But it's hard work *making money* out of it. It takes a certain kind of person to do it full time - it uses up a lot of energy, physical and emotional. In a place like Grafton Street, Temple Bar etc., buskers are so commonplace that they become part of the scenery. It can take a lot more than just *playing well* to make an impact on the crowds. Then again, you might be one of that 'certain 'type' and be able to pull in €500 a day. I'm not.
# Posted on June 9th 2008 by granama
Re: Places to work
I certainly couldn't do that. It's all about creating character more so than solely performing music.
# Posted on June 10th 2008 by PaddyCmusic