For those of you who know me I thought Id let you know what I didn't get into CSU for music. This is a bit frustrating, because I had my heart set on getting in so that I could continue to improve my skills, and I worked really hard, yet at the same time I suppose it could be considered a good thing. I have a feeling its time I be honest with myself and admit that I dont want to grow up and play in orchestras and that my heart is more set on ITM. I do however, still wish to get an education, and improve my skills on my fiddle. Any suggestions?
Sorry to hear you didn't get in -- that's a bummer. But remember the old quote: "Real musicians have day jobs." This is especially true in traditional music -- think of Matt Malloy and his pub etc. So don't despair, since music can be your life-long joy and companion. Remember the root of amateur is amas -- to love, something which often gets forgotten in the cutthroat world of professional music.
That said, what else do you love? There are so many ways to make a living, some fun, some less so. Jobs involving skills of the brain and/or hands tend to be more fun than mindless ones. Tell us a bit about yourself and we might be able to give you some ideas.
Admitting that you "don't want to grow up" is the first step toward a really full and interesting life, so you're on the right path already, Anna.
Seriously, it sounds like you're okay with the CSU deal, and well aware that "a door never closes that another one doesn't open somewhere else." There are lots of other options out there. If your heart's set on a music education, there are degree programs in Irish trad at Limerick and Cork (and no doubt other places), or you could dive into an ethnomusicology program closer to home (and still focus on Irish trad). And you already know about the Berklee program in Boston--just because you didn't get into CSU doesn't mean you can't try elsewhere (and try again if you don't get in the first time around).
In other words, you don't have to be in a college music program to continue to improve your music making. There are other (even better) teachers out there, and other ways to motivate yourself to put the hard work in (which is where the improvement comes from anyway).
Or you could try Sociology or Anthroplogy and approach the music from a more cultural, social side. I once had a Geography professor who was also an avid fiddler and whose area of study was on how geographic features (terrain, oceans, climate, political boundaries, etc.) influence the distribution of folk music (specifically traditional fiddle tunes).
Then again, you're now free to study anything that interests you. There are plenty of trad musicians who have degrees in unrelated fields--Sean Smyth is a medical doctor, Brian Conway an attorney, Tom Morrow a computer whiz, and so on.
Personally, I'm tickled pink to *not* have to earn a living playing music--it lets me play for the pure enjoyment of it. Particularly if you're into Irish trad--that *is* the tradition. Earn your living doing something else, and spend all your free time playing music. 99 percent of the people who play this stuff are amateurs or very part-time pros. Everybody but the top-most tier has a day job.
And you can always try something new--no educational or career direction is ever set in stone.
I'd like to let you know that I once tried to pursue music and university at the same time and the end result was -- I stopped playing music for 10 years. I changed my career-- and have one that suits me well and came back to music 10 years ago-- playing purely for the fun of it. I know many other music students who had the same misfortune where "music school" is concerned. Consider yourself blessed!!!
I didn't get into the music program at CSU either, anna, and yet my music skills continue to improve. Unless I lop off both my arms in a wood chipper improvement is inevitable.
The obvious choice is to keep trying to get accepted into the program that interests you, but apply to more than one school. If you don't get in anywhere this term, go to Ireland on a work visa and get yourself a job in Ennis, where you'll be steeped in ITM. You can find great teachers there as well.
It's your life, and you're about to get yourself in a mountain of debt to continue your education, so it doesn't make any sense to settle for a field of study you don't have a passion for.
I think it would be a mistake to pick something else to study just because music broke your heart. It will turn into one of those rebound relationships where 10 years later you discover you've bought a house and had children with someone you never really loved in the first place.
I'm sorry things didn't turn out as you'd hoped, but I'd reiterate my point of a few weeks ago, and tell you that you're indeed lucky-- this fit was ultimately not right for you, in spite of your desire to go there. As frustrated as you may be now, you will see how fortunate it is that you discovered this now, and not after a few years of feeling not quite comfortable. You sound like a very level-headed person, and I'm confident that you will indeed end up in a great situation.
I have to say, however, that I take major issue with some of the posts here with the ham-handed judgment that all those who attend music school are predestined to a life of musicless misery, and that you are better off without a musical education that with one. True, there are many, many players enrolled in music programs who have no business pursuing music as a primary career path, and most find this out eventually. There are probably just as many brilliant musicians who have never set foot in a conservatory. But to make the assumption that those of us who have studied music and who indeed put bread on our table through performing (and teaching) are somehow less deserving of the pleasure that ITM gives us is unfair. I can say with utmost certainty that my music education has been an indispensible ingredient in my ongoing experience with ITM. I wouldn't trade that for anything. I learn a bit more every day, and my music education taught me how to learn. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones.
Finally, in echo of Will's always-spot-on post, I'd relay a quick story to you, Banana: A friend of mine is the principal trumpet player of one of the "big five" symphony orhcestras in the U.S. He is a superlative talent, and obviously has done very well for himself and his family. When he was looking at undergrad schools, he had his heart set on Juilliard, only to be denied acceptance (he later did his Master's there). He would up attending a very large state university. His academic requirements were such that he had to take a bevy of non-music classes: Classic Literature, Art History, etc. Every moment of those classes, he says, was spent thinking "This s*cks, I want to go practice." Now, when he is on tour with the orchestra, what do you suppose he does with any bit of spare time he has? He gets to every art museum and used book store he can. He says he couldn't imagine his life without reading and art. Funny thing...
"I have to say, however, that I take major issue with some of the posts here with the ham-handed judgment that all those who attend music school are predestined to a life of musicless misery..."
Where did that come from? Sensitive much? I've read and reread all these posts looking for someone who comes across as judgemental or ham-handed and I'm convinced you're imagining things. Not that I'm ham-handedly judging you. I certainly think you deserve your musical satisfaction as much as the next guy.
Kerri, we cross-posted, so I didn't read your reply until now. My issue was with the following:
" I know many other music students who had the same misfortune where "music school" is concerned. Consider yourself blessed!!!"
I've read innumerable posts on this site over the years which broadly dismiss classical musicians as rigid, stodgy, boorish, and only semi-literate. And there are plenty of those types around, believe me-- I work with them every day. But to toss the opinion that a young person would be "blessed" by not joining the ranks of those in a formal music education is unfair to this young student, especially during a time of critical decision-making in her life.
Sensitive? Nope. I do think the above statement was unfair. But I appreciate your kind reply.
Whether music school is good for you or bad for you, depends on lots of things, such as what kind of a school it is, and what the prevailing currents are, and the personality of the tutors - and your own personality, of course. I went to art school, because I loved art, and nothing else came to mind at the time. After 3 years of being essentially discouraged from following my instincts, I ran a mile - and did almost no art, for *years*, till I got that negative experience out of my system.
I'm *so* glad I didn't go to music school and have the same thing happen, though I know it wouldn't necessarily follow. It was partly misfortune, and partly the fact that I wasn't strong enough to bend the situation in my favour, or positive enough to navigate the hurdles.
I think mature students are often in the best position - after a decade or two of growth and experience, they *know* what it is they're after, and they have the confidence to deal with discouraging tutors or other impediments.
I'd certainly say that if you know you don't want to be an orchestral player (which, by the way, is probably one of the toughest paths you could take as a musician, economically - since classical music is nose-diving in that respect) then there's no need to follow a course which is designed to lead you to that outcome. I'd look into some of those ethno-musicology type courses that Will mentioned. After all, you already know what it is you're really interested in...
Best of luck!
Does Colorado have a community college system? I know in California, many students first going into college are denied and encouraged to enroll in the Community College system first for the first two years of general education. If your passion in music is ITM, a Community College in the vicinity of good ITM sessions would help and leave options open for later. Sounds like you could be a fresh young talent. Best Wishes.
There are lots of decent jobs that hinge on a passion for music, and relevant college or technical education for most of them. A short list inlcudes:
Manage a music store
Make musical instruments
Teach music
Work in a recording studio
Perform
Manage a performer or band
Music marketing
Book acts for a concert hall
Provide therapy through music
So a "music education" might include or focus on a whole range of studies or degree programs, such as acoustic engineering, recording engineering, ethnomusicology, business administration, marketing, woodworking, metal smithing, electronics, etc.
My brother's a good example of the diversity of jobs available that most people never think of. He has a music degree from Carnegie Mellon and works as an editor and arranger for major orchestral composers. After answering an ad in the New York Times, he was Leonard Bernstein's musical assistant for many years, until LB's death. His work combines his passion for classical music, piano skills, keen interest in languages and literature, eye for detail, and organizational skills. Some of his best friends are librarians for major orchestras--another job that your average high school guidance counselor never mentions.
I notice the Berklee school in Boston offers programs in music recording and engineering, teaching, and therapy. Lots of options there beyond just perfroming.
Also, combining different fields is a good way to create a niche job for yourself. My degree is in English Literature (after getting kicked out of a class because I "lacked a passion for literature"--true enough), but I took a ton of natural science and resource management classes all through college. I also worked natural resource jobs--for the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish & WIldlife Service, and Montana Department of Natural Resources. I earn a good living as a writer specializing in natural resource issues and outdoor recreation. I was able to take something I have a knack for--writing--and combine it with my love for the outdoors, and come up with a personally satisfying, lucrative job. You can too, if you know how you like to spend your time and what skills you have a knack for. The next ten years for Anna are a great time to explore different directions and become aware of the great variety of things people do to make ends meet and enjoy their passions.
Gary, Tom Morrow is the fiddler with Dervish, and he clearly has parents with a good sense of humor....
OK darin. (I actually thought I deleted the part that said "sensitive much" - I usually try to scan for un-necessary sarcasm before posting - sorry about that.) You have a point about the general folkie opinion of classical music / players.
Anyway, Anna, I've had a heap of music-related jobs such as the ones on Will's list and they make me really, really happy. Take that list and add stage manager / technical director / technician (sound or lights) for music festivals and concerts.
Ideally, one day I will be producing enough shows, recording enough bands, selling enough CDs, booking enough tours, taking enough gigs / music related contract work, and possibly teaching enough students I will be able to cut my day job down to three days a week. (I'm winking, but I'm serious.)
You know what I think would be a huge education for you - go hang around the folk alliance conference next year. You don't need a ticket, you can just mill about in the hotel chatting with people and checking out the fringe shows. You'd have a chance to meet thousands of people with dozens of different music-related careers. Some of them might even play in orchestras or string quartets in their spare time.
Here is their website. Seems the 2006 conference is happening in Austin TX. I strongly recommend a road trip. Working at that conference this year woke me up to how enormous a "business" this folk music thing I dabble in really is.
My job, incidentally, had the innocuous title "transport co-ordinator" but I was made much in a week doing that as I make in three at my day job. The job itself involved tracking down the artists in 50 or 60 bands who were playing for the official showcase and making sure they got to and from their sound checks and shows at the venues they were playing in.
Oh yeah, and I got that job and a whole heap of others like it from people I met playing diddly at sessions.
Kerri's experience is a good example of how a life in music often works--you earn your bread wearing many different hats. A good friend of mine earns a comfortable living (feeds and clothes a family of four) by playing in two bands, teaching guitar lessons, doing the sound for concerts, and working sales and instrument repairs at a local music store. All of this is done in state, most of it in his home town--no long road tours.
The folk alliance conference sounds like a worthwhile experience. You can also volunteer to help with concerts in your own town, just to get some work experience and exposure to other sides of the music industry. Concert and festival organizers are always looking for ushers, ticket takers, assistants for the artists (getting them settled into their hotels, securing meals, etc.), publicists (volunteer to write a promo piece for the local newspaper). Do any of these enough times and pretty soon people are calling you and asking how much you charge to take care of such things.
There's a few options still, apart from the plethora of opinion already expressed:
1. get into CSU for something that's not music, and take lessons. it's possible to get into music departments by the back door this way. talk to the studio teacher in your instrument area first before you do this, to make sure this person has enough free schedule space to get you lessons.
2. check out other schools.
If being a music undergrad is right for you, there will always be a way to make it work.
Yes, the folk alliance. I volunteered several years ago when it was in Albuquerque, just checking badges at the entrance to seminar rooms. For that I got free entrance to everything, a ton of cds, and got to hear some of the best Scandinavian folk music going (Vasen, Frijof, the Finnish group I forget the name of, et al) LIVE. (I know all caps looks like shouting - I mean it!) And, as Kerri pointed out, a real learning experience in all the ways one can have a business in folk music. Really a fun time -
Woohoo, cj, fellow folk alliance veteran. Wicked stuff, isn't it? And the free CDs: I'm still wading through the pile. It will take months to listen to all of them properly.
The other thing to consider, Anna, is that Montreal is a wicked city, musically speaking, and we have a billion universities. OK, maybe it's only three or four. But we don't have any Bushes. I went to watch your elections in the McGill student pub, and the place was packed with young, intelligent Americans discussing how to go about staying in Canada forever.
But that's the deal, I guess. We get your smart liberals in exchange for our smart conservatives.
yeah, montreal could be really nice. Im very fond of canada. Liberalness has never been a bad thing in my mind. Do you know if credits transfer from american schools to canadian schools, cause that would be awesome.
"liberalness has never been a bad thing in my mind?" You'll have to do better than that if you want to come to Montreal. Get out your Che Geuvara paraphernalia and some beeswax to keep your honkey dreads nice and tight and learn how to blockade a major city street for weeks on end when the government threatens to make cutbacks in their bursary program and you'll fit right in. I don't know about the credits. McGill is packed with American students, though, so there must be some kind of give and take.
k cool thanks. Boulder colorado, was once very liberal. It is still, but in the snobbish upperclass sense. Its not quite the diverse free loving place it was during the 70s. Now its just lots of upper class white folk fighting for their animals rights. We no longer get to own our dogs, where their loving guardians.
Wow, Kerri, thanks for the link... things look much the same as they did when I was a grad student at McGill in 1990. Do you know if Bengt Hambraeus is still on faculty? He was a trip, man...
The university that I work at has a nice music program. It is a small univ. in the northern mountains of Pennsylvania--Mansfield University. If you decide to major in sociology here I can help you craft your educational career around the sociology of music. Finally, I'm always looking for some ITM folks since they are hard to come by.
Random vent
Random vent
For those of you who know me I thought Id let you know what I didn't get into CSU for music. This is a bit frustrating, because I had my heart set on getting in so that I could continue to improve my skills, and I worked really hard, yet at the same time I suppose it could be considered a good thing. I have a feeling its time I be honest with myself and admit that I dont want to grow up and play in orchestras and that my heart is more set on ITM. I do however, still wish to get an education, and improve my skills on my fiddle. Any suggestions?
# Posted on March 20th 2005 by banana512
Re: Random vent
Sorry to hear you didn't get in -- that's a bummer. But remember the old quote: "Real musicians have day jobs." This is especially true in traditional music -- think of Matt Malloy and his pub etc. So don't despair, since music can be your life-long joy and companion. Remember the root of amateur is amas -- to love, something which often gets forgotten in the cutthroat world of professional music.
That said, what else do you love? There are so many ways to make a living, some fun, some less so. Jobs involving skills of the brain and/or hands tend to be more fun than mindless ones. Tell us a bit about yourself and we might be able to give you some ideas.
# Posted on March 20th 2005 by KateG
Re: Random vent
Admitting that you "don't want to grow up" is the first step toward a really full and interesting life, so you're on the right path already, Anna.
Seriously, it sounds like you're okay with the CSU deal, and well aware that "a door never closes that another one doesn't open somewhere else." There are lots of other options out there. If your heart's set on a music education, there are degree programs in Irish trad at Limerick and Cork (and no doubt other places), or you could dive into an ethnomusicology program closer to home (and still focus on Irish trad). And you already know about the Berklee program in Boston--just because you didn't get into CSU doesn't mean you can't try elsewhere (and try again if you don't get in the first time around).
In other words, you don't have to be in a college music program to continue to improve your music making. There are other (even better) teachers out there, and other ways to motivate yourself to put the hard work in (which is where the improvement comes from anyway).
Or you could try Sociology or Anthroplogy and approach the music from a more cultural, social side. I once had a Geography professor who was also an avid fiddler and whose area of study was on how geographic features (terrain, oceans, climate, political boundaries, etc.) influence the distribution of folk music (specifically traditional fiddle tunes).
Then again, you're now free to study anything that interests you. There are plenty of trad musicians who have degrees in unrelated fields--Sean Smyth is a medical doctor, Brian Conway an attorney, Tom Morrow a computer whiz, and so on.
Personally, I'm tickled pink to *not* have to earn a living playing music--it lets me play for the pure enjoyment of it. Particularly if you're into Irish trad--that *is* the tradition. Earn your living doing something else, and spend all your free time playing music. 99 percent of the people who play this stuff are amateurs or very part-time pros. Everybody but the top-most tier has a day job.
And you can always try something new--no educational or career direction is ever set in stone.
# Posted on March 20th 2005 by Will CPT
Re: Random vent
I'd like to let you know that I once tried to pursue music and university at the same time and the end result was -- I stopped playing music for 10 years. I changed my career-- and have one that suits me well and came back to music 10 years ago-- playing purely for the fun of it. I know many other music students who had the same misfortune where "music school" is concerned. Consider yourself blessed!!!
# Posted on March 20th 2005 by CC
Re: Random vent
I didn't get into the music program at CSU either, anna, and yet my music skills continue to improve. Unless I lop off both my arms in a wood chipper improvement is inevitable.
The obvious choice is to keep trying to get accepted into the program that interests you, but apply to more than one school. If you don't get in anywhere this term, go to Ireland on a work visa and get yourself a job in Ennis, where you'll be steeped in ITM. You can find great teachers there as well.
It's your life, and you're about to get yourself in a mountain of debt to continue your education, so it doesn't make any sense to settle for a field of study you don't have a passion for.
I think it would be a mistake to pick something else to study just because music broke your heart. It will turn into one of those rebound relationships where 10 years later you discover you've bought a house and had children with someone you never really loved in the first place.
# Posted on March 20th 2005 by Kerri Brown
Re: Random vent
Hi Banana,
I'm sorry things didn't turn out as you'd hoped, but I'd reiterate my point of a few weeks ago, and tell you that you're indeed lucky-- this fit was ultimately not right for you, in spite of your desire to go there. As frustrated as you may be now, you will see how fortunate it is that you discovered this now, and not after a few years of feeling not quite comfortable. You sound like a very level-headed person, and I'm confident that you will indeed end up in a great situation.
I have to say, however, that I take major issue with some of the posts here with the ham-handed judgment that all those who attend music school are predestined to a life of musicless misery, and that you are better off without a musical education that with one. True, there are many, many players enrolled in music programs who have no business pursuing music as a primary career path, and most find this out eventually. There are probably just as many brilliant musicians who have never set foot in a conservatory. But to make the assumption that those of us who have studied music and who indeed put bread on our table through performing (and teaching) are somehow less deserving of the pleasure that ITM gives us is unfair. I can say with utmost certainty that my music education has been an indispensible ingredient in my ongoing experience with ITM. I wouldn't trade that for anything. I learn a bit more every day, and my music education taught me how to learn. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones.
Finally, in echo of Will's always-spot-on post, I'd relay a quick story to you, Banana: A friend of mine is the principal trumpet player of one of the "big five" symphony orhcestras in the U.S. He is a superlative talent, and obviously has done very well for himself and his family. When he was looking at undergrad schools, he had his heart set on Juilliard, only to be denied acceptance (he later did his Master's there). He would up attending a very large state university. His academic requirements were such that he had to take a bevy of non-music classes: Classic Literature, Art History, etc. Every moment of those classes, he says, was spent thinking "This s*cks, I want to go practice." Now, when he is on tour with the orchestra, what do you suppose he does with any bit of spare time he has? He gets to every art museum and used book store he can. He says he couldn't imagine his life without reading and art. Funny thing...
All the best,
DK
# Posted on March 20th 2005 by darinkelly
Re: Random vent
"I have to say, however, that I take major issue with some of the posts here with the ham-handed judgment that all those who attend music school are predestined to a life of musicless misery..."
Where did that come from? Sensitive much? I've read and reread all these posts looking for someone who comes across as judgemental or ham-handed and I'm convinced you're imagining things. Not that I'm ham-handedly judging you. I certainly think you deserve your musical satisfaction as much as the next guy.
# Posted on March 21st 2005 by Kerri Brown
Re: Random vent
Kerri, we cross-posted, so I didn't read your reply until now. My issue was with the following:
" I know many other music students who had the same misfortune where "music school" is concerned. Consider yourself blessed!!!"
I've read innumerable posts on this site over the years which broadly dismiss classical musicians as rigid, stodgy, boorish, and only semi-literate. And there are plenty of those types around, believe me-- I work with them every day. But to toss the opinion that a young person would be "blessed" by not joining the ranks of those in a formal music education is unfair to this young student, especially during a time of critical decision-making in her life.
Sensitive? Nope. I do think the above statement was unfair. But I appreciate your kind reply.
DK
# Posted on March 21st 2005 by darinkelly
Re: Random vent
Hey, Will. Who is this Tom Morrow guy? Is he related to Todd Day?
# Posted on March 21st 2005 by GaryAMartin
Re: Random vent
Whether music school is good for you or bad for you, depends on lots of things, such as what kind of a school it is, and what the prevailing currents are, and the personality of the tutors - and your own personality, of course. I went to art school, because I loved art, and nothing else came to mind at the time. After 3 years of being essentially discouraged from following my instincts, I ran a mile - and did almost no art, for *years*, till I got that negative experience out of my system.
I'm *so* glad I didn't go to music school and have the same thing happen, though I know it wouldn't necessarily follow. It was partly misfortune, and partly the fact that I wasn't strong enough to bend the situation in my favour, or positive enough to navigate the hurdles.
I think mature students are often in the best position - after a decade or two of growth and experience, they *know* what it is they're after, and they have the confidence to deal with discouraging tutors or other impediments.
I'd certainly say that if you know you don't want to be an orchestral player (which, by the way, is probably one of the toughest paths you could take as a musician, economically - since classical music is nose-diving in that respect) then there's no need to follow a course which is designed to lead you to that outcome. I'd look into some of those ethno-musicology type courses that Will mentioned. After all, you already know what it is you're really interested in...
Best of luck!
# Posted on March 21st 2005 by Nell
Re: Random vent
Does Colorado have a community college system? I know in California, many students first going into college are denied and encouraged to enroll in the Community College system first for the first two years of general education. If your passion in music is ITM, a Community College in the vicinity of good ITM sessions would help and leave options open for later. Sounds like you could be a fresh young talent. Best Wishes.
# Posted on March 21st 2005 by CeolCairdeas
Re: Random vent
There are lots of decent jobs that hinge on a passion for music, and relevant college or technical education for most of them. A short list inlcudes:
Manage a music store
Make musical instruments
Teach music
Work in a recording studio
Perform
Manage a performer or band
Music marketing
Book acts for a concert hall
Provide therapy through music
So a "music education" might include or focus on a whole range of studies or degree programs, such as acoustic engineering, recording engineering, ethnomusicology, business administration, marketing, woodworking, metal smithing, electronics, etc.
My brother's a good example of the diversity of jobs available that most people never think of. He has a music degree from Carnegie Mellon and works as an editor and arranger for major orchestral composers. After answering an ad in the New York Times, he was Leonard Bernstein's musical assistant for many years, until LB's death. His work combines his passion for classical music, piano skills, keen interest in languages and literature, eye for detail, and organizational skills. Some of his best friends are librarians for major orchestras--another job that your average high school guidance counselor never mentions.
I notice the Berklee school in Boston offers programs in music recording and engineering, teaching, and therapy. Lots of options there beyond just perfroming.
Also, combining different fields is a good way to create a niche job for yourself. My degree is in English Literature (after getting kicked out of a class because I "lacked a passion for literature"--true enough), but I took a ton of natural science and resource management classes all through college. I also worked natural resource jobs--for the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish & WIldlife Service, and Montana Department of Natural Resources. I earn a good living as a writer specializing in natural resource issues and outdoor recreation. I was able to take something I have a knack for--writing--and combine it with my love for the outdoors, and come up with a personally satisfying, lucrative job. You can too, if you know how you like to spend your time and what skills you have a knack for. The next ten years for Anna are a great time to explore different directions and become aware of the great variety of things people do to make ends meet and enjoy their passions.
Gary, Tom Morrow is the fiddler with Dervish, and he clearly has parents with a good sense of humor....
# Posted on March 21st 2005 by Will CPT
Re: Random vent
OK darin. (I actually thought I deleted the part that said "sensitive much" - I usually try to scan for un-necessary sarcasm before posting - sorry about that.) You have a point about the general folkie opinion of classical music / players.
Anyway, Anna, I've had a heap of music-related jobs such as the ones on Will's list and they make me really, really happy. Take that list and add stage manager / technical director / technician (sound or lights) for music festivals and concerts.
Ideally, one day I will be producing enough shows, recording enough bands, selling enough CDs, booking enough tours, taking enough gigs / music related contract work, and possibly teaching enough students I will be able to cut my day job down to three days a week.
(I'm winking, but I'm serious.)
You know what I think would be a huge education for you - go hang around the folk alliance conference next year. You don't need a ticket, you can just mill about in the hotel chatting with people and checking out the fringe shows. You'd have a chance to meet thousands of people with dozens of different music-related careers. Some of them might even play in orchestras or string quartets in their spare time.
# Posted on March 21st 2005 by Kerri Brown
Re: Random vent
Your posts, (as always) give me lots to think about. I really appreciate the input.
# Posted on March 21st 2005 by banana512
Re: Random vent
Where is the folk alliance conference? I suppose I could have looked it up online, but I might as well just ask you.
# Posted on March 21st 2005 by banana512
Re: Random vent
http://www.folkalliance.net/about/index.php
Here is their website. Seems the 2006 conference is happening in Austin TX. I strongly recommend a road trip. Working at that conference this year woke me up to how enormous a "business" this folk music thing I dabble in really is.
# Posted on March 21st 2005 by Kerri Brown
Re: Random vent
My job, incidentally, had the innocuous title "transport co-ordinator" but I was made much in a week doing that as I make in three at my day job. The job itself involved tracking down the artists in 50 or 60 bands who were playing for the official showcase and making sure they got to and from their sound checks and shows at the venues they were playing in.
Oh yeah, and I got that job and a whole heap of others like it from people I met playing diddly at sessions.
# Posted on March 21st 2005 by Kerri Brown
Re: Random vent
Even though she didn't know diddly.
# Posted on March 21st 2005 by Phantom Button
Re: Random vent
Kerri's experience is a good example of how a life in music often works--you earn your bread wearing many different hats. A good friend of mine earns a comfortable living (feeds and clothes a family of four) by playing in two bands, teaching guitar lessons, doing the sound for concerts, and working sales and instrument repairs at a local music store. All of this is done in state, most of it in his home town--no long road tours.
The folk alliance conference sounds like a worthwhile experience. You can also volunteer to help with concerts in your own town, just to get some work experience and exposure to other sides of the music industry. Concert and festival organizers are always looking for ushers, ticket takers, assistants for the artists (getting them settled into their hotels, securing meals, etc.), publicists (volunteer to write a promo piece for the local newspaper). Do any of these enough times and pretty soon people are calling you and asking how much you charge to take care of such things.
# Posted on March 21st 2005 by Will CPT
Re: Random vent
There's a few options still, apart from the plethora of opinion already expressed:
1. get into CSU for something that's not music, and take lessons. it's possible to get into music departments by the back door this way. talk to the studio teacher in your instrument area first before you do this, to make sure this person has enough free schedule space to get you lessons.
2. check out other schools.
If being a music undergrad is right for you, there will always be a way to make it work.
# Posted on March 21st 2005 by reenactor
Re: Random vent
Yes, the folk alliance. I volunteered several years ago when it was in Albuquerque, just checking badges at the entrance to seminar rooms. For that I got free entrance to everything, a ton of cds, and got to hear some of the best Scandinavian folk music going (Vasen, Frijof, the Finnish group I forget the name of, et al) LIVE. (I know all caps looks like shouting - I mean it!) And, as Kerri pointed out, a real learning experience in all the ways one can have a business in folk music. Really a fun time -
# Posted on March 21st 2005 by cj
Re: Random vent
Woohoo, cj, fellow folk alliance veteran. Wicked stuff, isn't it? And the free CDs: I'm still wading through the pile. It will take months to listen to all of them properly.
The other thing to consider, Anna, is that Montreal is a wicked city, musically speaking, and we have a billion universities. OK, maybe it's only three or four. But we don't have any Bushes. I went to watch your elections in the McGill student pub, and the place was packed with young, intelligent Americans discussing how to go about staying in Canada forever.
But that's the deal, I guess. We get your smart liberals in exchange for our smart conservatives.
# Posted on March 21st 2005 by Kerri Brown
Re: Random vent
yeah, montreal could be really nice. Im very fond of canada. Liberalness has never been a bad thing in my mind. Do you know if credits transfer from american schools to canadian schools, cause that would be awesome.
# Posted on March 21st 2005 by banana512
Re: Random vent
"liberalness has never been a bad thing in my mind?" You'll have to do better than that if you want to come to Montreal. Get out your Che Geuvara paraphernalia and some beeswax to keep your honkey dreads nice and tight and learn how to blockade a major city street for weeks on end when the government threatens to make cutbacks in their bursary program and you'll fit right in. I don't know about the credits. McGill is packed with American students, though, so there must be some kind of give and take.
# Posted on March 21st 2005 by Kerri Brown
Re: Random vent
Check this site out Anna. The info you'll find there will be way more useful than anything I could just make up off the top of my head.
http://www.mcgill.ca/music/
# Posted on March 21st 2005 by Kerri Brown
Re: Random vent
k cool thanks. Boulder colorado, was once very liberal. It is still, but in the snobbish upperclass sense. Its not quite the diverse free loving place it was during the 70s. Now its just lots of upper class white folk fighting for their animals rights. We no longer get to own our dogs, where their loving guardians.
# Posted on March 21st 2005 by banana512
Re: Random vent
Wow, Kerri, thanks for the link... things look much the same as they did when I was a grad student at McGill in 1990. Do you know if Bengt Hambraeus is still on faculty? He was a trip, man...
DK
# Posted on March 22nd 2005 by darinkelly
Re: Random vent
Now I understand why so many of the "elders" on this site have stopped posting.
# Posted on March 22nd 2005 by CC
Re: Random vent
Um... OK CC.
I have no idea, darin. I'm not a student.
# Posted on March 22nd 2005 by Kerri Brown
Re: Random vent
The university that I work at has a nice music program. It is a small univ. in the northern mountains of Pennsylvania--Mansfield University. If you decide to major in sociology here I can help you craft your educational career around the sociology of music. Finally, I'm always looking for some ITM folks since they are hard to come by.
# Posted on March 27th 2005 by Madharp