Posted by David on December 28, 2001 at 20:34:58:
In Reply to: Opportunities to play? posted by Jason on December 28, 2001 at 03:01:44:
The only serious stuff mentioned seems to be brass quintet or symphony. How about the ethnic mix or military bands? German bands, dixieland bands, jazz?
In answer to the question, the only folks who seem to make a full time living playing the horn are those in symphonies and the military bands. The rest of us play on the side and have some other "day job" or teach a lot of private lessons.
This is just an opinion, but musicians seem to not be prepared very well for life beyond college. We get a taste of what playing would appear to be like and never get over it. Business courses, economics courses, computer courses, in fact, any number of courses should be added to that of the basic music performance degree to make it a better degree. Ever consider the education classes that the future teacher takes? The performer will probably teach just as much as the band or orchestra director.