Tips for becoming an orchestral musician

[kehaulani]

Just a comment FWIW.

I used to look down on middle and elementary school music teachers as not being good enough musicians to "make it". I gave them credit as teachers but not, necessarily, as musicians.

Since then, I have known some middle school/Jr. high teachers who, while having a steady job but not tied down to marching band pressures, were able to pursue a pretty active and satisfactory side career as performing musicians.

I don't say this to sidetrack you from your goal, but it's something to consider.
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[A. Frish]

Hey All!
I just wanted to say thank you so much! When I made this post, I was not expecting this much of a response. I have greatly appreciated all of the advice that has come in so far. That just shows what an amazing community the trumpet creates. Thank you!

Aaron
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Music is about a message. It's never about you.

[MBMinSC]

I am not in higher ed (or lower ed - I work on computers for a living), but I remember listening to one of the episodes of the Brass Junkies recently where Andrew Hitz talked about the hiring process they went through at Shenandoah Conservatory for a new trumpet teacher. They had something like 100 applicants, many with DMA's. He said the deciding factor was looking at the applicant's total body of work - performance, teaching, and entrepreneurship.

They hired Mary Bowden, who has established herself as a fantastic soloist, chamber musician, and educator. You can listen to her interview here:

http://www.pedalnotemedia.com/the-brass-junkies/marybowden
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Old trombone player trying to learn how to play this teeny little thing called a trumpet.

[markhyams]

[Brassnose]

To respond to trumpet-cop: I am a (ex tenure track, now tenured) university professor - which is why I said the things I said in my earlier post. The statements are based on experience.
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[LaTrompeta]

Biggest regret I have of college was immersing myself far too deeply into the music major bubble and not doing other things. I later developed a career in software and a passion for cycling, which passion rivals any passion I had for trumpet practice.
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[MrClean]

How badly do you want it? Talent is very important, but work ethic even more so. I have not yet met the player that had enough talent to succeed without working *very* hard. This business does not reward half-measures. If you can be dissuaded then get out early - you can always play on the side for fun, or semi-pro.

A very small percentage of folks that major in music go on to do it for a living. The percentages are a little higher at the best schools, but there certainly is not room for everyone that wants to do it. However, there is always room for excellent, committed players that persevere. Again, ask yourself how badly do you want it? Sniff around and see where the people who are doing what you want to do went to school. I would not limit yourself to just principals of major orchestras. Winning ANY job that can support you is a big achievement, and these players are coming out of multiple schools. If you can, try to arrange lessons with some of these teachers to get a sense of their teaching style and to see if the chemistry is right.

Good luck - it's is going to be a tough road if you choose this path, but it can be very rewarding if you are lucky enough to realize your dreams.
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[gringoloco]

Are you completely in love with the rep? If you're not, don't do it. If you can't get at least a little excited every time you see a Mozart overture or a Beethoven symphony on the schedule you should probably do something else. It's not all Mahler. I've been principal for 17 years now and I know a lot of bored, bitter people that should probably be doing something else.
Also, develope your people skills! An orchestra can be as crazy as a three ring circus. You have to be able to get along and manage your and other peoples egos. This was never mentioned when I was in school. Conflict resolution is important.
If you do LOVE it, should be able to get it done. I'm sure glad I did.
Rob

[Denny Schreffler]

[Steve A]