Classical Music is an amazing genre and one of the more complex forms of art. But, we have to accept that is not one of the top “things to do” among the people. It is our job and duty to make this form of art grow and be part of everybody's life. The following is a list of things that we as classical musicians will have to deal with always.
- We have to study and work harder or as hard as any other profession.
And this is very true. If we want to make it in to a symphony that is going to cost at least 5 hrs a day for some years. That is before classes, teaching, working and gigs. We will have to pay good teachers for lessons, assist to summer festivals, meet new musicians, try out for auditions and competitions, and a little bit of everything. It is as hard or harder that majoring in medicine. But, it is totally worth it! With our music we’ll touch people’s lives and change them for good. We will feel good after a good performance, competition, gig, masterclass, lesson, etc. because we’ve earn it. There is not a better feeling than winning a competition and get to play with a symphony orchestra behind you. All of our efforts are going to be paid sooner or later. We just have to keep to focus and keep working.
- Sometimes people won’t appreciate what we do 100%
If you say you are a musician you are not going to impress many people by saying it, and this is of course because of their ignorance. They don't know what is to be a concert violinist or a classical guitarist. For them you will be as smart as their neighbor who can play 3 chords in his guitar. We have to let them know and explain them how hard we work, how expensive are music schools, how hard is to make it in to a symphony, how much you have to practice, and how happy being a musician makes you. This is not like being in a garage band, classical music is a serious business.
- A classical musician will probably have a few jobs (in music)
To live out of music we might need to have 2 or more jobs. Playing at wedding on weekends its not going to pay all the bills. We might have to teach, play in orchestra, chamber music, popular music, compose, arrange, conduct, orchestrate, etc. So while you are at school don't be afraid of taking that conducting class, or complementary composition, it might be useful later.
- It is likely that in our careers at some point we will reconsider being in the music business
There will be moments of frustration, doubt, and bad thoughts about being in the music business. After a bad audition, you might feel horrible. After a bad recital you might start thinking “ Is this really for me?” I am not successful. It happens to all of us….. but the truth is that if we really love music and that is the only thing you see yourself doing for the rest of your life, you don't have to be scared of anything. YOU ARE GOING TO BE SUCCESSFUL ! Don't forget it! This is definitely for you. When you love what you are doing you are going to be happy and successful, 2 things people need in order to have a good life.
The classical music world is very small, it happened to me before that when I meet a musician he/she is very likely to know someone I know somewhere else in earth. So I would say, have as many musician friends as you can, it will be a benefit for your career, and avoid confrontations because they can be harmful later in the future.
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