? music careers ?

[liloleme]

Hey. I wasnt quiet sure where to post this but I figure
someone will read this here that can give me some good advice. lol but my
dilemma is that im in highschool right now, and its around the time that i start
thinking about colleges and what my major, or majors ( dare to dream ). My
flute teacher is pushing for me to be a music major and Ill be honest that it is
VERY appealing since i love music soooo much. Flute esp. But as much as I love
it ... I still have doubts on my talent and skill as a flutist. Does anyone know
of the kind of careers available for flutists esp. since im not strong in any
other instrument? ... also ... since a carrer seems like a bad idea can i still
continue music classes atleast at the college i go to even if im not majoring in
it? I dont want to leave music just because im going to college... I''m a
little stressed so if anyone has some good advice id greatly appreciate it [;)]
thanks -Me [:halo:]

[kdwflute]

Have you thought about a music minor - the best of both worlds
if you will. I'm a faculty member at a university (I teach accounting) and most
ofour majors allow a studnt to have a minor as well. Check it out.

[MattMom]

Here's something to consider: When my brother was trying to
make a similar decision (vocal music), he chose to go to a larger university
instead of a college that specialized in Music. He was so disappointed in the
caliber of the program, he wound up switching majors pretty quickly. That was
the end of his music career. If you truly think you want a career in music, you
owe it to yourself to find the best program possible. Even if you choose to a
different major, make sure the school has good quality things like chamber
ensembles, etc. That way, you can keep playing at the level you are used to.
Good luck

[Penny]

A question that goes through the mind of every player that has
success with their instrument. And a great one to get input on. First any
performance or "show biz" career is a long long long shot. Even if you are far
and away the best player not only in your High School but also your state. The
main realistic fallback is teaching and there are tons of failed players
competing with music ed majors to try for those jobs. They say only go for
performance if it is the only thing you can do. Not sure about that. But it does
seem often its not the best that succeed but the most determined. I have to
agree with the minor suggestion. If there is anything else you like to do, major
in that and minor in music. If you start to become a nationally recognized
performer while in school you can change your major. If you don't you know you
it wasnt meant to be. Just my 2 cents.

[FluterJenn]

Does trying to get into the Manhattan School of Music or
Julliard a way out of the question thing? I want to go to one of those, but I'm
thinking its going to be very tough. Part of me says "are you crazy, you'll
never make it" and the other half says "who says it cant be you. some1 has to
get into it, so work your hardest and try to get in". but i never can decide
what to go with. ive always wanted to play music for movies, tv shows, or
broadway show; wat would be the best way to try to achieve that?

[Penny]

You want to go up North in the cold? The more I talk to flute
people and read what they write the more I am convinced that what you said is
true. If you work hard enough you can get to where you want to be. Hard work and
determination is a huge part of success. Did you do All-County last week?
Players develop at different speeds and progress often isn't a straight line up
and that makes many fall by the wayside. If you really have your heart set on
playing for movies, go for it. I always think back on the Richard Dreyfus movie
"The Competition" when I think about music career. If you haven't seen it rent
it. If that doesn't discourage you from pursuing a career as a performer you
know its truly in your heart.

[FluterJenn]

Unfortunatley, i did not do my best at all county. but, its ok
becuase it only makes my strive to get better. I have never heard of that movie,
but Im going to try to rent it this weekend. The cold doesn't really bother me
that much, I was born and lived in New York for more than half my life. I feel
in me, that if I work my hardest that I can achieve it. I just wish that I had
some idea of what I should be doing right now to prepare to go to one of those
schools and/or play music in movies.

[Penny]

It is important to try out. Makes it easier next time. Middle
school All County will be practicing and performing at your school, should be a
good show. If playing for the movies is your dream don't give up on it, just
work towards it. I understand FSU has an awesome music program, maybe that would
work out if those NY schools dont. I wonder if marching band is helpful or
harmful to a serious flute player.

[FluterJenn]

DEFINITLY harmfull. after marching season i had ALOT of
practicing to do. on the field i didnt worry too much about the music (you cant
hear the flutes even if all of us played our loudest) and when i did play i
couldnt tell what i was doing rong. therefore i got some bad habits (tounging
with throat). durin marching season i forgot about all county and had to cram.
the only reason i tryed out was to give myself more experience with auditions. I
would say that marching season stopped my progression, and in some ways pulled
me back. but i can not resist the fun that we have during marching season. and
that is what is going to bring me back into it next year. if it wasnt for my
friends and all the awesome things we do, id defintly quit to better my
music.

[Penny]

That is what I thought. I don't think many players that want
to stay with their instrument are in marching band because it really hurts their
playing. Marching band really is marching noise and as you said developes bad
habits. I didn't want to say so and insult anyone, but since you understand I
guess its not so bad. Its all about having fun anyway so you might as well go
for it.

[FluterJenn]

next year im playing piccolo in marching band. i want to
switch instruments but i decided i didnt TRULY want to switch. also, do you
think that oboe would hurt or improve my flute playing. I was thinking about
playing that as a second instrument.

[the_pie_princess]

i dont think playin the oboe will hurt ur flute playing, i've
played the flute for 8yrs and took up the oboe 3yrs ago, and i still play them
both. in fact half the oboes in my band came to the oboe from the flute, and the
others from the clarinet. sum ppl say they find it difficult to put one down and
pick the other up but i've never had any trouble and the oboe fingerings are
almost identical to flute fingerings (in the lower octaves the only difference
is with the very low notes, b flat and f/f#) which makes it really easy to pick
up! gud luk if u decide to try it! [:)]

[Penny]

I think being in Marching band will hurt your flute career no
matter which instrument you play. Maybe easier to separate the sloppy play for
Marching band and serious play for concert band if you play a different
instrument. I understand that Marching band gives you the PE credit you need in
HS. Was that the case for you Jenn? They told us that at Cypress performing Arts
center.

[FluterJenn]

I think, that if your in marching band you have to still take
physical fitness, but you dont have to take a sport. like basketball 1 or
something like that. I'm not too sure.

[strawberryfields]

I'm doing music in college-theres loads of oppurtunities and
im making lots of money playing gigs too! follow ur heart it'll be worth it!
theres no other people quite like musicians its great to be surrounded by
them-theres music technology teaching performance music therapy, musicology,
list is endless! plus a music degree is looked upon fondly by employers, it
indicates godd communication skills[:bigsmile:] so even if you dont end up
working in the music field its a handy degree to have- best of luck! Strawb [;)]