My passion is to help others in the community, young, old, and everyone in between, find relevance and joy in learning, performing or listening to classical music.

Friday, October 12, 2012

One musician's search for relevance in the working world

Those NPR stories.  They always get to me!  A few weeks ago as I was driving to work I fell victim to the oft-repeated "pull to the side of the road until the NPR story is finished" scenario only to find myself propelled into a month long soul-searching expedition which has led me to this particular blog post.  That would explain the month-long absence. I'm not quite sure what is to follow but everything that has happened in my mind and heart these past few weeks deserves some sort of mention.  So here goes.

It all started before I heard the story on the radio.  All the news about orchestra strikes, possible funding cuts for the arts and the talk of artists needing to step into the world of the marketplace, the increase of music school students that don't have any exposure to classical music prior to coming to college, my own daughter declaring her dislike of the genre, our current struggle to support ourselves working solely as freelance musicians - I quickly found myself thinking that what I do for a living doesn't serve much of a purpose to the world as a whole anymore and that it might be better for me to rejoin the "real" world in order to do my part, whatever that might be.  The prospect of having a steady, predictable income, of having our benefits taken care of, was turning into a mighty large, juicy, carrot that I was so tempted to grab and run.

Enter the NPR story.

Local poet and professor at Virginia Tech, Nikki Giovanni, along with illustrator Chris Raschka, worked together on a children's book called The Grasshopper's Song back in 2008.  It's a retelling of Aesop's fable about the grasshopper that sat back and played music rather than being industrious like the ants who were busily and responsibly preparing for the winter.  Nikki Giovanni didn't like Aesop's moral to the story and felt that perhaps there was a different side of the story.  In this children's book she set out to tell the grasshopper's point of view and in the process to make an appeal about the value of the arts in society.   As Giovanni explains...
"I’m sick of the way the grasshopper is treated as if he had no purpose, as if he were useless, you know, and the ants are using what he’s given because the grasshoppers [are] making music and I’m sick of people acting like the fact you’re an artist, somehow you don’t work, you haven’t done anything.  So I said if I had my way the grasshopper would sue the ants because, you know, that’s the American way."
That got my attention.

Next I heard Giovanni quote a bit from the story.  In this scene Jimmy Grasshopper has brought a  court case against Nestor and Abigail Ant for not giving him the respect he deserves as a musician.  After being accused of being a clown and a slacker by the defense the grasshopper takes to the stand. Laurie Wren, the prosecuting attorney, questions him about why he feels he deserves anything from the ants.  
"Jimmie sat even taller.  'Am I not worthy of my bread? Does not the work of my heart and soul earn respect?  I’m an artist. Is there no place for beauty, no solace for the ear, no hope for the heart?  Must everything be in the marketplace? Doesn't the marketplace itself need and deserve beautification?... Without art, life would be a big mistake.'"
I was moved and shocked hearing these words, especially considering where I was at that exact moment.  When I got to work I sat down in a bit of a stupor, pulled out the music to Gerald Finzi's "Eclogue," my current almost-as-good-as-chocolate piece of choice, and just played.  As predictable as a soap opera, I ended up with tears streaming down my face.  I was singing my own grasshopper's song.  

In the weeks that followed I went through a lot of processing and re-reading of Giovanni's story.  I've even kept my distance from twitter in an effort to quiet my mind long enough to hear my own voice again.  For those of you who know my twitter tendencies, that's saying something!  After many ups and downs here is what I've concluded for myself about whether or not I should choose the path of the grasshopper or that of the ants:
  • I could quit music in search of a "real" job in order to be more "productive" in the eyes of many and to gain the benefits that such a job comes with but I'm having a hard time thinking of one that would give me a sense of doing something good and beneficial for society as a whole.  Maybe I could get a job at a coffee place but do I really want to be making fatty, sugary, expensive coffee drinks for people?  I could work at a retail store but do I really want to be encouraging folks to spend money?  Don't get me wrong - there's nothing wrong with those jobs - I just don't think I'd find a lot of purpose in them and for someone like me, who seeks meaning in just about everything I do, I think it would be too great a stretch for me. 
  • Classical music might be a bit of a waning genre but it is something that gives me great joy and always has.  I also firmly believe that most people can enjoy or at least tolerate classical music when it's presented in a non-threatening, eclectic, personal way.  Just think of all those flash-mobs that have been so popular on the the internet.  Very rarely do you see someone glowering when they're in the center of a spirited musical performance like that - when music meets everyday life.
  • With my teaching and coaching there is much more that I can teach that goes beyond the music.  Music teaches about problem solving, planning, leadership, collaboration, cooperation,  self expression, determination to follow through and to do one's best, discipline, and the joy and pride that is the culmination of it all.  
  • I may not be able to be successful as a musician when it comes to money but I believe I can be successful in a much more personally fulfilling way - one that can be absorbed by those around me and by my family.  
I've waited for a while to write this post so that I could write it when my thoughts had stabilized and I do believe I'm there now.  I realize I'm bound to have some ups and downs as I proceed down the musical path on which I currently find myself but until something changes I am determined to pick up my fiddle and to keep on playing and singing Jimmy Grasshopper's song.  If I am accused of being clown or an irresponsible member of society, so be it.  

At least I'll be happy.


Quick note:  If you are interested in purchasing the book but are discouraged by the reviews of the book on Amazon, pay them little heed.  It is actually quite interesting to read the comments since they reflect a common attitude we have in this country about the value (or lack of value) of the arts.  And is this book a "childrens'" book?  Well, as with most books in this genre, I imagine it can be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages but especially by adults.  Our daughter, who is now 7, loved it!  


35 comments:

  1. I don't think it's waning -- I think the industry that's grown up around it is changing. For over a century, we've had a very static view of classical music (Play The Notes As Written Only), and we live in a more participatory fanfiction-loving sort of culture nowdays. People are hung up in a middle state right now of thinking that classical music:

    1) it just about playing the notes as written, hitting the buttons in the right order, and hence boring or unwelcoming of personal expression, OR

    2) classical music is this cool, gorgeous sandbox full of fantastic stuff to play with and mess around with!

    It's just in a transitional state, and you find people who believe one or the other -- people who think classical music is trained animals doing tricks without imagination (even some critics who purport to like it!), and people who think it's a fun place to go to mess around, like the kids with guitars playing the Canon in D with tons of gorgeous guitar licks. Sometimes you find both opinions in the same people as they waver from one to the other.

    I don't think it's waning. I think it's had a somewhat unnatural delivery industry surrounding it for a long time, and that industry is starting to shift and change ... but the music is not waning. Go on YouTube and see how many people are playing Bach and Mozart on all sorts of instruments. That stuff is still the world's favorite hits.

    It's lasted for centuries. Ipods aren't going to kill it. PLEASE don't think there's anything wrong with what you are doing, or that music isn't worth anything. Don't let money fears make you think that. Financial fears are SCARY, and they can make your brain go all sorts of weird places at 2am. This music survived the g/d black death. It will survive this current economic misery we're all in, too. *hug*

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    1. Ooo, Janis...I pick door number 2, please! I love it:

      "Classical music is this cool, gorgeous sandbox full of fantastic stuff to play with and mess around with!"

      And I really hope that we'll all survive this current economic situation. It would be a sad world indeed without it.

      Fingers crossed and with many thanks for the hug, which I gladly accept,
      Erica

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  2. Wow. I missed the NPR story, but am so glad that you didn't.

    What a healthy, beautiful search this is...approaching the many questions with an open mind and with a realist's perspective, not just ignoring them and hoping they'll go away. I'm encouraged by your experience, and hope that this month is just the beginning of what will prove to be a solid stepping stone on the path to your making a truly meaningful mark on our world.

    Hope to see more on this in the future...?

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    1. Many thanks for reading, Steven, and for the encouragement. It will be interesting to see what happens. I tend to have lots of ups and downs (don't we all?) but I always learn so much in the process.

      So stay tuned! I'll try to keep you all posted with where I am on this journey.

      All the best,
      Erica

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  3. Hugs to you, Erica. I know how challenging it was to write and share this post. I know you are not alone with these feelings. Many artists have come to this crossroad. I am glad you have come to the conclusion that being happy is important.

    I do want to point out that even though the media is highlighting the downside, there are upsides in our classical music world too. There are musicians and organizations that are still doing well due to best management practices and pure passion. And, I dare say, audience development is making a big difference too.

    I had a similar conversation the other day. A dancer was feeling frustrated after realizing that most of the benefits in our area use the arts to fundraise, but when it comes to giving to the arts directly, people seem to balk at this. The arts are used in our society to sell everything else, but when it comes to selling people on the idea of funding the arts, there is a disconnect. I think we are all puzzled about this situation we find ourselves in.

    It is good that the grasshopper is standing up for all the grasshoppers out there. In my humble opinion, artists need to take more of a unified stand to point out how much our contributions matter. The world would be a bleak place without us. Can you imagine no music at all? I would crumple up and die.

    I take heart in the fact that each of us has a purpose to serve. If we attune our energies with our passions, anything is possible. It may take a little time to grow, but it will grow into something wonderful if we let it.

    In your specific situation, You may need to find some outside income/ resources until you grow your music business. We still need to consider the practicalities of the everyday. This action does not mean you are suddenly becoming an ant and giving up your grasshopper ways. It simply means you are hopping to more than one beat for a little while.

    I like your idea of expanding your reach using your gifts and knowledge set beyond the music world. This might make you happy as well.

    Again, hugs to you. I hope you keep thinking along the path of happiness and realize that we first must understand how valuable we are before the world can recognize it too. Keep searching, and continue to look for good, positive examples to light your way.

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    1. Shoshana,
      Thank you so very much for all of your encouragement and insight. You see so many different aspects of the arts and how they interact with community - it's always very instructive and interesting to me since I tend to dwell only in the land of music.

      My hope is that all of in the field will keep talking to one another so that we can learn with a vision of a larger picture. I've always seen you as a big part of that picture so I'm eager to keep talking!

      Hugs of thanks back to you!
      Erica

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  4. So glad you're blogging again! It's a lovely post - kudos to you for your well-thought-out views.

    I completely empathize with the whole decision. It's a bit easier for me as my husband is not a musician and has a "real" job with a salary and benefits. But I do sometimes feel like I'm not pulling my share of the load.

    Teaching - yes, teaching is such a tangible way to be spreading all sorts of good values beyond he enjoyment of music itself. Hang onto that. We can have an immeasurable impact on students' lives in so many ways.

    The crunch comes when your own kid(s) need to make career choices. Am I happy with what I'm doing? Yes. Do I want my kids to follow in my path? Frankly, no. They are all accomplished musicians whom I know will carry music with them forever - hopefully as a hobby and a supporter of the arts. This does seem to be a generational issue - one generation wants the children to do better financially than they did - and they in turn want their children to be able to pursue the "finer" things like the arts hoping for a more soul-fulfilling career. No value judgments here - just an observation.

    As always, thank you so much for giving so much of yourself in your posts - what an inspiration you are!

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    1. LaDona,
      You bring up a really interesting point that I've been wondering about when you mentioned how to advise our own kids. My daughter, at this point, has no interest in being a musician so I don't know that we'll ever have to address it with her but I've wondered about how to advise kids that aren't my own kids. I work with so many young musicians in high school and in college and although I do believe in the importance of music education, I'm not sure when or if I should steer someone away from the field. I'm curious how you deal with this, if you don't mind me asking.

      Thanks for reading and for taking the time to comment! I'm glad you enjoyed the post.

      All the best,
      Erica

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    2. Brutal honesty is the only way - sorry!

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    3. I had a feeling you might say that. Thanks for being brutally honest. I need to work on developing whatever it takes to be able to do that. I feel like such a wimp, sometimes.

      -Erica

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  5. I love this post Erica! Changing the public's perception of musicians resonates most with me. I remember years ago when an orchestra I was involved with went on strike people would drive by the picketing musicians and shout "get a real job." Ouch.

    I'm going to share this book on my studio blog and get a copy for my studio as well.

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    1. Hi Erica, I'm writing to add another comment about your wonderful post. I'm launching an online magazine in December which is dedicated to the topic of living a fulfilled life. Visit my temporary page, http://www.beyond-doremi.com/outlet-zine.html, to reserve a copy of the preview issue of Outlet. It will be a great place to continue this discussion!

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    2. Oh my, Sarah. That's a perfect example of a grasshopper/ants situation. Not a pleasant one.

      And thank you for reminding me about your upcoming online magazine. I've been seeing your tweets about it and am looking forward to the official unveiling. Meanwhile I'll take a look at the preview. I'm always looking for a good place to discuss such issues.

      And thank you for reading and taking time to comment - I really appreciate it.

      -Erica

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  6. BTW -- don't forget that all ants have a little grasshopper in them, and every grasshopper has to be an ant to some degree. That dualism in art is something that no artist can escape. Even Mozart had to fight like an emeffer to get paid, and mostly failed to manage it cuz his patron was a tight-fisted jerk, IIRC.

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    1. Great point, Janis. I definitely have a lot of ant in me, otherwise I don't think I would survive in the practice room for very long. And I think of all those scientists and doctors that enjoy including music in their lives.

      -Erica

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    2. If art weren't adaptive in some way, it would have died out by now.

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  7. I quite enjoyed this. It's always good to keep in min WHOSE approval you're seeking and the reasoning behind that, and also important to step back and examine it every once in a while, so I'm glad you got to do that. (:

    Plus if YOU ever stopped music-ing I would probably cry.

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    1. Katie,
      I'm so very glad that you "quite enjoyed" the post :-) And thank you for your thoughtful point. That is a good thing to keep in mind - certainly!

      So I'll keep music-ing, I promise. I wouldn't want you to start crying. I have to say, however, that I'm wondering if the reason you don't want me to stop is because then you would have to get your fig newtons and chocolate elsewhere. LOL.

      See you soon!

      Erica

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  8. In the end run I believe we would all do well to separate our thoughts on what we do to 'survive' (pay the rent, eat etc) from what we DO. Surviving is about ticking boxes and we should attempt to tick those boxes with as little effort as possible. What we DO on the other-hand should be an expression of ourselves, our passions, and our gifts.

    Too often in our society we have conflated the first and deflated the second. We worship success in the tangible realm, and ignore the gifts of the intangible.

    I think you have it right. Your gift is needed - even if that need is an intangible one.

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    1. Thank you for reading, Eddie Louise, and for your thoughts. For years now I've strived towards simplicity and away from what much of our society seems to value. My husband's loss of his "secure" job has brought us to yet another level of this pursuit and although it has its challenges we are finding that we are so much happier than we ever have been. Sometimes it feels selfish to be pursuing something that I love so very much but I am truly finding that doing so impacts so many of those around us simply because we are so much happier and more relaxed these days. We're no longer seeking approval from those people that hand out the paychecks. It's a good feeling.

      So we'll see what happens - it's definitely an adventure, but a good one.

      Thanks for sharing it with me.

      All the best,
      Erica

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  9. I am with LaDona. When my parents were told they should consider music as a carrier for me, they said no. Their daughter will not be a struggling musician. Music has always been a big part of my life and I am hoping my children will love it, too. Hopefully, learn an instrument. But because being a professional musician means so much more than just struggling financially, but being away from their family, on tours, with their children never really seeing them, spouses often unwilling to stand by them with the travelling and long practice hours, I am not sure I want that for my kids. It really isn't so much about the money for me as it is about not really having a family life. Is it like that for every musician? Most certainly not. You are a great example of the fact family and music can co-exist. But I have seen many musicians without a family.

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    1. You're right, Olya. So many musicians do seem to have to sacrifice a typical family life, or family life altogether in order to pursue their career. I think that's partly why I gave up cello back in college in order to pursue a career in collaborative piano. It's such a flexible gig, really, and can be transplanted anywhere at anytime. Had I chosen cello I don't think I'd be in the same wonderful boat I'm in now. I try to encourage pianists all the time to consider developing their sightreading and accompanying skills so that they too will have that option in their future, regardless of their ultimate career choice. It's something that can be done on the side or as a career and has the added benefit of keeping oneself in the company of others.

      A good deal :-)

      Thanks for commenting, Olya!

      Erica

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  10. Oh my goodness, everyone. I am so thankful for all these wonderful, heartfelt, encouraging, and thought-provoking replies. I will be replying to each one in the week to come. I want to take the time to respond just as thoughtfully as you have. Stay tuned!

    -Erica

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    1. BTW, I've learned through painful (and repeated) experience that I usually have to be careful that what I say comes across how I meant to say it, so I want to make ABSOLUTELY SURE that you know that my latest blog post was 1,000,000% supportive and sympathetic. *worried face* Okay? I'm seriously trying to say that entire countries are teetering right now, so don't feel like your current situation is a personal indictment on the part of the universe on how you're spending your life, okay?

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    2. No worries, Janis. I read your post with great interest and wasn't at all insulted or upset after reading it. I'll reply more later but just wanted you to know that all is well :-)

      Thanks for checking and for caring,
      Erica

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    3. I wrote a response to your comments that I liked but blogger froze and now it's gone...grrrr...I'll try this again.

      In regards to your post, I actually think that I'm less concerned with the money side of things than you're thinking. It would be hard for you to know since we haven't actually met in person (although that would be a wonderful thing!) For me it has more to do with feeling like classical music is such a foreign thing where we live. We're in a very rural area with the closet major metropolitan area being Washington DC or Richmond, both of which are about 5 hours away. That's not to say that I don't think people around here can enjoy classical, it's just not part of the vernacular at all and definitely not on most peoples' radars.

      In regards to the other post you talk about, I am definitely not of that same mentality as the author. Personally I approach schooling and experience solely as experiences from which to learn and improve - not as status symbols and reasons to make more demands from future employers. That's not to say that musicians don't deserve fair pay - we all need to pay the bills. But I also feel that when we choose to be musicians we are choosing a path that has a history of even the best of the best living performance to performance, composition to composition.

      Hope that makes sense.

      -Erica

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    4. Okay, that makes sense. I might have projected my own tendency to gnaw the bones about money on your concerns. Yeah, we're living in a time when the velvet rope is being pulled aside form classical music, and a lot of people still sort of go on thinking that it's there, and hence it's not on their personal radar. Your neighbors should be introduced to Time for Three. :-)

      Maybe your daughter should, too. :-D Those guys are cute as buttons.

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  11. I went through this about 20 years ago (can't believe it's been that long!). But I was also pretty burned out at that point and confused about what it meant to "do" music -- was it to earn money? Because if so, it's a poor way to do it. I took a long break from it, got several non music jobs, am still working at one of them. There was a stretch of about 5 years when I barely played at all. But then music came creeping back into my life, and now it's become what I "do" again. Although it's not my paying job at the moment.

    Here's my observation about my experience: It was a big relief to give up struggling for a while and just do whatever I wanted -- if I wanted to play baby pieces on the piano, or folk songs on the cello, or try to play jazz, or not practice for a week, it was all okay. It was very freeing. I didn't HAVE to keep practicing the Dvorak concerto in case I had an audition. It was also a relief to have a real income and health insurance and to know I was employable at something. At the same time, I missed playing on a visceral level.

    So I can't say I'm sorry I changed course. I think I am better for having explored other ways of living. I do feel I'm at the threshold of another change of course. I'm not sure exactly how it will manifest itself, but time will tell.

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    1. Hello, Harriet.
      I always appreciate hearing your thoughts!

      I had a "real" job for a while, before we had our daughter, and in so many ways it was a relief to have those benefits and a steady salary. I was also really fortunate to have had a boss that was willing to let me run across to the music school at the university where I worked to dabble in accompanying. It was the best of both worlds, really. I think back to that and think I'd like to have something like that again. I've even done some looking in the job market around here but haven't found anything, really, that fits. So I'm sticking with music for the time being.

      But who knows! It seems like you're good at being flexible and I'd like to be the same.

      All the best to you, Harriet,
      Erica

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  12. I salute you for having made a sensible, and in the circumstances very brave decision. I've been an avid music listener for many years, but don't have the persistence to take it up properly - I shudder every time I think about the years of practice needed to be any good at it. I, and millions like me, need you and your fellow professional musicians to keep it going. You deserve every bit of luck there is in the world, and I wish you the best.

    Alan Yu

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    1. Thank you, Alan, for your encouragement. It's helpful to hear from folks that want to continue to hear music!

      -Erica

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  13. My daughter @AndreaJo gave you a shout out via Twitter which brought me to your blog and I'm glad for it. The purpose of my post is to provide our family story regarding being children of musicians. Andrea is the middle child of two musicians - a father who continues his career in music as a guitarist/singer/private teacher and a mother who essentially double majored in college because she just KNEW she'd go crazy by strictly majoring in business management.

    We had a family rule - all children must take at least four years of piano along with a sport - they then can choose their own path. #1 child - stuck with piano and ultimately found her passion in jazz playing and majored in computer science in college while continuing to play jazz with the music department. #2 - recently graduated with a major in music performance/flute and is a classical lover while enjoying most genres. #3 - took the family required piano/had the best ear of our three children (forget practicing - he'd listen/cram to his Suzuki tape and sounded like he practiced daily for a week. But he dropped it like a stone - much to our dismay - and pursued multiple sports. However, he is now a senior in high school and has some regret he didn't continue his study in some way but attributes his exposure to his sisters performances for his absolute love and appreciation of various genres as well as Fine Arts of many types.

    So you see, there is hope for musicians' children - but they do choose their own path, much to our delight as well as dismay. Bottom line, our #1 motto has been to 'pursue that which you are passionate about...' We are firm believers that life will work out, not necessarily as we have planned, but to remain eyes wide open for opportunities and embrace them!

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    1. Brenda,
      It is so good to meet you here! It's been great to get to know your daughter via twitter and it's so interesting to hear more about her and your entire family through you. Yes, it does seem that our kids are largely their own selves - as parents and teachers we can guide, model, provide opportunities, and encourage but beyond that it's out of our control. I see it as an interesting adventure and mystery. Our seven year old daughter, that I have mentioned every so often in my blog and that declared at the age of 3 that she'll never be a musician, has decided that her thing is horseback riding. This is completely out of the blue - neither my husband nor myself have ever done anything like that. So who knows!

      I love your motto - "pursue that which you are passionate about." What wonderful advice for everyone and one that I think is often ignored for more practical reasons or because of external expectations. If we as a family can stick by your motto I'll be a happy woman!

      Thank you again for chiming in and introducing yourself, Brenda. I look forward to some further conversation if you decide to stop by the blog again!

      All the best,
      Erica

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  14. I do think that there are times when people question the point of what they are doing professionally, irrespective of what roles they currently fulfil. As a Scientist, there have been times when I question the role that I have and its usefulness to society. It’s definitely more of an ‘Ant’ role than that of a professional musician (although there are some aesthetically pleasing aspects – but you have to be a weirdo science geek to see them!), but there are moments when I feel under-appreciated, and definitely underpaid!

    But like most musicians, I don’t do what I do for the money; I do it because it’s something I enjoy. Interestingly, I would like to make the transition in the other direction – one that will require a lot of dedication and hard work to achieve. But then, perhaps I have the best of both worlds – I can comfortably live from a pretty stable job that goes a long way towards keeping me happy. But can also learn to play and hopefully get to the point where I can be a good amateur, and enjoy music for its sake alone. If I can get to the level where I can perform solo recital publicly, I don’t need to worry about my career riding on it, or finding the next mortgage payment.

    But I do rely on professional musicians to achieve that goal. I rely on my private tutor for weekly instruction and guidance, conversation and ideas. Then there’s my orchestral leader, who teaches my about how to play in a group, how to listen, how to react and understand what it means to play in a multi-instrumental group. And then there are the professional and amateur musicians worldwide who take the time to blog/produce websites, who in almost all cases, freely offer advice to people around the world – simply for the love that they have in sharing their joy of music with others.

    Since I know how much positive feedback is appreciated by teachers – here’s some for you. I took the advice you gave me via twitter (not exactly the easiest medium to give advice with) about piece breakdown during practice, and from that and watching one of your live stream practice sessions, I made changes to my routine – even though it’s a different instrument, the techniques transfer. My tutor can tell me how to practice, but actually watching a professional musician go about it adds another dimension to what’s required.

    Within two weeks of implementing the change, my tutor was commenting that whatever I was doing in my practice sessions, I should keep doing it. So, giving out information (for free) that has improved my practice, and therefore my playing. That doesn't sound like the actions of an irresponsible member of (a global) society to me.

    To conclude, I'd say that keeping what makes you happy at the core of what you do, is the important thing. There are always shifts and changes, because life always shifts and changes. That's what keeps it interesting!

    (PS, sorry for the massive reply, I find it impossible not to go on, once I get going)

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    1. Hooplah,
      So wonderful to see you here! I remember our twitter conversations about practicing a while back. I can't tell you enough how much it means to me to get that feedback from you and I'm so glad that your practicing seems to be going well - that's fantastic!

      It's inspiring to me to hear how dedicated you are to working on your playing even though it's not your profession. I'm always impressed by adult students - so often they seem more dedicated than just about anyone else and so determined and eager to improve. And it sounds like you have a lot of different opportunities to work with different people - that's great! I think playing music with others can teach so much more than what one can learn sitting in a practice room by oneself. So getting out there and playing in an orchestra or for a tutor on a regular basis is a good idea. It also takes some guts. So kudos to you!

      I also enjoyed learning about the science geek side of yourself. So often the sciences and music seem to go hand-in-hand. Not terribly surprising, perhaps, but interesting nonetheless.

      Thank you again for taking the time to read and comment! Don't hesitate to keep me posted about any practice discoveries you might make. I love hearing about other folks' experiences in the practice room.

      Happy practicing and sciencing...

      Erica

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