[TPIN] Trumpet Playing as a Profession

[David Arndt]

As a profession - at least, as a freelancer - it's all about balance (at
least, that was my experience - I did it for about 10 years).  

Fundamentally, you have to keep yourself ready to handle anything that might
come down the pike - and that doesn't mean practicing like a madman all the
time - usually the opposite: It means practicing carefully - just enough to
maintain fundamentals, regroup from a hard gig the night before, etc.,
without tiring your chops and losing your 'sparkle' for when it matters
later that day.

My recommendation is that you practice and study the horn as if you're
livelyhood will depend on it - and do all you can to pursue your dreams.
But, very important... (here comes the dichotomy that professional musicians
live with)... Figure out ways to get into something to provide revenue
streams that keep you IN the music business, and near what you love... but
that don't depend directly on playing.  For example: Teaching, composing,
arranging, producing, be an agent, be a 'presenter' (inverse of an agent),
sell musical products, etc.  

There aren't that many people who make a living exclusively playing trumpet
- it would be interesting to get a statistic of the number who actually make
at least 100K a year nationwide, *exclusively* from playing (100? 200? 300?
More? Less?).  

Even those who are at the very TOP of their profession (i.e., principal
trumpet in the New York Philharmonic, or first call at the studios in LA,
etc.)... Make about the same amount of money as a *mediocre* Wall Street
Lawyer - and probably LESS than your average run of the mill Dentist!!!  

So that's the market comparison.  Stark reality.

[climbing onto the philosophical soapbox...]

All that being said: pursue your dreams.  Making a living is a *grind*,
nomatter WHAT you do - so you might as well do something you love.  

[...stepping down from soapbox]

Best,

- Dave


-----Original Message-----
From: tpin-bounces+darndt=oriongate.net at tpin.okcu.edu
[mailto:tpin-bounces+darndt=oriongate.net at tpin.okcu.edu] On Behalf Of Vic
Haskins
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2007 4:15 PM
To: tpin at tpin.okcu.edu
Subject: [TPIN] Trumpet Playing as a Profession

Hello one and all.
 
I was wondering what it is like being a professional trumpet player (jazz,
orchestral, etc.) and what kind of training you all received and what you
all do on a day to day basis.
 
I am in high school and I want to make trumpet playing my profession in the
future, so I just want some insight.
 
If someone could email me back, either on or off the list with some of your
comments, that would be great.
 
 
Thanks.
 
 
Vic
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