oboeinsight

We had our fourth of four rehearsals today. Tomorrow is the first of three concerts for this symphony set. I play only one of four works. See how well I do with numbers? 😉

Now … here is how absolutely twisted my mind is: several people have complimented me today. I have several solos, one of which is really my cup of tea. It’s the expressive sort that I know (I think!) how to make work. I’m not entirely content with how things feel, but mostly it’s because I can’t really determine which of the three reeds I’ve been going back and forth on is the one to use for the concerts. But it’s very kind of people to compliment me. The trouble is I have a very twisted way of working with compliments. Someone says something nice, and I think they are just being kind because they think I’m really not doing very well and they feel badly for me.

Really.

Yes, I’m a bit of a nut.

I must also say that despite the incredibly noisy (and achy) ear issues today (I believe what I’m suffering from when the ear is noise AND achy is actually a migraine), I’m the most content when I’m on stage with an orchestra playing. So while I might whine about my situation, I’m thankful that playing my instruments continues to actually be a help, rather than a problem.

This is a long rant by a conductor and at the end he says he’s quitting at the end of the season. At one point in the rant a musician the conductor singles out says he quits. I’m assuming that the musician, Bert Truax, is a trumpet player in the orchestra, but I couldn’t find an orchestra roster at the Richardson Symphony website. Am I missing it, or do they think the musicians aren’t worth listing?

In any case, it’s not a pleasant listen. I found it via Adaptistration.

4. Music (starting annual salary: $34,000; mid-career annual salary: $52,000)
Hey, if being a musician were easy, everyone would do it. Some of us are guitar heroes; most of us just play the video game.

Read here.

Truth be told, when I decided to go into music I didn’t even think about money. Honestly. I just did it because I liked it. Do kids think about income levels when they are choosing careers now? Did they back when I was going to college and was I just clueless? (I’m guessing the latter … seems to be common with me!)

My private students here in my home studio rarely tell me they want to major in music. Most of their parents make it pretty clear that they aren’t to go into music. The majority major in some sort of science. It makes me wonder about the ones who are now adults; wonder what their income levels are.

I still don’t think about the income level. I live comfortably. I have everything I need. And more. I love my job. Making music brings me joy. Teaching students does the same! Well, I hate stressing over reeds but .. I love my job. I don’t think I’m missing out on anything.

(And, really, the mid-career annual salary … isn’t that sort of okay? Or am I out of touch with what people make these days?)