Step 7-Don’t Give Up
If I’ve learned anything about musical career success by watching sports, it’s that sometimes the underdog can rise up and
Step 3-It’s all Music
There is no boundary beyond the one you have in your head. Over my years as a musician, I’ve played Salsa gigs, brass quintet gigs, Chinese funerals, Operas (four complete Ring Cycles), Ballet (over 300 Nutcrackers, ouch!), Broadway and other shows, (Chorus Line, Annie, Liberace, Sammy Davis Jr.).
The most unusual gig I ever played was a couple’s anniversary! I was on their porch, playing tunes all by myself while they had a candlelight dinner. It was not easy, I mean talk about no rest! But a gig is a gig.
In all these situations, the only common denominator was the trombone, and myself. Whatever the tune, or the group, they all paid. And I just love playing my horn. And early in my career, I needed every penny!
If you can, don’t be too exclusive. Listen to everything, and keep your ears open. You never know when some experience you’ve had will help you. Plus it makes for a diverse life, and keeps it interesting.
I started out as a tenor trombonist, wanting to play in the Tonight Show Band with Doc Severinson. I actually spent my career playing bass trombone, mostly in orchestras. Sometimes our “plans” end up taking a detour, life has a way of doing that.
Also get good at sight reading. Read lots of music, any style. One of my first teachers had all his students read a lot. And we all ended up being pretty good at it. It has served me well over the years.
You may find your only job is doing one thing over a lifetime, that might happen. But it is happening less and less these days. And I feel like doing only one thing can get old, a little variety keeps it interesting. I love pasta, but not every night.
I hope these steps have given you something to consider. And we’re only about half way through…..on to #4.
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Step 6-Take Risks
Nothing is a sure thing. In any career, there are no guarantees. Gone are the days of spending a lifetime
