Right now, I'm a senior in high school and I would like to go to college for music education. But what if there comes a time when I get offered to play professionally, and I want to prepare for that. Now I've messaged other people on this forum and they gave me some advice, but I also want to hear from others too. Who should I contact how should I contact them? How do I go about with being offered to play proffesionally? How do I prepare for it? That is all and thank you for your time.
Since I am new to this forum my reply is 9 years late, but I will reply with my story.
Graduated HS '77, went to college of music (music Ed major) and graduated in '81.
While in college I practiced 3+ hours a day, 5 days a week as a clarinet (major inst) while playing sax and flute in the jazz band (I challenged and beat saxophone majors vying for the chairs). I took lessons on clarinet, saxophone, and flute. During the summer months I played 5 nights a week (while working in a mill during the day to pay for school/car) Saturday nights it was ballroom dancing gigs, the other four week nights were with different local "town bands" playing a different instrument in each (to work on my doubling)
btw: Public school music teacher from '82 until my retirement 3 yrs ago.
First "real" union professional show: Robert Goulet in '82
From '82-'91 played six gigs a week during the summer months (dixieland/R&B/society swing/jazz/parades/concert bands) playing any gig that came my way.
In the '90's played many union shows that came through my area; Tony Bennett, Ray Charles, Temptations, Aretha Franklin, etc.
Started a classical trio in '95 playing mansion weddings in Newport, RI
In 2000 auditioned successfully for a professional (union) orchestra and to this day I am still a member
In 2005 became adjunct faculty at a local university
Playing mostly classical music for the past few years as bands have dried-up in my area, also I am giving private lessons, etc.
Since I retired from my public-school gig I practice 2 hours a day - five days a week so my chops feel good!
If I went to college as a performance major and went on to play-for-a-living I don't think that I would have enjoyed gigging as much.
Would I do it again - absolutely!