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http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/arts/music/12waki.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Here was an article a violinist friend sent to me. Thought I would share.

I was just showed this yesterday by a "friend". Although I shed many tears when reading the part where the bassoon was sold, I think this article also speaks positively about how flexible us musicians are. I also say that even though the piano area is so competitive, we have many options career wise. I think about the future everyday, but I'm no longer afraid of it, no matter how many of these articles come out. It's good to be aware of stories like this, but I wonder how many great musical minds will never be heard because of the fear that articles such as these put into their heads.

Thank you for this article. The first story was very sad.

I think that anyone wanting to be a freelancers knows this, and anyone wanting to be a musician (ergo a freelancer pretty much) does NOT: Part of your job is to sell yourself! To get paid more everytime (if possible). To do better. To market yourself, your image, etc. And this is especially true in music.

Anyone thinking that knowing how to play the bassoon/piano/violin is enough are fooling themselves! And Juilliard will not prepare any student for this! This is a different element that has to be taught outside any conservatory (not only Juilliard) or perhaps self taught!

The big secret about this so-called music school, akin to a scene out of Dante's Inferno, needs to be told. Dr. Mark C., who knows what it is, is the only one qualified to discuss it. Come on Mark, save a life.

Majoring in performance at conservatoire is a bad choice. I believe u can become a performer without that stream. Big problem these performance streams teach you nothing else. Very little composition, teaching method, computer music etc. I know, I am a classical conservatoire graduate in western classical performance. I know many good classical players who perform who simply did their licentiate exams and got a teacher and listened to hours of recordings.

Reminded me of a recent book I read, "Mozart in the Jungle"