A Jazz Career

[tallskinnyboy]

Yo guys,

I'm a tenor player from Hobart, in my second year of study at the Tas Con - just today we had the Al Kerr Quartet down doing a workshop with contemporary students, bloody brilliant.

My question for all you experienced folk is: what would your advice be for someone contemplating a 'career' as a jazz musician? I'm also studying psychology as part of my undergrad, and am coming to the realisation that jazz is where my passion lies. While a psych doctorate will pull a healthy wage, it doesn't satisfy my need to play.

Is a career as a musician still a viable option for someone coming through the ranks? Or, is it a fantasy to think that a jazz musician in Australia can live comfortably through gigging and teaching without moonlighting at Maccas? (with all due respect - I'm not trying to start any fights, just a little clueless most likely). It'd be great to hear from anyone who's had some experience in making these decisions - I guess most/all of you have been there?

Cheers,
Rob

[mim]

Rob, it's very possible to be a jazz musician without an unrelated day job. But most of the players I know (including myself) do teach, whether that be at a tertiary level, high school kids, or private teaching. There are some who almost solely play gigs, I think they spend a fair bit of time away from home to do it. There are quite a few that have "normal" jobs (I.T., law, arts admin, etc). I don't know many that work in retail or hospitality and definitely none in fast food. This is mostly in Melbourne, mind you, I wouldn't know about Hobart. Your lecturers probably have a fair idea about that.

Shame nobody has replied earlier to your post, sorry to say that OzJazz is a bit quiet these days.

[alimcg]

It has been quiet here... no guts for a start! (sorry to stir the pot)

I'd pretty much agree with what Mim has said. I only know a handful of guys who make a living from playing the music that they want to, but there are a fair few more who play for a living, but not always playing the most satisfying music, if you get my drift.

Personally, I'm happy teaching a bit and playing the gigs that I really enjoy, making less money on the gig side, but feeling energized and enthusiastic about the gigs I do take. However, I really do enjoy teaching, so it's not like it's a drag for me.

[alimcg]

And Rob, it was good to see you - nice playing mate! Keep it up.

[tallskinnyboy]

Thanks Mim and Al!
I guess gigging and teaching is the way to go. My impression is that a "normal" day job would be a distraction from practise and putting your heart and soul into making music, which would bug me I reckon.

Al - I got myself some mid 60's Miles with Herbie, Shorter etc... that you recommended. Bloody brilliant stuff. cheers!

[alimcg]

I know a few musicians who quite enjoy having "normal" jobs instead of teaching or other music related work. They feel it allows them to come at music fresh, so to say. I don't know that any of them would work 9-5, 5 days a week, but they are full-time as such.

Glad you like that stuff Rob, hope it helps you out with that stuff we were talking about.