Posted by js on March 05, 2002 at 09:14:40:
In Reply to: What now? posted by Brian on March 05, 2002 at 00:15:42:
Work on pieces and etudes that you are not sure you can play, and schedule a recital three months out. Be brave and talk about the recital ahead of time with others, to deter cancellation. The fact that you'll be playing the pieces in front of friends and others will force you to reach new higher ground in your performance level. "Talent" has little to do with ability. [mis]quote: There are two types of virtuosi - Those with lots of talent who have worked extremely hard and those with less talent who have worked extremely hard.
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Adjunct teaching job: I taught the tuba students at the University of Mississippi for a year, but had to quit because it was interferring with business too much. Right now, they are getting by OK and are not advertising for an adjunct tuba instructor. If one were to locate a high school band directing job within commuting distance of Ole Miss, it might be a good idea to speak to the brass faculty about teaching at the University. If anything worked out (after an audition/interview, etc.), one would have to be able to scoot over there once or twice a week after school for quintet rehearsals/tuba lessons, and the quintet literature that the faculty quintet performs is extremely challenging so there would be some good motivation to practice. Be aware that this entire paragraph is a huge supposition.
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Others, including any teachers that work with you and your playing abilities, will never motivate you. Your own nervous system must do that. I'm quite sure that you could play as well as some of the people that you mentioned, if you went about it.