Congrats on the perseverance

I failed 4 professional auditions in total, and took 5 other non-professional auditions for community orchestras and (gig type roles) PLUS 3-6 live performances and recitals "before" I earned a Substitute position for Plano Symphony. These auditions are very intimidating experiences that one has to get used to over and over again to become successful. No other shortcuts. Private lessons won't help much either in providing these important moments of experience.

@alysehokamp

10 ай бұрын

Hi! Thanks for your comment. Congratulations on your sub position! I'm not so far from you, I'm in Denton :)

Brings back good memories of going to the dso. You are inspiring!

@alysehokamp

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, that was fun. Except that one time we were snobbed for looking too young to be season ticket holders...

Thank you for sharing.... French horn player here 📯 🙏

@alysehokamp

10 ай бұрын

Hi! Thanks for watching :)

I am wondering that you have a Master in flute and had no lessons in Piccolo in that time (situation in US) Here in Europe i think it's impossible to get the master without substantial basics in Piccolo playing. The Piccolo is a very special Instrument and playing this instrument professional it is mandatory to have special lessons in playing. We have also more and more pieces composed for Piccolo available!.... and.. it's a wonderful instrument!!!! Listen to Peter Verhoyen. He's a real Master of Piccolo

@alysehokamp

11 ай бұрын

Maybe some schools maybe have more of a specific piccolo requirement, but somehow I managed to get through my university with very little experience. I do like playing the piccolo, and I think you're right that it needs special instruction, as it is a different instrument with very different tendencies than the flute.

I feel sorry for you because schooling costs thousands yearly, and you have 2 kids and probably can't devote the time to keep up your technique with trying to find other work. It sounds like you've been sold the dream, and it didn't pan out... which is common these days for many people in music, especially when you are competing against literally everybody in the world. You're not alone in singing that dirge song. My advice to people who want to succeed in music -- you need two things: 1) know a lot of important people and 2) have a lot of money to buy the people you need. Otherwise, it is the worst crap shoot. You actually have better luck winning a lottery. Two million-dollar lottery winners every week but do you have a new Taylor Swift or Lang Lang every week? No. Teach and sell the dream too. At least you can earn something of a living and Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven all taught too - so you are in good company. Mind you these guys still had important patrons, and if you don't have that in today's classical music... well, start looking for some or recommend a course to the school you graduated from on how to find one. Good luck.

@alysehokamp

10 ай бұрын

Hi, thanks for your comment, but this is far from a dirge song! I learned a lot from taking my now 29 total auditions. It was always a choice I was making, and frankly, a lot cheaper than a lot of advanced music degrees. What ended up happening was I developed the skills I needed to start subbing in a professional orchestra. Every audition I took I learned what I could do better, and though it was challenging, I honestly enjoyed the process (which is why I did so many).

@countvlad8845

10 ай бұрын

@@alysehokamp That's great that you see it that way. I could never have done it with consistent failure to get the position for six years. That's great that you learn and are happy with it, but it requires that commitment to improvement that I don't think many can afford to do. It probably takes a lot of practice time that could be spent making more money. I'm sure you want to conquer this and advance and I wish you luck