How does one get started with a career in pit orchestra?
m.sange asked:
I’ve been playing violin for ~ 9 years, and am starting to have to think about careers seriously. I’ve always wanted to have a musical career, but neither “rock star” nor “music teacher” will work for me. Pit orchestra, specifically for opera, does seem to be something I’d really like to do.
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I’ve been playing violin for ~ 9 years, and am starting to have to think about careers seriously. I’ve always wanted to have a musical career, but neither “rock star” nor “music teacher” will work for me. Pit orchestra, specifically for opera, does seem to be something I’d really like to do.
Question: How could I get started with that? I’m just beginning investigation and really don’t know anything, so anything you have to say will be helpful!
Thanks Very Much
<3m
March 5th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
If you’re at the point where you’re picking college majors, get a degree in music performance. That’ll help give you the necessary education to do it. Other than that, the best way is to NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK! Start getting your name out to everybody, even if they don’t want it. Since you’re “still new” (even after nine years) you will have to start off with a bunch of low-paying (or even free) gigs just to get your name out. As you improve in school, that will improve your playing in the pit, which will convince the music directors to hire you more and, more importantly, recommend you to other people. It might help to go to a school with an active opera program if you’re specifically interested in opera. If not, definitely find one with a good musical theater program. That way you have a chance at getting direct experience while still in school.
March 8th, 2009 at 6:24 am
i play the violin too!!! i would look up a good college that studies art and music. then that should lead your way
March 11th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
These two sites might be helpful to get an overview
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Career Center - Performance
Opera orchestras are tough jobs to get but basically it’s all about your audition. Just so you can get an idea of the type of music you would have to play here’s a list of music for a job opening for second violin in an opera orchestra in europe
click on “Programme concours”
(this is a pretty short list too!)
Sometimes you have to apply for the job just to see the list!
If you want to poke around this is a good spot to do it
It’s hard work and for most of us it takes some higher education (conservatories universities) and professional experience before we feel prepared to take an audition.
March 14th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
If you want to play in a professional opera orchestra, you’re going to have to follow pretty much the same career/education path that any violinist auditioning for any professional (non-opera) orchestra takes. The specific audition repertoire might be somewhat different, but I assure you that it is no easier to get into a professional opera orchestra than a professional (non-opera) orchestra.
If this is a career you seriously want, then I’m assuming you already are taking private lessons with a teacher who can adequately prepare you for auditioning/entering a music conservatory. If not, there’s your first step.