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So I'm a high school senior who plays tuba and has kind of been getting sick of it lately. Playing whole notes (with the occasional quarter note) in marching band is hard to keep entertained by.

Now I'm a reasonably good player. This will be my third year as a section leader, my fourth year as 'best in the section', my fourth year making state solo & emsemble, my first year in the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra, and my second year as the primary soloist in my school's marching show. One of my lesson teachers even asked me to sub for him in a gig once. Still, I've never taken lessons very consistently, and so I've more or less just 'thrown myself at it' when its come to practicing/improving. Hopefully this will be the year I finally make all state.

I know I won't be a music major ever, but I have a lot of musical stuff going on this school year, and getting burnt out has been a real worry lately. I keep trying to start my warmup, and if it takes too long to get that 'perfect sound' I tend to get disapppointed and quit.

But a few weeks ago I started helping my other section members with their music one-on-one. Giving them private lessons so to speak. Since then, my own personal practice has seemed more rewarding and enjoyable (and maybe even a little productive).

That was fairly long winded, but anyway. Any thoughts on this?

You may have found your calling. Not everyone can be a good teacher, so if it works for you............

I have always found that a good teaching on my part makes me a more aware performer.

Not everyone is meant to play for a living. Not everyone is meant to teach for a living. And not everyone is meant to do anything related to music to pay their bills.

It's up to YOU to figure out what you love, and pursue it. If you love playing, throw yourself into more lessons, and be aware that while, ensemble work will never be as challenging as solo lit, it does get more interesting out of high school. If you find yourself loving to teach, try to learn more about what being a full-time teacher means (trust me - it's likely not what you think it is) and decide if you want to do that or teach privately. And, if you don't want your income tied to music, figure something else out and play and teach on the side.

I know many fine players who aren't pros, and many average players trying to be pros. If you are good, and people know you are around and available, you'll likely play at least a little bit. If you want to do more, you will find a way.

I think the young fellow has discovered that collaborating is more fun than just following orders!!

I appreciate hearing comments from others. I plan on playing in college for at least a few years. I also own a tuba currently, so if I get a few gigs down the road after college, that'd be great. If anyone feels like paying me to play, sweet! I'll definitely take some money, but earning money from playing/teaching isn't a goal of mine.

And Bloke, I feel your pain. Teaching most people is a rather painful experience. The ones that are exceptional and just 'get it' are much more enjoyable to work with.

Right now I'm mostly concerned with the very near future and keeping motivated to practice and prepare the (absurdly challenging) music that I'm expected to be able to play at a very high level. This whole post might seem a little goofy or attention grabbing, but this is a very real concern of mine. Losing interest really sucks