Tuba Jobs

[The Big Ben]

I put in all that work on a music degree while what I really wanted out of life was to wait tables!

... and what's the easiest way to find an actor in L.A.?

"Waiter!"

True, true.....

Jobs like being a waiter can be pretty flexible and someone who actually wants to be an actor appreciates the fact that they can go off for some bit part while still being able to make some sort of living. Or just being able to eat the one meal restaurant owners allow waiters to eat.

I have a former student who majored in theater. She has worked extensively as an actress (small stage, commercials, etc.) and intends to continue acting but took a job as a flight attendant for much the same reason: good money, easy ability to take time off, free flights to tryouts. She 'defines' herself as an actress but has the practicality to do what is necessary to feed herself and make things 'work' for herself.

To be a tuba player, one must only play the tuba. The where, when, why and how are up to you.

[windshieldbug]

I got about $25 per hour and got it in cash money, if you appreciate the implications of that phrase.

Yeah - it means you're a tax cheat.

Just making certain that this does not disappear.

(unlike those tax contributions... )

[MartyNeilan]

(unlike those tax contributions... )

[Michael Roest]

Look into Greg Sandow's blog about the future of Classical music.
He is a music critic for the Wall Street Journal (pop and classical), a composer, teacher, etc. He is always working with top orchestras on topics such as the future of music. I noticed that this thread leaned toward this topic and thought you might be interested in some of his experiences. He is a great person talk to about this and loves to get input. I wouldn't hesitate to share your ideas with him.

http://www.artsjournal.com/sandow/
http://www.gregsandow.com/

-Mike

[tokuno]

For example, do you know any professional historians? I don't, though I do know several people with history degrees. Do you know any professional astronomers? Neither do I, but I know a couple of people with astronomy degrees, one of whom has a doctorate. Do you know any professional interpreters? Nor me.

Well, my wife sure seems like a professional astronomer / historian / interpreter.
Once a month, when her stars (mis)align, I get a historical rehash of every dumb thing I've said with a heavy dose of situational interpretation

Seriously, on the topic of credit ceilings, when I was at Cal (aka UC Berkeley) in the 80s, I switched majors (from engineering to architecture) after 3 years and had to really massage my schedule to earn my degree before I ran out of credits. I was told that this was the vestige of a Vietnam-era policy to thwart students ducking the draft via perpetual enrollment.

For what it's worth, I took credits in engineering, music, and architecture (among others, of course) and I concur with Rick's stance on credits equal-not credits. At least not for me at Cal, they didn't.