Driving for Dollars

I find the logistics of scheduling to be one of the most disheartening aspects of this job. Sometimes it seems that the two sets I find most musically rewarding in a year happen at the same time.

Since I only have two orchestra contracts, juggling requirements isn’t as crucial to me as trying to balance artistic fulfillment and good business sense. Most of my employers are aware of the way we make a living and try to accommodate what they can, but often they are bound by conductor’s schedules, hall availability, etc. Of course, like anything, there are times when I think more could be done to make our lives easier.

I remember when I first started freelancing it always seemed like I would get called for only two things in any three month period and they would both be happening at the same time. In some ways, I do have many more choices now, but it is always a compromise trying to keep everything together.