October 2009

Kathy Griffin taught me about the violin

October 12, 2009 19:07

Yes, she really did... in a certain sense.

I don't think she's ever played a musical instrument, but maybe in her early days as a comedian she did. Anyway, I digress. But, her book, Official Book Club Selection got me really thinking about what I want to do with my life.

For those who don't know, Kathy Griffin is an Emmy-winning comedian known for her sometimes controversial statements. Just google her. She got really involved in her high school theater program and discovered her love for it. After graduating, she knew the one place where she could make it big as an actress- Hollywood. So, she and her parents moved from their comfy Chicago neighborhood with their daughter to Los Angeles. She lived with her parents trying to look for work. She had no college degree and no car. She dated bum guys and eventually got in to the Groundlings Theater group. She stayed there for a few years, still trying to climb to the top. It took her about ten years before she was cast on Suddenly Susan.

In short, she payed her dues.

Musicians also pay their dues. They practice day in, day out. (Well, some of us try to!) We limit our social outings so we can get one passage just right for that big audition. After performance majors graduate from college, they most likely won't have a job. They'll be searching for jobs, and going to and failing most of their preliminary auditions. My youth orchestra conductor said it takes about ten years to get yourself firmly established in the orchestral field. We lament the lack of jobs and the intense competition. But, so do actors, Kathy Griffin told me.

We endure similar pressures- be perfect! you have to beat out 500 candidates for one seat! you won't get paid alot when you first start out! it's extremely competitive! it'll take you a while before you get a job! it's extremely competitive! did i mention the other 500 candidates for the same job?!

My education is an investment in my future, so while it may make more sense to be a MusEd major in college, I don't really see myself in the classroom. Well, not yet. And I have to at least try because Lord knows I'll regret it if I don't try to be a musician. Whatever that words means these days.

Yes, I realize that if I choose to be a violin performance major in college that I might be a poor, starving musician by the time I graduate. Yes, I might not have a job for a while. But, there is nothing I want to do more in my life. I love playing the violin, My life would be empty without it. This is what drives me.

Michael.

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October 2009

Kathy Griffin taught me about the violin

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