How to Become a Concert Violinist

Concert musicians stroll onstage in their gowns and tuxedos and turn
in seemingly effortless performances. To get to Carnegie Hall and
other prestigious venues, a violinist spends years practicing and
rehearses for hours every day. And that's to say nothing of the other
challenges, such as auditioning for jobs in a competitive market.

Difficulty:

Moderately challenging

Instructions

1. Start young. The famed violinist Yehudi Menuhin began at age 4. Even if you're tremendously talented, it can take years to hone your musical ability and stage presence.

2. Love music--think it, breathe it, dream it. Immerse yourself in a variety of genres even though you'll ultimately focus on classical music. Take private lessons, attend seminars and go to music camps. Get all the experience you can in community orchestras and symphonies.

3. Study at a college or music conservatory, where you'll learn about music theory, composition and performance, and get a degree if you want to teach later. You'll also develop important contacts. Contact the National Association of Schools of Music (nasm.arts-accredit.org) for information about college-level music programs.

4. Intern at a music festival. This can give you exposure and experience playing with a symphony orchestra.

5. Go for auditions even if they're a long shot. You'll get more comfortable with the process and gain composure, which will eventually help you land that coveted spot in a symphony orchestra.

6. Pack your bags. Especially if you're self-employed, you'll most likely be on the road a lot, either looking for work or giving concerts. You may also travel if you work for an orchestra.

7. Keep your day job. Be prepared to work at an outside job along with playing your violin. Many professional musicians have gaps between engagements, so they take part-time jobs to pay the bills. Teaching is one way to remain in touch with the world of music, keep a flexible schedule and earn a steady income.

8. Practice every chance you get. The best performers keep growing and developing new skills to enhance their playing.

9. Hire an agent or a manager if you make it big. You can concentrate on playing the violin while someone else finds you jobs and arranges details.

10. Make sure your wardrobe includes several classic black pieces for performances. Gentlemen, buy a tuxedo. Ladies, start shopping for an elegant gown.

Tips & Warnings

• Musicians often lack health care and other benefits. Many of them join the American Federation of Musicians (afm.org), a group that helps negotiates labor agreements, works to increase benefits and lobbies to raise industry standards.

• Salaried musicians earned a median annual income of $36,290 in 2002.