Mary, I perform regularly as a soloist and sometimes as a chamber musician. At least once a year, usually two or three times or more. I try to get paid - rent the hall and charge admission, or get a paying gig (we're lucky here in Albuquerque to have a venue that supports local performers, and gives them most of the gate). I specialize in Latin American piano music - especially Villa Lobos and Ginastera, but lots of obscure composers as well - and often skirt the edges of "popular." My last concert, a month ago, I presented "American Rags, Brazilian Tangos, and Afrocuban Dances." Scott Joplin and Joseph Lamb for rags, several of Ernesto Nazareth's "Tangos Brasileiros," and Ernesto Lecuona's set called "Afrocuban Dances." Next year I plan to do an all-Villa Lobos concert: the Cirandas, Ciclo Brasileiro, and Alma Brasileira. I'm planning to do recording sessions this summer of last month's recital pieces, and create a cd to sell and otherwise distribute. Take advantage of a recital hall with lots of summer down time, and a recording engineer who has down time in the summer as well. Perks of the job - you have to take advantage of everything available to make it pay ;-) Talk about wearing a lot of hats: adding producer and publicist to performer (and, damn it all, tuner - I hate tuning for my own concerts) really stretches one thin. But, hey, you only live once. Regards, Fred Sturm University of New Mexico Mary C. Smith wrote: > > Okay, now y'all have piqued my curiosity...Seeing Ron's post about his > recital, and Susan Kline's response that she's given some cello recitals > made me wonder how many amateur musicians are on this CAUT list. I'm an > amateur pianist myself, and perform regularly with my beloved > piano/violin/cello trio, named Liendo Trio. We gave a recital at The > University of Texas, where I am employed as a technician, in February. We > also have played on local recital series at other venues, as well as house > concerts just for our friends and families. It is a joy. I am delighted to > know that other techs are active musically, and it makes my wheels turn > about classical jams at National seminars, etc...Anyway, who else out there > plays on a regular basis? > > Mary
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