Dear Students of this forum:

I was inspired to start this topic when one of my college level students seems to just be waiting around to win an audition or get called for some wonderful gig.

So let me share with you young people why you should always play any gig you can, for free or for little or no money, as it may lead to bigger and better things.

Some years ago I played for an off off off off Broadway production and became friends with one of the musicians. He is now a succesful orchestrator and producer and hires me for soundtracks and the like.

Several years ago I played for an awful community orchestra to help out the conductor, who was a friend of mine, I became friends with the other flute player, who turned over students to me when she took maternity leave.

And so on and so on...

This is really the way the professional world works, be a really nice person, be friendly and reliable and play in tune and don`t try to over power everybody with your sound or your personality, and many good things will come your way.

YES! I agree 100%!!! Great post!

I have done my share of volunteer work and it always lead to bigger and better things. If your good, you will be noticed so volunteer away!

Good Ideas but in my situation I can`t be caught plaing free gigs. THe town is too small and I`m the flute/picc in a 21 piece AFM union concert band. The dir. is the Union Secretary. He has stated that if anyone plays a community band gig, they won`t be playing in his union band. I wouldn`t mind playing the community bands for the practice but I won`t do it and loose any potential union jobs.

playing a free AFM gig is different, this is just a post to teach the youngsters on this forum what they need to do to create opportunities, I don`t do many gigs for free, usually as a favor to help someone out.