How to Become a Professional Violinist as a Teenager
As a teenager, the journey to becoming a professional violinist can seem daunting, especially given the discouraging advice often seen on platforms like Quora. However, with the right guidance, it is possible to achieve your dream. This article is designed to provide you with a clear and realistic path to becoming a professional musician, specifically focusing on the essential steps and practices needed to succeed.
Understanding the Requirements for a Top Professional Orchestra
Many of the misconceptions about becoming a professional musician stem from the idea that top-tier conservatories like Juilliard or Curtis are the only paths to success. Although these institutions are highly reputable, the reality is much more flexible and diverse. To join a top professional orchestra, such as the cello section of an esteemed ensemble, you would need to demonstrate your ability to play specific excerpts from a concerto. For the cello, this might include playing the first movement of the Dvorak or Haydn D major concertos.
It's important to emphasize that specific pieces like Kodaly or the Haydn C major concerto are not as crucial as often misunderstood. Generally, you need to be able to play movt. from a Bach Suite, but this is more common during soloist auditions. The key is to master the orchestral excerpts, which are essential for any aspiring professional musician.
Playing flawlessly with good dynamics and reasonable interpretation is crucial. You must also be flexible, as conductors may request variations of pieces. Additionally, you will face a rigorous audition process where you might start behind a blind. The competition is tough, so you must be absolutely perfect on these excerpts. Common pieces include Strauss Don Juan, Beethoven Symphonies 5, 7, 8, and 9, Mahler 2 and 5, Mozart Symphony 35, Figaro Overture, Bartok Concerto for Orchestra, Smetana Bartered Bride, Brahms 2nd, Debussy La Mer, and more. Each piece will be played for a few measures at a time, focusing on specific sections that are likely to appear in the audition.
Curriculum and Training
For those aspiring to become soloists, the path is slightly different. Certain conservatories like Juilliard or Curtis focus heavily on solo playing, which is essential for a successful solo career. On the other hand, teaching positions at academic institutions require advanced credentials, emphasizing the need to earn a degree from a reputable institution.
Starting young is not a requirement, either. Although you may have seen advice suggesting that you should start playing at age three, this is not a hard and fast rule. What truly matters is your ability to play excerpts from the orchestral repertory flawlessly. With good training, you can achieve this at any age. It's crucial to find a competent teacher and engage in as many ensemble experiences as possible. Playing with orchestras and learning as much orchestral music as you can is essential for success.
Practical Steps and Personal Experience
A 35-year-old retired player in regional orchestras can attest to the importance of mastering orchestral excerpts. By the age of 35, I had honed my skills to perfection, having to perform flawlessly in order to keep my job. Conductors are keenly aware of who can play and who cannot. I did not start playing violin early, but I focused a lot on orchestral playing and learned only a few concertos: Boccherini-Grutzmacher, Haydn C, Saint-Saens, Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, Rococo, Romberg 2, and Goltermann 4. However, I did learn all six Bach Suites and most Popper etudes, Schubert's Arpegionne Sonata, and numerous small pieces for weddings and churches. The critical skill was learning the orchestral repertoire.
When you take an audition, you will face a tough competition with many players who also want to advance to the professional level or complete their education. Your intonation and rhythm must be perfect, and you need to project a beautiful tone consistently. If you can achieve this, you have a good chance of success. The key is to understand the standards and work towards them diligently.
By following these guidelines and understanding the requirements and expectations, you can make a solid path towards becoming a professional violinist. Remember, your passion and dedication will play a significant role in your success.