Hello All! Writing from the Melbourne Airport on the way to New Zealand. I spend a lot of time in airports, and it generally seems like a good time for reflection, musically and otherwise. It’s hard to not notice what is going on in the world nowadays. The current security situation with air travel makes carrying musical instruments on planes a precarious endeavor at best. I think I can get home ok without checking my tenor. But after that, some reconfiguring of travel habits will need to be set in motion.

I’ve spent most of this month in Australia and New Zealand visiting universities, high schools and doing some playing. What I see in Australia is that there is a keen interest in jazz music as a classical art form. I had a chance to visit with three different high school jazz bands that were all playing very well. It was a gratifying experience to share information with these folks, and give them some idea of what it was like living the jazz life in NYC.

There was a week-long visit to the University of Adelaide where I worked with big bands, small bands, sax quartets, and the school orchestra. The faculty and students were all great. Again, the main thing missing was that information that comes from the source. (New York Jazz Scene). My main objective was to let people know that you must explore the history of the music before you can make any sort of statement in a contemporary fashion.

Due to the small population of Australia there appears to be a much smaller scene as far as jazz activity goes. The general consensus is that it is very difficult to be a full time musician here. The cynical term “musos” is used for musicians over here. And granted, while it is quite difficult to sustain a living as a musician in most places, it is certainly possible to do.

I think the key ingredient nowadays for getting a successful career in music up-and-running is a clear vision of what you would like to do, and the the fortitude and perseverance to see this vision through. First and foremost, you will need to really play your instrument well. That means having a thorough technical command of the instrument and a broad knowledge of what had been done on that instrument before you. It doesn’t hurt to know something about various styles of music even if you have a specific genre you want to focus on. Secondly, you will need to either compose music, or have music written for you, that presents your playing in a way that is consistent with your musical vision. Aside from the artistic satisfaction you get from doing your own concept, it becomes a means of identifying you as a musician and person for future reference on other projects.

If you want to be a sideman it is best to be as well-versed as possible. Being a good reader, playing in a variety of styles, being a team player who has a reputation of being easy to get along with, a team player, and hard-working are all key ingredients. By listening to all kinds of music and trying to play various styles of music as much as you can you will hopefully become a musician who can jump into any situation and do a good job.

If you want to be a band leader or be in a collaborative band situation, you need to develop a repertoire and a concept, which generally comes together through hanging and playing with a select group of people that share your same vision. For me, practicing and writing music that serves as a vehicle for things I’m working on is a good place to start. I also think about who I’m writing for, and try to incorporate what they do into the way I would like to play with them. Sometimes I may sit quietly and listen to sounds and shapes in my head that could be a tune in the making. By being familiar with the components that make up the music (drum patterns, bass lines, piano voicings, grooves, melodic patterns) you can actually hear quite a lot away from an instrument.

The other important ingredient to being a busy band leader or band member is to stay active in the promotional end of things. Making demo tapes, putting together press packages, and trying to sell your idea to various people you’ve come in contact with Is a never-ending process . I constantly try to dream up projects and ideas for the various ensembles I work with, and then go about seeing if these projects can be performed or recorded. Make it happen! Call all your friends. Put a mailing list together, or find someone that has a mailing list. Get the word out! By all means use the internet to the fullest for emailing gig announcements and press kits.

I’m not saying that becoming a full-time musician is easy and that there are opportunities abounding. But the work market is generally competitive regardless of what field you are looking at. Those who thrive are the ones who work really hard and follow their heart and soul. Anything is possible. Go for it, and don’t quit if things don’t work out right away. Keep chipping away. Things will happen when they are supposed to. If the music is honest and well thought out you will go far. Keep the faith!