[Martin Magna Commitee Sax]

I've played the sax for some time now, and don't plan on giving it up (I couldn't if I tried). But I know for a fact that my major won't be in music (a musician's lifestyle isn't one that appeals to me). But I don't want to stagnate as a player and wish to continue studying the sax, any suggestions on how to keep active without being a career player in the future?

By the way, I plan on attending the Naval Academy in Annapolis where I can major and minor in something completely unrelated to music and participate in the various groups that require saxophones. So I'll be covered during my 4 college years.

Any input would be great. Thanks.

 

[Bernards20040]

I don't want to stagnate as a player and wish to continue studying the sax, any suggestions on how to keep active without being a career player in the future?

Put it in your mouth and blow.
repeat as required.

 

[maestroelite]

Schools should let you play in ensembles as a non-major. Other than that, practice by yourself as Bernards suggested..

 

[gary]

Four years at the academy and then four to six beginning as an Ensign? You'll be lucky to have enough time to spend a few minutes with Jamie Aebersold. :twisted:

After the academy, I would look for a community band. Although with your military schedule you might not be able to attend as frequently as you like, it'll give you a chance at least to blow somewhat regularly and also give you an incentive to focus what little practice time you might have. Beyond your initial military obligation, if you get out, that's too far in the future to even worry about.

 

[Seasax]

just enjoy it.
it's what music was designed for.
play for fun, play pieces you like, maybe play in a pub every so often for a bit of money,

 

[docformat]

Part of getting older is learning how to manage your time - you can find the time if you really want to. Wait till you have kids!!

 

[Grumps]

Yeah, there will certainly be opportunities for you at the Academy to keep playing (pep bands and such). And by the time you get out, you'll probably know a bit more about networking and finding groups to play in to keep it going. Till then, I'll see you at the football games.

 

[DukeCity]

If you haven't done it before, start learning to play by ear, and how to improvise (not jazz, necessarily, but blues/rock/r&b, etc.). Once you're out of school it can be difficult to find ensembles to play in where everything is written down. There are community bands and such, but if you can learn and play tunes by ear, make up some background parts to songs, and play a musically interesting solo, you'll be able to fit into lots of bands that might be playing around town.

If you check out the various "what's your day job?" threads here you'll see that many of the players here have careers outside of music, and play as "weekend warriors." Often, they're the guys who are enjoying music more than the full-time pros.

 

[Martinman]

Four years at the academy and then four to six beginning as an Ensign? You'll be lucky to have enough time to spend a few minutes with Jamie Aebersold. :twisted:

My friend's brother is in the Navy and he plays video games for at least 4 hours a day usually.

 

[awholley]

My friend's brother is in the Navy and he plays video games for at least 4 hours a day usually.

Are you sure it isn't some high tech remote control drone or something?

 

[GAS_Wyo]

If you check out the various "what's your day job?" threads here you'll see that many of the players here have careers outside of music, and play as "weekend warriors." Often, they're the guys who are enjoying music more than the full-time pros.

In high school I was dedicated to the thought of being something besides a musician...I just didn't know what! 2 years into a music performance scholarship, I'd had it. Music Theory 5 days a week for 4 semesters, more ensembles, orchestras and wind symphonies than anyone should be exposed to, intolerant directors, BS that kept me at school 16 hours a day, etc...it just wasn't fun anymore.

Started over into Geology and Engineering for several years. Extremely rewarding career that now allows me to learn even more, to seek playing opportunities and (better yet) I can afford to buy horns and accessories. As a true weekend warrior, I can say I am just giddy every time I get to wet a reed. If you put the work into the career early on (for 10 years) you'll be able to enjoy it too! Good luck and God Bless!

 

[gary]

My friend's brother is in the Navy and he plays video games for at least 4 hours a day usually.

Is this friend a junior officer fresh out of the academy?

Extremely rewarding career that now allows me to learn even more...

LOL. I read that as earn...

 

[Martinman]

Is this friend a junior officer fresh out of the academy?

It is my friend's older brother, and no, he is just some sort of engine mechanic. They get all sorts of leave time in the Navy if the ship is not at war or something...