As my blog on auditions insinuated, there is a clear imbalance of supply and demand when it comes to the job market for musicians. Conservatories for the past few decades have emphasized training toward specific careers: orchestral, chamber or solo. With the competition so great and such a small niche to choose from, music schools are finally realizing that the training they give is inadequate to prepare young professionals for a career that necessitates skills beyond playing an instrument. Waiting for a big break to happen in the orchestral audition process can take years (everyone heard CSO cellist Ken Olsen's story?: http://www.allthingsstrings.com/How-To/Build-a-Career/12-Ways-to-Ace-Your-Orchestral-Audition), and there are much more fulfilling things to do with time than be that starving artist at the local coffee shop.
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