"Living and playing in the material world": facing the challenges of freelance gigs

This discussion/lecture demonstration explores the challenges faced by a conservatoire trained guitar soloist working as a freelance musician. Guitarists are trained, primarily, as both soloist and chamber music participants. These skills are often supplemented with classes in career development, publicity, networking, pedagogy, etc. Whilst these—and all the other requisite classes in harmony, counterpoint, history, etc. —are essential, there is another rewarding side of the profession for the classical guitarist in the genre of playing plucked string “parts” with orchestras, large ensembles and opera companies. It is been my experience that, despite the real opportunities in the profession, this is an area in which classical guitarists are little prepared. I know this was my “real world” experience and my excursion into this area was fraught with joys and sorrows, as well as frustration and satisfaction. This discussion/lecture/demonstration presents a cross section of my own experiences, “war stories,” experiments, and performances. Including "real life" tips on repertoire, preparation, equipment, score/part study, listening, and courtesy, recording and performance situations with these ensembles I hope to pass professional and practical advice to the emerging classical guitarist to prepare them to cope and succeed in thee rewarding and challenging performance opportunities.