Not everyone can be principal flute | #flutelyfe chats episode 1

Trying something new in today's video. Let me know if you like this style of video and what other topics you would like me to cover next!

- ✨ m o r e m u s i c ✨ -

- ✨ d i s c o u n t s ✨ -
10% off flute sheet music- use code KTFL

10% off all flute accessories at the Flute Center - use code KTFL2

looking for a new flute, piccolo, headjoint, or alto flute?
use code KTFL when shopping at the Flute Center for these special perks:
-choose three flutes to try for free
-keep the flutes for an extended 10 day free trial
-free shipping
-18 month warranty

- ✨ t h i n g s I u s e ✨ -

- ✨ h a s h t a g s ✨ -

#flute #classicalmusician

FTC disclosure: This video description contains affiliate links and codes. If used, I will receive a small commission that helps support the channel. Thank you!

[WorldoftheWoods]

One of the most freeing things I did in my flute journey was leaving music school. I realized early on that if I had taken on music as a career, I would have ended up hating music. Now I enjoy music surrounded by so many cool musicians while working in a non-music career. I think a lot of people just don't know that you can play music beyond high school and college without being a professional musician.

[zcevmpu]

Even playing music 🎶 music 🎵 musical instruments 🎹 as a hobby is awesome 😎

[NeevsBroadway]

This is so thought provoking. I was supposed to go to conservatory to study clarinet 15 years ago, but for a variety of reasons, I chose not to. I could see my own tendencies toward bitterness and comparison and could only visualize a life of pain if I continued on the path I was on. I think it was the right decision for me in the long term, but I would be lying if I said I didn't feel like I was missing out at the time. Now 15 years later, I actually have become an amateur flutist and am more in love with this instrument than I ever was with the clarinet and I'm able to play it for myself in a way that brings me joy. I'm thankful for that, and that I found this channel! You inspired me to pull my intermediate flute out of the closet last summer!

[AnnaPychsoprano]

I’m not a flutist, but an opera singer - and it is so important to say what you are saying in this video. No matter how many times we hear this, it is never really enough - it is so easy to doubt the process the moment it hits a rougher path. So thank you - and keep these coming!

[tavifagascon]

Love this video Katie! I always remind myself that I am BUILDING A LIFE IN MUSIC. It means teaching, playing in smaller orchestras, doing random gigs, etc. It is all part of a beautiful journey that we are in control of while enjoying and being happy with it. Love the community you have created here and thank you so much for being so honest. We, musicians, need to stick together and teach each other how to stay positive while making progress <3 <3 <3 .

[oxoelfoxo]

more chats! even non-musician me enjoyed this

[CrankyBeach]

I enjoyed hearing what you have to say. I am a reasonably competent amateur flutist (and thank you for saying "flutist, " as I never played a flaut in my life). I came up the usual way, high school band (second chair) and then community college concert band along with a very good flute class. I decided early on that I was not going to pursue a professional career, and I've never regretted that decision. Even at a small community college the levels of cutthroat competition combined with backstabbing and downright sabotage really took the fun out of it. (And I confess I am happy to report that the biggest backstabber of them all never attained a professional career of any kind either.) So I play for fun, wherever my kind of fun is to be found. I spent quite a few years in the community concert band at the college, played one year in first chair (which was enough for me), several years in second chair, and the last several years because of the pressures of life in general I actually fought several people for LAST chair. (And I won. The band director said he would seat me wherever I liked, and I liked it back there right next to the principal French horn.)

I taught a few beginners a long time ago, and I did audit a few Julius Baker masterclasses in the early 1990s. Of course the performers were mostly take-no-prisoners competitors that were actually fun to watch and listen to since I wasn't trying to compete with them. One day Jeanne Baxtresser stopped in and talked a bit and took questions. I raised my hand and asked her if she had any thoughts on the role of the amateur. Well. She lit up like the proverbial Christmas tree and said she LOVED amateurs, that the very word explained us, that we do it because we love it, not because it's our job. I appreciated what she had to say, especially in light of some of the youngsters looking sideways at me as if to say, how could you NOT want to be a pro, that must mean you're really lousy at it. No, I'm not lousy, but I'm certainly not professional material either, and I know it. Who knows... maybe I could have been, but as I told someone just a few years ago, I didn't have the requisite fire in the belly. And that's fine.

[cranberrie]

Love this! I graduated with my masters a few years ago and I've since made a career switch to music librarian. I am SO much happier playing as a amateur and teaching a couple of students on the side. For how much my teachers encouraged me to be ambitious with my flute goals, the truth is that I hate playing principal or being a soloist. It stresses me out! Lol

[ericbingham-kumpfcomposer]

Life is a learning experience and we never know what is around the corner when it comes to music. Just keep on growing and learning, that is all we can do.

[kalynnbelton]

I enjoyed your video! Going along with your point, I agree that there isn't enough information about music careers. There is so much stuff you can do with music such as: music education, music therapy, production, composition, directing, film and media scoring, video game scoring, music business, freelance, and etc. There is so much you can do with music. You just have to find your path.

[MasoQueso]

As a fellow flutist myself, I like this concept of video but branching off from what you said, out of the music world, this could also apply to other careers too. I fell like a lot more people than just musicians can reflect off this video. Thank you

[LillyPeppermint]

Loved this talk. I remember talking about this at uni and how we, as wind players, accidentally picked the short straw when we were young beginners because now, professionally, there are so much fewer jobs than string players. Now I teach flute and piano, as my second, full time, and ensembles and composing when I can and it's the best career in the world.

[isleofdogs]

I love that you touched on scarcity mindset. Just becoming aware that it's a part of my inner dialogue was such a huge help. It really helps to reframe your way of thinking and optimism. Loved the honest chat! 💖

[amyfalzonviolin]

Hi Katie! Thank you so much for this lovely video. Coming from a very small country were the music community is extremely small (and incredibly competitive) I frequently feel disheartened about building a professional career. Your video has really helped me put things into perspective and not give up.

Also I love your videos thank you for posting! 🎶

[MrStan]

I will hear the Vienna Philharmonic tomorrow at CH. I will be listening for the flute.

[terrigoodwin]

This was a very good message. I needed to hear this today. I feel like God was speaking directly to me through you.

[irenetripodi]

Thank you, Katie! Many times this topic is avoided but it is so important to talk about it, not only because of the "numbers" but in the first time because of the psychological reactions of all young musicians that could approach to music/audition/concerts in a very bad way. What really matters is that we can do music, we love it and we spread this wonderful art: and we are so lucky that we can do it in so many ways ❤🎻

[janetmckenzie]

Hi Katie! Not only are there very few flute openings in major orchestras, a flutist may occupy a chair for their entire career. Emmanuel Pahud is in no hurry to leave the Berlin Philharmonic! Also, it's worth keeping in mind how much time orchestras may be travelling each year, and if that lifestyle works for you. After graduation, there is no '1st chair.' Instead, there is your life, which is not a destination. 🦋

[PetulaGuimaraes]

Indon’t even play the flute and I keep coming back here ❤

[Brooooooklyn]

Love this video I am a sixth grade first year band student and I love when you make vlogs and any flute advice videos are great too!