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Instruction, Information & Inspiration for Players of Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass & Fiddle | Mar. 10, 2010

When Times are Tough, Look to Chamber Music as Refuge

Most entry-level, strings-playing professionals wind up living a sort of patchwork life, taking gigs when they can and working part-time or full-time jobs, playing and/or teaching. If the gigs pick up and the music gods smile, then eventually a more fortuitous schedule prevails.

But what if that never happens?

Do you lose your identity as a musician? Is it possible to make music a substantive part of your life without the title of professional? And what if you’re a late starter? Can you still find a way to live a musical life? The answer is a resounding yes. Life goes on, and so does the music.

Chamber music is one of the most rewarding ways to challenge yourself (and make a little money), and all it takes is finding another musician with like interests.

To address the need for networking, in 1947, Leonard Strauss, Helen Rice, and some friends founded the Amateur Chamber Music Players, a nonprofit organization designed to connect people of all levels who love making music together. Today the ACMP has more than 5,000 members and represents every level of player, from early intermediate to professional.

“As long as you can be responsible for a part,” says Daniel Niemetz, the ACMP’s executive director, “you should join.”

Community colleges also offer ensembles for adults, and there are music festivals for these groups all over the country, such as New York’s Summertrios, which is not for adult beginners, but for advanced adult students and semi-professionals.

Many ensembles look to wedding planners as a source for paying work, as they employ all manner of chamber groups. Even a soloist can be of interest, though, if the wedding budget has skyrocketed but the couple still wants live music. Rates are generally between $40 and $80 per hour for each performer.

Rock or pop bands that want that gorgeous string sound, but don’t have the budget to pay the professionals, can be another source of income for chamber musicians. Craigslist is a fantastic resource to find this kind of freelance work and has local listings across the country.

By Emily Wright

Looking for new music to play with your string quartet or chamber ensemble? We recommend Strings Charts, a new series of alternative-styles arrangements and original compositions including Can’t Help Falling in Love and Love Me Tender: Elvis Presley Love Songs for String Quartet. Play both of these heart-warming arrangements at your next chamber-music gig. Order the full score and parts today.

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