[Tango-L] live music - realities

[Trini y Sean (PATangoS)]

I second Kace’s observations.  And would like to offer my own from my experiences in working with musicians and developing a live tango music scene here.
   
  I wonder how many folks realize how difficult it is to be a working musician today, particularly of the caliber of what we want in tango musicians.  Most on this list probably have a salaried 9-5 job that pays benefits.  The serious musicians I know don’t have that.  A friend of mine flew to Spain to audition for a symphony there because there were no openings here.  She competed with 200 other clarinet players for 1 position.  A place like LA or NYC may provide more opportunities for studio musicians.
   
  So how do they find pay the bills?  My friends end up creating their own opportunities.  They network and cold-call, set up gigs at restaurants/cafes or civic groups, apply for grants, and do the usual advertising (website, flyers).  And they also work another job (usually part-time and hourly with no benefits) that allows them the flexibility to work as musicians when gigs come up.  A common thing is for them to teach music.  Thank goodness the internet has made it easier and cheaper for her to create work as tango musician (playing weddings and private parties, too).  But it is still a lot less than 40 hours a week.  Most folks on this list probably just walk into the office.
   
  To find others to work with consistently is another story.  And to play tango, which is not in the music mainstream?  Each time the local band gets a new musician, they have to be trained.  I’d say it takes 3-6 months before a new band member learns enough tangos to fill a sizable set.
   
  It’s hard being a tango musician today, even in Argentina.  So before criticizing their work, I suggest taking a moment and realizing just how rare a good tango musician is in the States.  I’d be just a bit ticked off if I was a musician and someone dissed my efforts or efforts of other musicians in promoting a live tango scene.
   
  Trini de Pittsburgh
   



       
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