career advice

[brumjambassman]

Hey Janek, I am looking for some career advise as a musician.

My situation is slightly more complicated than a lot of other people. Basically I spent two years living in Leeds UK doing a foundation course in Jazz then got offered a place to study a degree. Instead of doing the degree I moved back home for a couple of years because I was having a lot of personal problems and it turns out that for the last three years Ive been suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which really affects me both physically and mentally.

I am doing a degree in jazz again in September but I still suffer from lots of symptoms. And my end goal is to move abroad and either be a musician or teacher (preferably college or degree level).

Obviously I have concerns for my health and sometimes I cant really push myself to hard without worsening my symptoms, so I am not sure whether I could cope as a performing/touring musician which is obviously gutting but I am constantly working towards and hoping for good health again. None the less I think being a teacher and moving to a warmer climate is still achievable and a great progression in my life (my symptoms are much easier to cope with when its warm).

I'm thinking of moving to Australia or America, I just want your advice as to how I should work towards my goal and if you recommend it and think it is realistic for me? The last think I want is to be stuck in England with a job I don't enjoy (I cant stress how much I hate the cold, and how much the cold hates me, ha). I do aim to practice at least six hours a day as well as trying to recover and other commitments.

Any advice/ recommendations would be greatly appreciated as I really respect you as a musician. cheers.

[janekbass]

well I highly recommend warm weather wherever you can get it! I'm out in Los Angeles right now and it's warm all year round and it's great for my health and my playing. Australia can be pretty crazy with the humidity and extreme heat, I know that's not for me..... but my advice on moving outside of the country is always to go and check a few places out before you commit to anything.

I think the playing side of things will come together if you spend the time and have the dedication and enjoyment in music. And the sooner you can make the geographical relocation the better. Getting settled into a scene and feeling comfortable with your surroundings as soon as you can is really important psychologically, and will help you a lot in the long run. And the network of people you surround yourself with is very important too.

I hope this helps a little, and good luck!

Janek