How can I have a career in music?

Question:I play violin and oboe. My dream is to be in the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (one day...) or a really recognized orchestra. So do I go to Uni and study there? Then what? Where do I get started? Can I make a living?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I play violin and oboe. My dream is to be in the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (one day...) or a really recognized orchestra. So do I go to Uni and study there? Then what? Where do I get started? Can I make a living?

Yes, go to college and study music. You'll learn what you need during your college experience in order to have a successful career as a musician. Your professors will point you to good auditions, they might bring in great performers for masterclasses where you can do a Q & A with them, big ensembles will post ads about auditions on your campus....
...you'll find the connections you need while you're in college. I speak from experience here.

You can make a living, but don't expect to make it right away. You have to work your way up. Because you play very widely demanded and popular instruments, you'll have a lot of competition so you'll have to practice relentlessly. I strongly suggest you have a backup plan until you can support yourself as a musician. You don't need to major in music performance to be a performer--the auditioners are listening more to your ability, not your degree!
So, you could major in music theory (as an example) and practice just as much as a music performance major.

So, basically I'm saying go to college, your questions from here will be answered there!

Listen this is advise i got for acting it works the best thing to do is networking usually people into certain music art etc hang out in certain areas try to find where the places are and ask them for advice see how they did it before making any quick decisions good luck.

First of all, realize you DON'T play as well as you THINK you do... that being said... go for the auditions... even if you don't make it, you will learn how the auditions work and you will get some free feedback from experts.

Try going to a competitive music school with a conservatory program. Look into Carnegie Mellon, Jiulliard, Boston Conservatory, or another school with a similarly rigorous and intensive program. Major in music performance for your favorite instrument and get your degree.

While in school, make sure to get to know as many of your professors as possible, and even any guest speakers that may come in. When you are nearing graduation your professors may have a suggestion for where to look for work, and many schools even have job placement programs to help students get employed.

If you made it through a conservatory music program, the truth is that by this point you will be a finely tuned musical machine, and just about any symphony should want you- especially if you have recommendations from professors or other figures in the music world.