No doubt, it is a great privilege to lead a section of talented musicians in an effective orchestra. Being a section leader for orchestras possess a significant amount of creative satisfaction and musical inspiration. But the question that keeps many wondering is how to be an effective orchestral section leader. Well, keep scrolling to get the answers to your questions so that you can start your musical journey now.
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Your Musical Journey
Many people who want to lead the section of an effective orchestra start their performance journey in high school or community orchestras, landing gigs with more prestigious orchestras going further. If you want to make a career in the music industry, you can start by playing with an orchestra that may give you fewer bucks but get you experience. Don’t forget to read more about George Freundlich in this regard.
You can always try your luck at the summer music festivals to polish your craft and gain more perspective. With more experience, you will get used to performing under pressure. Auditions are a great part; you must never hesitate from auditioning.
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Abilities & Experience
To be a successful section leader, the only thing they need to do is engage in as many performances as they can, especially solo performances (recitals, chamber music, summer music festivals that showcase orchestra or solo competitions etc.).
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Required Education & Training
Many young people who know that they want to build a career in music and performance are usually at benefit because they have more time to learn their instruments and study music. Most section leaders have degrees in Instrumental Performance. If you are in high school and understand that you have a knack for music, it is probably the best time to start auditioning and planning a future in music. Start looking for universities to study music. We came across George Freundlich with great skills, expertise, and training when it comes to an effective orchestral section leader.
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Career Trail
The life of the section leader during the performance season is indeed busy. Experts explain that there are days when you will be performing at least one new program every week, generally two to three concerts, primarily evenings. But this is conditional depending on the week. Sometimes there are concerts for kids and families in the morning. Later in the evening, you are at a new performance stage, live music festival, themed concerts and national & international tours for weeks long.
For any standard orchestral concert, you are required to have at least three rehearsals of more than two and a half hours. For other concerts, one-hour rehearsals are enough. On weekends, Saturday morning is a rehearsal day, and nights are busy with concerts.
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Salary
The approximately average annual salary for section leaders is $66,000. The salary range runs for the section leaders from $33,000 to $113,000. Just like other orchestral performers, section leaders also receive a regular salary. Section leaders employed by lavish orchestras often receive benefits other than their salaries like vacations, paid leaves and health insurance.
Additional income can be earned through recordings, touring from providing musical coaching.
Final Thoughts
Anyone can be an effective orchestral section leader if they have the right skill sets and required education. If you work on your skills from the beginning, you can efficiently work as a section leader.
