AIBU to think I could be a professional violinist?

[Violastia]

Posted in music but also here for traffic.

Hello! I am a 30 something mum of 3, qualified accountant but after watching the RSNO play a few weeks ago, the musical spark in me has been relit and I’m wondering what are my chances of becoming a professional orchestral violin player?

I have my grade 8 and played in NYOS (National youth orchestra of Scotland) for a few years but this was probably 12/ 13 years ago now.

What are my chances? I mean with a good few years of lessons/ intense practice, would I even stand a chance at my age having not been to music school?

Completely understand your position (and in fact have a young child, play strings having got to grade 8 but not beyond at school and am an accountant)! As people have posted the way forward is amateur groups / chamber music. I do sometimes wish I'd tried to take it further when younger but it is a wonderful hobby and you don't have the stress of trying to make a living from it

It's like anything in life though OP, you have achieved a high standard, well done and could probably achieve more, Some people could take 15 years to achieve grade 8, some could take just a few. A grade or exam is just a benchmark, you could be entirely excellent and gifted, who knows here?. I don't think you can get the answer on an online forum, but as some previous posters have advised, just make a start at least in an amateur way and see where your heart leads you after that.

There are hardly any permanent roles in orchestras, freelancers and candidates “on trial” for a place can be treated really badly and there can be sexism and ageism.

The other thing to consider is your childcare. You have three young children. But in a professional symphony orchestra you will rehearse all day, then perform in the evening. There's no popping home to see/feed/bathe the children- in cities you wouldn't have time to get home and back before a concert.
What standard is your sight reading? Because being able to pick up a piece and play (e.g. at weddings etc) is likely very valuable.

The other (awful) thing to consider is the life of a professional musician- working intensively with others, in tour, away from your family... I'm afraid many marriages do not last. Affairs and flings are rife in the professional music world.

Loopytiles

More than sexism and ageism. Like most entertainment and arts sector physical appearance plays a huge role as well. My DIL IS very talented but I don't doubt that the fact that she is incredibly beautiful and the literal embodiment of classic femininity has helped her greatly in securing her position as well. And though I have never spoken about that with her I'm sure even she would admit that if asked. Because the thing is everybody who tries out is talented. Something sets the person who gets the position apart and it has nothing to do with the music.

Yes, I heard that too, knittedjest.

Becoming the next Hilary Hahn: zero. Patching together an OK income from gigging / weddings / teaching / school workshops etc: possible but hard work.

Why not enter a Talent show in 2020, once you're back up to your old standard, and then let others decide?

Hello. I'm a professional violinist (in an orchestra).
I'm afraid I'd think your chances of an orchestral job would be nil.
When we have a job come up we would usually have about 100-150 applicants. Of those we would possibly audition 40 based on their CV's so you wouldn't get past this stage.
From those 40 auditions we might take 7 or 8 on trial. Trials can last between 1 and 2 years and then one lucky person will get the job. And then there is a probationary period!
So yes,it's very competitive. Having said that,we hear many many average players. Average within the required standard that is.