Being the butcher

http://vimeo.com/7192517

I watched/listened to this talk from 43 folders about a year ago. Its something that i've come to really honor in my own fledgeling career.

The key tidbit is this:

'You can't take a course to learn all the skills and become an expert at something, you can't become the butcher with 30 years experience, until you ARE the butcher with 30 years experience.

I also liked how Ira Glass of This american life put it, let me paraphrase; Its nice to be recognized as being good at what i do now, the radio, but its not like that happened all of a sudden. For a long time i really sucked at it.

So, yes, its been almost 2 years since i've started work in my chosen field, and i'm still loving it.

I got to repair clock springs on a kaiser euphonium today, and repad 2 clarinets.

I got to playtest some mouthpieces and i learn every day little things, like 'i like deep cupped mouthpieces'.

So in the interest of constant improvement, i think its important that i start to post some of the great experiences i'm having in my life/work that are in fact related to the work i do.

My new years resolutions this year were almost entirely career centric:

1: play all the instruments i repair

I have copped out on this for too long and already after just a week i'm feeling so much more comfortable and learning so much more quickly what impact adjustments actually make, what 'feel' means, and i'm getting over my stage fright and building an embouchure. YAY!

2. Get the Buffing Room up and running.

This year i had several projects that would have benefitted immensely by having buffing equipement available. I am the one who would benefit most from this, i need to make it a priority.

3. Learn to do Removable French Bell Conversions

This is such a cool/lucrative thing to be able to do. Luckily i have a plethora of french horns that are inactive and some time before may that i can spend learning this.

4. Research and Publish relevant articles in trade magazines about the decorative/craft elements and history of musical instruments.

I have my pitch in the outbox waiting for me to groom it a little more before i send it to SNAG, but i'm also planning some spin-off articles that are loosely woven around the chance i have to spend time with Jason DuMars this year and learn about him and his saxophone engraving.

5. Learn Chasing and REpousse and some engraving

I would like to build a bit of a business making decorative bell wreaths for large brass and i guess some other brass as well. I'm trying to think of a jewellery/craft object i could make and sell to develop the skills i'll need to do intricate work. I feel like this is a great focus for my creative self, it even incorporates my love of radial symmetry and hammering. :)

P.S. Sweet 'Naked Lady' engraving no?!

So here's to a great year! 2011, lets make music together!