I find that the longer I play the horn, the "lower" my aspirations become. When I began college I wanted to be a high paying, exciting studio musician. The idea of being a part of the incredibly powerful movie soundtrack for a film like Robin Hood or Pirates of the Caribbean was very tantalizing. Over the next few years, I decided a well-paid professional symphony would be a better place for me: less stress and still awesome. As I entered my junior year of undergrad, I took a lesson with Jim Wehrman who plays with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. His advice in that lesson made me begin to think even more about my chosen career. I decided that perhaps teaching at the university level and playing in a smaller, but still professional ensemble would be ideal.

After a year in a masters program, I have once again set my sights on something else. My primary goal is to publish at least one book about the horn and how to practice, as well as starting a private studio. I am particularly interested in beginning young players on the horn. It's interesting that the more I mature as a player, the less fame and money are important. I realize now that the greatest reward I could receive for all of my efforts studying the horn is a genuine thank you from a student I have helped. A good friend of mine told me last year "There's a place for everyone in the horn world, you just have to find where it is." This past summer, I think I finally found what my place is supposed to be. Thanks Pat for the good advice. If you haven't quite figured out where you want to be in the horn world, don't sweat it: there's room for all of us!