I've been considering alternatives to the "traditional" employment scenario (8-5 Monday to Friday, regular paycheck, employer benefits, 401K, etc.)  To bring in a little cash and keep me busy I've been selling stuff on eBay. 

I also answered an ad for "music teachers needed" and had a great conversation with Jason Blair of Drumming Uncut based in Alhambra, Ca.  He wants to branch out into other instruments and has lots of good ideas for building and maintaining a student base, and said I could share his studio and even use the space to sell clarinet books and instruments.  I'm excited at this opportunity, and look forward to helping Jason build his business while I learn more about the music business from him.  

I've also decided to apply with local Parks & Recreation departments to teach clarinet through them.  I picked up Course Proposal forms which are due in February for the Summer session.  I need to decide how much to charge, how many students I can take, what times, and also want to work out a deal with a local music store to help students with rentals if they need one.

Of course, I'm still playing.  Cerritos Community Band just started up for the spring, and Long Beach Community Band starts later this week.  The LA Clarinet Institute may be having a concert next month so I'm looking forward to it as well.  Money's a little tight these days, but on impulse (and because I got a really good deal on it) I recently acquired a Reed Mate reed holder which is supposed to keep reeds from warping and getting moldy.  On the plus side, it's cool looking, made from clear lucite, and its construction does protect reeds well.  On the minus side there is a charcoal insert at the bottom which needs to be replaced every few months and it's a tad bulky in size - about twice the size as a standard 4-reed holder many clarinetists use. The jury's still out on how effective this item is at extending reed life and since that's a main feature I'll report back at a later time.

So, back to writing up course proposals for Lakewood and Long Beach and hopefully Mausbach Music will be approved for this new venture!  I'll keep you posted.

Have fun,

The clarinet clairvoyant