Ramsey, NJ: It’s the age-old question. Is it possible (or probable) to support yourself financially with a full-time career in music, the arts, or another “passion” without making it to fame and stardom? Do you really have to take up waiting tables or a “day job” or can a local musician really make it happen full time without living below the poverty line? Not having a “marketable skill” is a common fear of parents whose high school age sons and daughters announce that they want to pursue music as a career. But, Patricia Lazzara, flutist, is one local full-time musician who’s making it work. She has had a career full time in music for decades, supporting herself and her family without having to get a “day job”. And, she brings a glimmer of hope as well as some sound advice for young, local musicians who are looking to get started with their musical dreams and pay the bills at the same time:
When Lazzara was in High School, she experienced the ignorance, fear and condescension adults often have with kids who “keep their head in the clouds” and want to pursue their passion in music. Her Geometry teacher once told her parents, “All Patty wants to do is tootle on her flute!” Truth be told, the teacher was correct, but the tone, context and words he used implied that Lazzara had a silly little hobby that she refused to put down for math class. It’s common knowledge nowadays that math and language arts are most often seen as “more important” than the arts as per the emphasis on testing in these subjects. However, the general demeaning of the arts in American school systems is nothing new, as Lazzara’s High School math teacher experience demonstrates. Lazzara stayed strong and true to her heart from high school onward. She knew from the very beginning of her flute experience that this would be her life’s work. Many people struggle with their purpose, but Patty is very fortunate in that she knew what she wanted to do in her life very early on.
What are the nuts and bolts of how she makes a living in music full time?
Listen to Patricia Lazzara's recordings in her latest CD here! For more information on Ms. Lazzara’s teaching, performing and recordings check out her website at www.patricialazzaraflutist.com
1 Comment
3/25/2020 07:40:00 pm
I've known Patty for many years through the NJ Flute Society and I am her website designer! I liked her the first time we met. She is everything she enumerates to be in the article and more. As a flutist who gave up on a flute career in my youth, taking jobs I really didn't like to raise my family, I started over at age 40 and currently reside in South Jersey where I play frequently. I have a great deal of respect for Patty for having the tenacity to follow through and for accomplishing all that she has and am one of her biggest flute fans!
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