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I was trained in classical piano, but it kind of dawned on me that classical pianists compete for six job openings a year, and the rest of us get to play 'Blue Moon' in a hotel lobby.
Barbara Kingsolver
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote highlights the competitive nature of pursuing a career in classical music versus the more common experiences of musicians.

Barbara Kingsolver reflects on the harsh reality faced by classical pianists who aspire to successful careers. Despite extensive training, there are few prestigious job opportunities available, forcing many talented musicians to take on less glamorous gigs, like performing in hotel lobbies. This contrast underscores the challenges in the pursuit of artistic careers where passion often meets the harshness of economic realities.

Themes

ClassicalMusicCompetitionCareerPiano

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about career choices in the arts, this quote serves to illustrate the realities of job scarcity in classical music.

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