Kerry and Kristina,

you've both lived and worked in Europe long enough to have some perspective on the overall Arts scene. People are often crying out that the Arts, especially classical music, are in decline in America. What is it like where you are? Have you seen evidence to support that this is happening in Europe as well? Or is it just the usual doom and gloom?

cheers,

Robert

Kerry,

all the while I was studying and playing in Germany I had the distinct impression that hornists have it better here (Europe) than in the States. First of all, school is free or really cheap. Even the foreigners dodn't have to pay much, if any tuition. Yet the quality of the music schools is quite good.

More importantly, there are LOTS of orchestras and LOTS of gigs. It is simply much easier here to earn money playing horn than in the States. That is my impression, at least. Musicians are also quite respected, and there are lots of them. I thought over and over "if only I had known all this earlier..."