Beginning of my career blog

I have been thinking about this for a few days.  Many people have blogs about their own lives, but I think they're typically boring unless they have a little something extra to offer.  My something extra is going to be charting my journey for the whole world to see, from inception to total launch.

I wasted soooo much time in Pittsburgh not capitalizing on opportunities that could've turned into serious professional engagements.  During school, I was referred, helped out, handed extra gigs, etc., and I spent way too much time worrying about what I was going to do with my friends that weekend.  After a year out of school and nothing to show for it, I decided that my new start would be my move to Philly.  Since that move four months ago, I've been working hard to develop a plan to build a reputation and, ultimately, a career.

To date, I have launched a website (which is pretty good for someone who knows nothing about html), bought fresh business cards reflecting my new info, and connected myself online via Twitter, Myspace Music, Facebook, and this blog.  I immediately got my feet wet performing with volunteer organizations like the Warminster Symphony Orchestra and a brass group from Fairless Hills called "A Wing and a Prayer."  I continued to commute across the state to Pittsburgh and play with my kickass band Panama Rock Machine.

I recently answered an ad on Craigslist for a band looking for a trumpeter.  I joined Main Line Affair in mid-July and played my first two weddings with them on August 6 and 7.  What I think made a huge impression on the band is that I can do more than just play trumpet.  They heard me sing some typical 80s tunes, and since they liked it, they wanted me to do some of those at their weddings.  I'm glad I get to act out my rock star fantasies for a few songs a performance.

I still have much work to do before I achieve my immediate goals of starting a teaching studio and performing more.  It would be nice to find a place to teach.  Some people aren't necessarily comfortable with a stranger (...only until they get to know me) coming into their homes.  That's a place to start, though.  Also, I need to make serious lesson plans and finalize my policy.  Finally, I need to advertise the hell out of it so people know I exist.  I can only do so much online; gotta talk to people.

My biggest question for myself (and you) right now is this:  I am a multi-instrumentalist and would like to perform/earn money playing trumpet and guitar and singing.  However, my goals for the next few months are to build a successful trumpet studio, eventually adding guitar students, and to perhaps start a brass quintet.  How should I market myself right now - as mainly a trumpeter or as a multi-instrumentalist that can "do it all?"