With the closures and social distancing, I've had 2 paying gigs cancel. And my brass ensembles, which I'm also paid for, won't be happening. I thankfully am able to do video lessons for my students, which most of them are on board for, although some are skeptical. It really isn't quite the same. I wanted to go teach at the music store regardless of all this because it seems to be remaining open, but I have been discouraged in doing so. So I've lost some income. Thankfully, we have my wife's school-teacher income, so we're okay.
And I feel really bad for all the full-time players out there and other musicians who don't work for a school. They're losing even more money than I am. I could be in the same boat as them if I wasn't married or working a university job. I hope those guys make it through this.
I really feel like this has gotten out of hand. It has been blown out of proportion by the media, which has caused panic to many people who aren't even going to get sick at all. Everything should have remained at normal, and those who have more compromised health concerns from this should be the ones practicing social distancing. The flu, and variations of the flu, is all around us, and a lot of us get it, take a few days off from work, then return to normal. Also, people die from the influenza every day!
But, the actual result is that everyone has to suffer for it...even though the vast majority of people the world won't even get it at all or will but have mild or no symptoms! Well, kids aren't completely suffering. No school for them! And same with teachers. No work for them!
The reason it was so bad in China is because they unfortunately aren't as healthy and don't have as good of medical help. The reason it's a problem in Italy is because Italians are so social and make so much contact with each other, such as the traditional greeting of lightly kissing each others' cheek. I saw it first hand. And I remember many public bathrooms in Italy not even having soap! Or sanitizer!
I know that some of you reading this disagree, and that's fine. Just please don't reply to this blog arguing against me, because I've already heard it all. But I really feel like I had to get my two cents out there, because I'm upset about it. I just wish my life to be normal, and eagerly count down the endless days to when it will.
Take care and value music.