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From: Dean FH Macy
Organization: New England Talent, Ltd. - Epilogue Records
To: Vocalist <vocalist>
Subject: Re: Moving to NYC
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

jeremy bethea wrote:

> I'm graduating in May with a Bachelor of Arts in Music- Voice Performance. I've talked
> to my professors and the general consensus seems to be that I should take a year off and
> perform (or at least audition for everything I can) before initiating a program of graduate
> study. So, what I'd like to do is move to New York City.
>
Gasp! Choke! Why? Why New York? Because it's the place with the most competition? Because
everybody else in the arts tries to break in there? Because of the frustrations?

I was born and raised in NY and lived in Manhattan for 10 years after I left home in Kew Gardens.
But I was employed there in theatre and the Met and it was convenient. I also was making more money
in the fifties and sixties than most executives earn today. But I would never return there for a
year without enough money to get by on, about $100,000.

What's wrong with trying your art in Boston? It's less crowded, has fewer singers trying out for
the same positions (they go to New York to fail), you can live very close without having to spend a
fortune for housing and food and the transportation is far superior. And, at least for me, the
hassle and frustration is enjoyably less. Plus they're much more open to outsiders than New York
is. And there is more opportunity to get cast in a singing role in a movie.

New York is the place to go when you are far enough advanced in the arts that you can write your own
ticket based upon experience. It's not easy then either, but you go with a different attitude. For
instance you can cheerfully turn down an offer (because you have the credentials and experience)
rather than go begging for a part on your knees; beating the floor with your fists and wailing. Or
waiting for an audition behind 400 others and being turned away and told to come back tomorrow after
waiting in line for seven hours. In Boston you might have to wait three hours and be told to come
back. (See? It's better.)

If I were you, I'd give this New York idea serious consideration. If you like failure and
disappointment and not being able to work and like begging food at restaurants at the end of the day
or sleeping in the open air because you've been robbed, then NY is the place to go.

At least in Boston when you get robbed or you're running out of cash or food you can call me or any
of a host of other singers in the area and get temporary help. NOT in NYC!

--
Dean FH Macy, Lit.D./Mus.D.
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"Specializing in Management of exceptionally talented youth in Music"
EPI Records - NetWork Films
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"Do not follow where the path may lead.
Go instead where there is no path
And leave a trail."