International Magazine for Brass Players
1 min. read
The Opera House - 1984, Music Academy F. Liszt
Musical education figures strongly in school curricula. The talents thus unearthed are directed to music schools where everything possible is done to foster artistic development. Then the pupils are steered with the greatest care towards those instruments which suit their physical aptitudes best. The standard and quality of technical and musical instruction are among the highest in the world. Young brass players can very soon play chamber music in classes set up for this purpose. Every student who successfully completes professional training is assured of a job commensurate with his abilities.
Average monthly salary of a brass player in Hungary:
(e.g.: Budapest Opera Orchestra) 4’000 to 5’500 forints (approx. $ 90.00 to $125.00) (not enough to live on, especially with a family)
Necessary supplementary earnings (lessons, fees, records etc.) 5’000 to 8’000 (approx. $120.00 to $188.00)
These two sources of income, combined, provide a reasonable average standard of living.
Hungarian musicians like to play concerts in the west because fees in western currency enable them to live well at home. Often a single paid concert, perhaps with a fee of $400.00 to $800.00 (which is normal in the west), corresponds to between two and four months’ salary in Hungary.
Getting a job in an orchestra is very difficult because of keen competition. Once obtained, however, these jobs are guaranteed for life — even if the player’s performance gets worse.
Brass Bulletin 48, IV / 1984 pages 38–39
All content is protected by copyright © Brass Bulletin 1984–2026