Jim Neglia
Orchestra Personnel Manager
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
Was passionate about being a classical musician.
Completed my undergraduate degree followed by my Masters degree.
Began freelancing as a percussionist and was asked to take over a contracting position, I accepted.
Began to love both, contracting and performing. I learned my skill over time and was very focused.
Began performing all over the world and began managing as well, worldwide.
Kept meticulous notes for nearly 20 years on all my accomplishments, mishaps, adventures, ups & downs.
Accepted my current position as Orchestra Personnel Manager of the NJ Symphony Orchestra.
Decided to get my stories published and in doing so, found reasonable success.
Keep following my journey
Education
Career
Orchestra Personnel Manager
I am a classical percussionist, contractor, personnel manager and author
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Music
Writing
Working with Others
Day to Day
Once showered and shaved, I pour a cup of coffee and head to my home office where I prepare all the seating charts for the rehearsals of the day. Once at Symphony Hall, I set up the seating charts, then set up the percussion section where I perform daily. Wearing both hats can sometimes be challenging but has never become such a large issue. After rehearsals are over, I enter attendance into the payroll, check in with my music director and general manager, practice, feed my sons, wine and bed.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
I highly recommend reading Onward and Upward by Jim Neglia. I highlight all possibilities for a stable career but one that you must first love. You must love the path you have chosen or find a new path to walk. Allow people to help you, mentors, teachers, family. All the encouragement is infectious, allow it in. Shower yourself with belief in yourself. Set extremely high goals for yourself and as you approach them - set the bar even higher. Reach for the stars and settle for nothing less.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"Music is a wonderful thing to do for fun but how are you going to make a living? I heard this time and time again except from my immediate family who supported my every decision."
