Hi everybody. I've been reading Gearspace threads for years and appreciate all the wisdom to be found here, but I only just made this account to talk about something bothering me:

I started doing on-location classical recording work almost 2 years ago now and I'm starting to feel like whilst I love the music I make, the work itself is such a dead-end and waste of my effort.

Prior to this I had almost 0 recording experience but plenty of musical experience as an orchestral composer. I'm well-respected in my musical community, having worked with most of my local community orchestras and releasing 3 albums (all made with sample-libraries mind you). I get probably 3-5 premieres a year which is pretty good.

I've probably had less than 15 gigs, partly due to low demand but also because I still work a full-time job as a physical therapist. Lack of demand is however the bigger issue. Here in Australia, there is very little desire to get anything recorded. I swear in Europe I'd see mic stands at tonnes of concerts, but not here. The upper echelon of top-tier musicians still pay top dollar to record occasionally, but that world seems closed-off from mere mortals like me who didn't go to music college or have big connections.

The other issue is money. I love music but I would not do this for free or for peanuts, especially when I'm travelling so much and working odd hours. I'll admit I'm guilty of grossly under-charging, mostly because I've been insecure about my capabilities as a beginner. Now however I'm pretty confident in charging $600+ for a basic recording and promising a client that they will get what they pay for. The problem is of course that most community groups cannot afford this and those who can afford it are a) too famous to need recordings for marketing or b) not interested in anything other than the biggest and richest studios.

Skill likely isn't an issue, I've gotten broadcast quality recordings with my cheap-ish kit although my video quality is limited by my gear and constantly being asked to record in dimly-lit dungeons.

I'm in my mid 20s and I'd like to hope this is building towards something but I feel like it's not. I'd be more enthusiastic if the money was better or if I could use my skills to record more of my own compositions, however I struggle to find willing musicians and even then I need money to pay for recording venues and/or musician wages.

I don’t know the Australian market, but you can focus on “behind the scene” or “demo recordings” before an orchestra going on tour, or going to the studio. They need material for socials, investors and/or practicing at home. You maybe team up with some camera/social guys (who hate bigger mic setups) and make this kind of “raw” audio/video content. It’s normal to spend days rehearsing for a tv show or tour, so why not make a nice recording for the orchestra. It’s also nice for you to practise and build some confidence, without the promise of a high end mix/product.