Jay C. Batzner is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida where he teaches theory, composition, and technology courses as well as coordinates the composition program. He holds degrees in composition and/or theory from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, the University of Louisville, and the University of Kansas.
Jay's music is primarily focused around instrumental chamber works as well as electroacoustic composition. His music has been recorded on the Capstone, Vox Novus, and Beauport Classical labels and is published by Unsafe Bull Music.
Jay is a sci-fi geek, an amateur banjoist, a home brewer, and juggler.
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1/17/2006
Supreme Acts of Hope
I am applying for jobs. That might sound better if I stood up and said "Hello. My name is Jay Batzner and I am applying for jobs."
For those of you in similar situations, you know that this year has been both a blessing and a curse in the job application department. A blessing because of the INSANE number of jobs available. I have about 35 applications out there and another dozen are due by Feb. 15. Then, once everyone from this first round of jobs gets hired, there will be another burst around April-ish time.
The curse, of course, comes in the amount of work necessary to apply for one of these positions. I've crafted a couple of modular letters which I can spin in various directions depending on the mixture of composition, theory, and technology listed in the job description. The letters aren't so bad. But generating the scores and recordings and other supplemental materials takes a LOT more time. And money, of course, when you include postage, materials, and ordering transcripts. Hopefully I'll get a job to pay off applying for jobs!
To be honest, my expenses aren't so bad. I've been "Kinkos Free" since 2002. My HP 1200 has been a real champ. My comb binder shows no signs of stopping. Toner cartridges can be pricey but the financial side could be a lot worse than it is.
Anyhow, applying for jobs comes after fathering. Daria, my 9.5 month goofball, keeps me busy. I'm a stay-at-home Dad and Daria's 45-60 minute naps don't allow for a lot of progress towards job applications. I'd rather play with her anyway.
This whole process has been fascinating, all things considered. I have 4 rejection letters so a LOT more will probably arrive in March. March could be a depressing month. Maybe the letters will wait until the Cruelest Month. That would be downright poetic.
I have advanced to the second round at one position. I spent a weekend crafting up more materials to get closer to that elusive interview. If I get an interview, I feel confident. I think if people meet me, they will want me on their faculty. This is positive thinking. In general, people like me. I think. That has always been my assumption.
Of course, one thing that has fallen by the wayside is submitting my music to Calls for Scores. My energies can only go so many places. Wearing the Dad, Composer, and Job Applicant hats has certainly curtailed use of my Shameful Self-Promotion hat. Sending out music is a lot easier. I usually only send 1 or 2 scores and there is a lot less pressure and less fear of rejection. If someone doesn't program my music, it is no big loss. If I don't get a full time job, our lives are greatly affected.
The idea that this whole process could stretch out beyond July is frightening. I want a job. In a big way. And I want one now. Take away the uncertainty of my future. Please!
posted by Jay C. Batzner
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