Many classically-trained clarinetists do not know how to use their performance skills and life experiences to create financially sustainable and artistically fulfilling musical opportunities. Music careers have traditionally included teaching positions in academia and performance positions in professional ensembles. Because of the limited number of jobs in these two areas, clarinetists, and classical musicians in general, often turn to work that provides financial security but may lack artistic fulfillment. The proposed solution to this situation is for musicians to create "portfolio careers," which is defined in this document as a combination of multiple part-time jobs to create full-time work. The purpose of this document was to examine best practices in creating and sustaining a portfolio career through the specific lens of seven clarinetists who have shown themselves to be successful performers and entrepreneurs. Results showed that the best practices include: 1) turn ideas into actions, even if the idea is still in the prototype stage, 2) build and utilize a network of successful and supportive people, 3) say "yes" to opportunities, and 4) find creative work outside the field of music that inspires music-related work.

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