RE: 045 - Thinking about my music career
That last sentence had me laughing out loud. It's funny because it's true!
I'm still going through the analysis phase and learning about what's happened over the past 10 years or so. I need to able to come to terms with where I am and not regret the what-could-have-beens, and also give myself props for what I have achieved. I'm terrible for not concentrating on the achievements, I guess like a lot of us.
Something I'm looking at now is motivation and accountability. My motivation ebbs and flows in phases. Now I'm in an upswing and all I want to do is play, learn, jam, figure out practice routines and strategies, and so on. I know that that will dwindle and some days I don't feel like playing at all. So, now that I know that, I need to come up with a strategy for getting me through the low energy times, and I think accountability will help with that.
One of the best things I did two years ago was sign up to Bryan Suttons ArtistWorks classes. They are so good you just wouldn't believe it. I paid for a year and lasted two months. 'Right,' I said to myself, 'come Christmas eve I'll sign up again (50% discount day) and this time I'll really use it'.
I signed up and lasted the same two months, which is ridiculous because it's some of the most valuable tuition I've ever had AND I paid for it, then just let it slide. What's that all about?
I didn't have a strategy in place. I I had gone through all the video lessons and books I have, I'd be a way better musician, but I shouldn't dwell on that, right? I should start today and move forward.
Any ideas on a strategy?
Good to have you on here and be able to have conversations like this. Thanks for hanging with me!
Teaching guitar has always kept me accountable. I've been doing it for something like 25 years, and in the past, I had moments where I was only barely ahead of a student, which seriously motivated me to study, woodshed, and improve in a hurry. It can make you feel like a boss of a guitarist, speaking with authority to your guitar disciples, which I think you need right now. (I say that because you're really talented - and you have some insecurities about your ability, which is crazy.) You'll always need to improve - I do - I have a ton of guitar work to do still. But, I'm better than 99.9% of players out there, I really think you are too. Get a student. Start with one. No one too young, an adult would be best. It'll remind you of all you have to offer & teach, and all the loads of knowledge knocking around in your brain - that'll make you feel good, so you can stop worrying about it!
Gosh, thank you for the really well thought out response. If you keep that up, I might actually start believing in my own playing!
No, really, I know I play well, but it's never well enough, and I guess that's a good thing as it keeps me moving forward. The hunger is there as much as ever. Your advice is well received. I did have a couple of adult pupils a few years ago and my work got in the way and then it just fell by the wayside. I should find the courage to take that up again. I'm still friends with the two pupils I had so I've got a potentially easy in if I'm looking for one, and I am!