General Music Chat

Nothing wrong with teaching. Most of the great composers of the classic and preclassic era made the majority if their living by teaching.

nope, nothing wrong with teaching.... other than the possible exception of haveing to face that whole "those who can do while those who can't teach" thing in the back of your mind every day...

and unfortunately if you are any sort of teacher you must realize that ultimately any good student will outgrow you at some point...(I know I outgrew several) -sort of 'having learned everything they can from you',
so the good ones spread their wings and fly away while you pad your income and roster by teaching the rich kid whos mom told him he could have a gtr if he took lessons, the 14year old girl who trys to set you up with her mom, the 6year old deviant whos parents say he's a genious but the kid can't sit still long enough to learn how to make a single note ring.... (feels a lot like getting paid well to baby sit)
aaaaaaahhhhh, the memories.

"so I've got that goin for me... which is nice."

I only taught for about two years out of my whole musical career so far, but I actually enjoyed it. All my students were girls, ranging in age from 6 to 17 (boys all seem to want to learn guitar). I lucked out because after some initial timidity, they turned out to be great students who really wanted to excel. And only one of their mom's hit on me, so that's pretty good.

Teaching occassionally is a great way to buffer your cash flow, when you need to.

You know, in a lot of ways I miss it...

"And only one of their mom's hit on me, so that's pretty good",
-were you wearing the 'kilt' back then? that could've thrown em off... at a piano bench and all (lol).

I'd be lying if I told you I didn't half enjoy feeling a little like a 'pool boy' at times... who wouldn't.

I had 20-24hrs of 1/2hr lessons a week (while I was in school), and that was probably too much for me at the time...
and it should have been no surprise to me that just like anything else...

if you allow yourself to make it a job; it will likely start to feel like work from time to time...

For sure. I never intended, nor do I now, to make teaching the thrust of my career. I only did it when I needed some extra cash.

And no, wasn't wearing the kilt during that lesson. Oddly enough I was quite modestly dressed (for me). Who knows the mystery of this sort of thing.

Can a gal join this conversation? You're all right! Been there, done that! I've taught, I've done (still doing by the way) and I've composed a little. I agree with the fella that says you're never too old to do! As long as you do it all from the heart! Playing and singing for most of us has been a way of life always and no matter what age you are you can do it if you want it that bad. Now this thing about being a God, well I think all of us know better than that......there's only one I'm just satisfied as someone said to gather the rewards and live a quiet lifestyle. I compose and have studied singing under some hard core teachers in NYC but nothing is better to me than singing the blues next to a piano or sax from the heart. Later boys! Keep jammin! Good luck to the young uns.

Colorado Gal

I play for myself.
If I'm by myself, or if I'm playing on stage - it makes no difference to me.
I play for myself, and if other people want to dance to it - that's fine. It's nice.
But - if they didn't want to dance to it - that's fine, too . . .
Don't get me wrong; I'm glad people like my music, and glad they keep inviting me to play places - but I have no need for fame.
Go ahead and laugh . . .

I'm with "BluesRockFunkJazz" on this. So was Miles Davis when he turned his back to the audience. When asked why he did it he said, It's because I play for myself. When I look back on the years I played, it was the times I played with friends for friends that were the best. I think it's all about having a good time.