I was talking with someone recently and they asked me what kind of work I do. So I told them I was a musician. "I play and teach guitar", I added.
"Are you in a band? Do you play around here?"
I've had this conversation many times over the years and I get it. If I play guitar I must be in a band. Most people would be if they could be. But I calmly explain that I play classical music and that my gigs are usually weddings or corporate events.
I've been thinking about this a lot lately though. I really wanted to be a performer when I was a kid. Not necessarily world famous, just playing in a club where folks could come and listen and, hopefully, have a good time. But I play at private events instead. And routinely at church on Sunday mornings. All very low-profile. Not the kind of thing where my musician friends can come and sit in, or even just come and hang out.
Until a few years ago this bothered me. I felt like I was a lesser musician. My classical friends were playing concerts and recitals, and my rock and country friends were playing bars and private events. It seemed that everyone had a gig on Friday or Saturday night except me.
But in my conversations with my friends I realized that I had it pretty good. I could play at a wedding ceremony and make almost 3 times as much money as they did at a 4 hour gig. Many times I was home relaxing after the gig just as they were loading their gear into a truck to go to the gig. Oh yeah - they needed a truck for their equipment. Mine all fits on a bicycle. And my classical friends aren't really doing that many concerts and occasionally ask me to help them find some weddings to play.
And the music! I'm all over the map with the music. In a single wedding I have played Van Morrison followed by Vivaldi, music from Star Wars in another, and the MSU Fight Song as a recessional. Some weddings are all pop music (my arrangements) and others are all classical and wedding standards. No matter what, I'm never bored.
John Lennon once said, "Life is what happens while you're busy making plans." I never envisioned this life for myself but I don't think I would trade it. Although I think playing in a band could be fun, I get to play beautiful music in beautiful locations for people on one of the best days of their lives. Not bad.........not bad at all.