This past week has been a very busy week for me. Although I didn't give any lessons I played several events and drove hundreds of miles. I played music as diverse as Bach, Beethoven, and the Beatles. In addition there was music from Vivaldi, Dowland, Billy Joel, and Train. Oh yeah - and a couple of tunes (by request) from Led Zeppelin.
As I set up my equipment I often reflect on how lucky I am to be able to do this. That's in contrast to when I get up in the morning and whine because I have to do this. I need to be on site to appreciate my good fortune.
I have friends who are concert artists. Many of them will work on a program and then play the same program over and over for a year or two.....or longer. I have a few pieces that I consistently play but for half the year I'm arranging and learning new music weekly. Sometimes I'm working on it right up to the last second. I'm never bored.....often panicked, but never bored.
Occasionally I get to work with other musicians. That's not always a good thing. Friends or family members who play or sing are often drafted to perform one song and I'm asked to accompany them. Although they may be good under normal circumstances, weddings tend to make them nervous or to choke up. It's up to me to drag them through it so they don't embarrass themselves too much and then take the blame after.
Other times I get to work with some very professional players. This coming weekend I get to work with flutist Lisa Moore. She's an old friend and we've been playing duets for over twenty years. It's always a treat and I'm really looking forward to it. A few years ago I was asked to accompany an oboist named Grace Shryock. She was a friend of the bride and I kind of cringed but agreed. When we rehearsed I was very pleasantly surprised at how good she was. It turns out that she plays for the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Yep! She was (and is) pretty darned good! Very lucky day for me.
A few years ago I was playing at a reception. We were at a remote resort. I was sitting on the patio surrounded by flowers with Lake Michigan in the background and sailboats drifting by. It was sunny and warm but not hot. I was halfway through a two hour gig when a guest came over and listened for a moment. When the song was done he said, "You look like you're having the time of your life. Although you're all alone your eyes are closed, your head is bobbing with the music, and you are smiling from ear to ear."
I replied, "I'm playing beautiful music for beautiful people in a beautiful location on a beautiful day. And I'm being well paid to do it. What's not to like?"