I was engaged in conversation with a couple friends at work yesterday. Both of these men have multiple advanced degrees in music so it didn't take long for the conversation to get deep into nerd territory. I've never studied music formally so I was like a chihuahua following the big dogs into the tall weeds. I had no idea where I was or where we were going but I enjoyed being a member of the pack.
I think most folks have been in that situation at one time in their life. You are trying real hard to keep up but you know it's a lost cause. So every once-in-a-while you just nod in agreement. However I was starting to look like a bobble head doll. It became funny enough to me that I chuckled out loud and had to 'fess up, "This conversation is sooooo far over my head right now that I'm not even sure of what language we're speaking!"
Fortunately they found it funny too. But for them it was talking about subjects that they rarely get to talk about because even other well educated musicians don't understand half of it. The conversation was too specialized for the general population. I did enjoy it though. I learned a couple of things and had my curiosity ignited.
Something else occurred to me. We were all teaching at the same place at the same rate of pay. In a perfect world they would have been teaching at a university or conservatory, but they are here at the music store with me.
We all have side gigs that allow us to perform. They are each members of a couple of different orchestras. I play at weddings during the summer and lead church choir during the season. And we are all grateful for the opportunities. We all have stories to tell of other talented musicians who don't have the opportunity to play/teach music professionally full time.
Like most, I get stale at my job. I do a lot of the same stuff repeatedly. I play music that I don't particularly care for and don't have the time for the music that I'm more interested in. Last night's conversation invigorated me. I will need to find a little extra time for other music. Read more. Explore some of what we (they) were talking about. And generally remind myself to stay curious. I'm grateful for the time I spent in the tall weeds running with the big dogs last night.