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Guitar chord forum - chordie → Chordie's Chat Corner → "Just Wonderin"
Then you'll have to try out for X-Factor. Believe there is no age limit for it.
Is it for self gratification of your accomplishments, for the applause , sharing your gift , or the love of playing and making music , or other reasons ?
Wayne P
Wayne and others: I guess for me it all of the above! I have always loved music, but I grew up conditioned to be an athlete and never really gave music any attention as I was kind of led in the direction that musicians were "sissys". As I grew up, I understood that wasn't even close to truth and made certain my sons were involved in high school music activities as I thought it something they could do the rest of their life. I only got involved in the last couple of years due to retirement and wanting something else to do. I went to a high school buddy's open mic and thought, this is something I would like to do. I bought a guitar, starting learning chords and trying to play and sing songs that I like. Did my first open mic last year and have continued on; even to the point of now trying to write some songs and even playing around with recording some to share with family who seems to appreciate what I do. Recently I purchased an accoustic amp, some mic's and I am trying to set up a time and date to go to a local nursing home and share. I don't think I am very good, but am pleased when others provide feedback that appears I am getting better. Campfire jams and get-togethers with others seems to be the most treasured moments of my involvement with my guitar. The comraderie is infectious when someone accepts you as "one of them."
That retirement home thing is a good idea. Some of my strongest music related memories came from a stage band I was in as a kid playing at our local retirement home. If this monthly thing I am going to host takes off, I'll see if any of the regulars want to go do something like that... or maybe an open mic at the home. I remember my sister playing piano at my great uncle's home when we visited. It wasn't anything formal. We were just visiting and there was a piano there so my sister sat down and banged out a few. She was a concert quality pianist then and played Chopin and Bach and other Rachmaninoff from memory. But she loved swing music and so did a bunch of that style too (along with singing). So anyway, she played for an hour or so and had attracted quite a crowd, then a few of the residents decided to play or some sang along while my sister played, and they had an impromptu open mic right then and there. It's a wonderful memory. Sorry. I got off topic a bit.
Be nice to have a job that involved playing guitar wouldnt it?!!
I won't mention that I work in a music shop and teach guitar - the best job I have ever had!!
Roger
That's a good question, Wayne! I have often asked myself the same question whilst sitting in the car outside a pub, trying to steel myself to go in and play... A couple of reasons, I suppose - I think that it is a great incentive to improve my playing and learn new songs. I am also seeing a lot of other people play, which is always interesting and gives me ideas for songs or styles that I might try. This sometimes backfires, when I see someone so brilliant that I just want to give up! But not that often. In everyday life, it's not too often that you get a round of applause (polite or otherwise), or even a handshake or a "well done!". It's certainly a great feeling when you really nail a song, too! But I got a bit weary of playing noisy pubs, where no-one was really listening. I just play one pub now, every two weeks, because the open-mic is run by a friend of mine and I like to support him. It's usually a good atmosphere too. But you can't really beat a campfire!
Guitar chord forum - chordie → Chordie's Chat Corner → "Just Wonderin"
