I turned 35 in March which also marked my 21st year of guitar playing. I never wanted to be a rock star. I just wanted to make a living playing guitar. Thousands of gigs, lessons, books and videos later I'd say I made it!
I find it humbling to realize that my music career is dependent upon all the people who work real jobs. In a sense I'm a kind of freeloader. We need farmers, construction workers, doctors and nurses before we need artists and musicians. We need clean water and electricity before we need guitar lessons. Entertainment is a luxury that is made possible only after the necessities of life are taken care of. And the whole industry relies upon ordinary workers who have the discretionary income to support it. Musicians, artists and entertainers ought not let their talents go to their heads. We're not as important as we think.
One of the freedoms of my job is that I can fill orders from anywhere. My wife, daughter and I always take trips during the summer with boxes of books and DVDs in tow. This past summer we visited Niagara Falls. Although I have always lived within 5 hours of one of the great wonders of the world I had never seen it. It was spectacular.
I don't gig anymore and have no desire to get back into it. The thought of going back to the bars, clubs and parties makes me want to vomit (which I saw plenty of back in the day. Even hurled at the gig a few times myself.) But I can understand why many people enjoy it. I guess I just had too much of a good thing. These days my only live playing is at church. It's a privilege to serve in a music ministry that honors God (especially considering all of the dis-honoring I participated in before).
Consider this: Music is not something we create ourselves, but rather it's something that has already been made for us and we simply discover it (if we've been given the gift). Think about it.
I recently finished reading the Old Testament beginning to end. It was a project that I started earlier this year. It required a lot of discipline and was tedious at times. I can't believe how fickle and foolish the Israelites were despite being privy to God's miracles, revelations and blessings. And the story is left incomplete because sin was not eliminated as God had promised. He says he's sending someone. Perhaps setting things up for a sequel?
I really enjoy getting outside and easing my mind with recreational activity. This past fall I finally felt comfortable enough on my quad to loft myself into the air on it. Fun!
What will 2010 bring? Hopefully a new book or DVD. I just need to figure out how to create more time to complete the projects I'm working on. Unfortunately, filling orders, answering emails, and blogging take up most of my work day. I still do most work myself. It may be time to hand some things over to others.
Oh, and I hope to start practicing my guitar on a regular basis again. Use it or lose it!
Merry Axe-Mas and Happy New Gear!
Play Until Yer Fingers Bleed!
Mr. Desi Serna
Website: http://Guitar-Music-Theory.com
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