The Voluntary Musician

Over the years, I have never lacked opportunities to play my guitar. I’ve been in bands, I played bass for my high school’s musicals, I played guitar almost every Sunday for years in church and on and on. There is always somebody or something that would love to have someone play music. I have seen people roam around with their guitar playing for friends’ parties and the occasional person just wanting to jam in a park or on the beach.
These have been the opportunities that have provided me with years of motivation to practice and learn. From early on playing The Beatles Yellow Submarine in middle school with a couple of friends or playing music for an addiction recovery program at my local church. I live directly across the street from another church and when I see the pastor toting his guitar, I always ask, “Hey! Can I play, too?” He has only turned me down once and that was because he had put together a little combo for some special music that Sunday. The opportunities are always there…if you are willing.

If you are willing to ask: My mother told me, “What’s the worst that could happen? They tell you ‘No’.”
If you are willing to take a chance: So, you are only beginning or don’t think you play that well. Here is your chance to help out and not have to worry about “driving the bus”, as a friend of mine would say. Somebody else is leading and you can just relax and keep up if that is all you can do. I have found that performing helps me see where I can improve and get advice from others (read my previous entry about my experience playing for a church group as a young teen).
If you are willing to fail: Not all of the time but take a hit and get back up! I can’t tell you (well, maybe I will eventually 😉 how many times I blew it in rather spectacular ways. Sometimes there was somebody there to encourage me despite the bomb but sometimes I was alone. Learn and grow, people, learn and grow. You might get the occasional knucklehead who will rub salt in that wound but there will be many more successes you can look back on and enjoy the feeling of really nailing it. Like the golfer looking for the perfect shot or surfer looking for the perfect wave, musicians tend to live for the moments when the music just…well, just sings! You want to be there even if you are a minor player in the effort, a supporting element. It’s great when it happens and makes us want to do it again!

Despite the fact that I have looked for these opportunities, it surprises me how many turn them down. Especially when I ask if they would like to join me! Most of those who have turned me down are musicians who are quite good to start with and seem to look down their noses at such gigs. I can play every bit as well as they can and I have never thought about it in any way except, “Cool! I can play again!” Playing at home by myself is fun and all but nothing beats getting up and really letting loose live. No neighbors to worry about and everyone expects you to be loud! Jam on, baby!
I taught my wife to play guitar years ago and she has said that without these regular volunteer gigs, she probably would not play – Motivation! When I go to just play for a bit at home, she regularly asks if she can join me. Sometimes I am working on a particular skill or challenging song and have to turn her down but other times she is right there doing what she can and asking good questions. If you are finding it difficult to find the time to play, volunteer for something and you will find the time – guaranteed. Now your reputation is on the line. Better get after it.
If you need help with a specific skill area and want to know more about upcoming classes, hit the Learn More link above and join us! I look forward to seeing you in class or around town at the next volunteer gig!