Welcome! As a kind of introduction to my blog, I’ll touch on what I believe are some of the most common thoughts/assumptions about community musicians. Plus, you’ll learn the types of posts I plan to publish here.
Many amateur musicians are very talented, professionally-minded people. It just doesn’t happen to be their bread-and-butter. Even if your main source of income is not from music, there’s nothing holding you back from continuing to play your instrument, if that’s what you truly enjoy. If you’ve never played before, but always had the desire, it’s never too late.
Myths About Amateur Musicians
When I say “community music,” what do you think of? Out-of-tune violins? Trumpets “splatting” high notes? Oboes that sound like duck calls? Cymbals falling on the floor?
I’d be lying if I said that stuff never happens. It does, but not as often as you might think. Playing a musical instrument is like any other skill – after putting forth continuous effort, you will reach a point where you are good.
Community musicians love music as much as any professional, and want to perform well. It doesn’t matter what style of music you’re talking about – if it inspires you, you naturally want (and will expend the effort) to play better each time you pick up that guitar, that trombone, that harmonica, those marimba mallets, etc.
So, to believe that most non-professional musicians are bad at playing is just plain wrong. From the largest community orchestra to that solo sax player on the street corner, excellent amateur musicians can be found just about anywhere.
What other myths/stories have you heard about amateur musicians? Where have you seen us? What kind of group was it? What did you think?
Terminology
Just so we’re all clear, for purposes of this blog, these descriptors all mean the same thing:
Amateur – While this sometimes means “lacking experience or competence,” that’s not your takeaway in this blog. Here, an amateur musician is someone who plays as a pastime, instead of as a profession.
Community Musician – One general definition is someone who plays in an organized ensemble associated with a particular region or locality.
Hobbyist – One who engages in a pursuit outside of their job, usually for relaxation.
Non-professional – The non-professional musician can still think and act like a pro, yet not get paid, based on various circumstances. Please don’t confuse this with someone who is unprofessional (i.e. shows up late, isn’t prepared, is rude or vulgar, etc.).
The Friendship Benefit
There’s a kind of magic that happens when you share a hobby/interest/passion with people who may have vastly different backgrounds than you. It doesn’t matter if you love gardening, football, reading, zip-lining, fondue, music, acting, or any other pursuit – sharing a hobby is not only more enjoyable with like-minded people, but it’s also one of the keys of friendship. (I also know a handful of married couples who met in a music ensemble!)
After graduating from college, I started my day job and put the trumpet down for a couple years. Those were probably the most uncreative two years of my adult life.
I missed playing, so I started looking around for local bands to join, and I can now say that almost three decades and many rehearsals/gigs/lifelong friends later, I’ve never regretted that decision. You can add music to your life, too – not just listening to it, but creating it. Village Virtuoso can help get you there.
What to Expect
I’ll provide advice in factual articles, and stories based on years of experience in different community musical circles. Eventually, Village Virtuoso will also have recommendations and inspirational words via interviews with various music luminaries! Also in the works is a book about community concert bands.
My life experience in the community music world is the foundation for this blog. No, I’m not a professional musician, in the sense that I make a living on music, but that’s my whole point—community/non-professional/amateur musicians can still:
- Supplement their income with playing gigs
- Have amazing moments on stage with a big name
- Perform in world-famous venues
- Enjoy applause from an audience of thousands
Do you have a special memory of a performance?
Did you get to rehearse or perform with a musician you admire?
What made you decide to continue with (or get back into) music?
Share your stories in the comments!